Inhalation for COPD | Inhalation

Inhalation for COPD

COPD is a chronic lung disease associated with inflammation of the small airways and often requires life-long treatment. The disease is divided into 4 stages according to the symptoms and the damage to the lungs, which are accompanied by different inhalation and drug therapies. At the beginning of the disease, as with asthma, inhalation of short-acting bronchodilator drugs is often already sufficient, and these are used as needed.

In later stages, long-acting bronchodilators can be used to relax the bronchi. In severe cases, therapy with so-called “glucocorticoids“, which are similar to cortisone, must follow. They can also be administered by inhalation with metered dose inhalers and also have an effect in the deep areas of the lungs.

Inhalation for babies

Especially for (small) children, normal inhalation of steam is often not the method of choice. There is a risk of injury from the hot water and warm steam in the sense of scalding or irritation of the mucous membranes. In addition, most children are uncomfortable inhaling warm steam.

As an alternative, ultrasonic or jet nebulizers are used, which produce mist that is not heated. This often makes it easier for children to inhale. These devices are particularly suitable for children with chronic respiratory diseases, such as bronchial asthma.

For children who often suffer from colds and/or coughs, steam inhalers can be used. These inhalers produce warm steam, which is, however, protected against leakage by childhood attachments. In most cases, the addition of essential oils should be avoided in the inhalation of children.

It is better to add a low-percentage saline solution, which is available in pharmacies. But inhalation is also effective without any additives.