In inhalation, certain substances are atomized and inhaled using a special inhalation device (e.g., nebulizer). Saline solutions, medications, or essential oils are inhaled. Inhalation therapy is primarily used for:
- Moistening of the respiratory tract
- Loosening of secretions and liquefaction of bronchial secretions.
- Solution of cramps (spasmolysis) of the bronchial muscles.
- Relieve swelling and inflammation of the bronchial mucosa / bronchitis.
- Anti-inflammatory/antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory).
- Coughing with elimination of secretion
- Combat pathogens of respiratory infections
Indications (areas of application)
Inhalation therapy is used in acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-lasting) diseases of the respiratory organs or inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, such as:
- Bronchial asthma
- Chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi).
- Bronchiectasis (synonym: bronchiectasis) – persistent irreversible saccular or cylindrical dilatation of the bronchi (medium-sized airways), which may be congenital or acquired; symptoms: chronic cough with “mouthful expectoration” (large-volume triple-layered sputum: foam, mucus, and pus), fatigue, weight loss, and decreased exercise capacity
- Acute tracheobronchitis – acute inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and the air-conducting portions of the lungs (bronchi).
- Cystic fibrosis (synonym: cystic fibrosis).
- Pneumonia (pneumonia)
- Other respiratory diseases
The procedure
The atomized substances are called aerosols. Inhaled are saline solutions, medicines or essential oils by means of an inhaler. This guarantees optimal delivery of the active ingredients and at the same time avoids irritation of the eyes, which often happens when one simply bends over a bowl full of essential oils with a towel over one’s head. The saline solutions used are isotonic or hypertonic saline solutions or thermal water. Their main purpose is to support the mobilization of secretions by superficial moistening and reduction of secretion viscosity. Drugs used for inhalation are, for example, bronchodilators (drugs that reduce the tone of the bronchial muscles and thus cause bronchial dilatation) and anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) substances. Example of some essential oils and their effects:
- Eucalyptus (the essential oil contains at least 70 percent of the active ingredient 1,8-cineole; the purified oil is called “eucalypti aetheroleum”) – for colds; strengthens the immune system, has a disinfectant (and thus anti-inflammatory/inflammatory) and mucolytic (expectorant) effect, as well as a mild spasmolytic (antispasmodic), deodorant (odor eliminator) and cooling effect. Caution: In babies and young children, eucalyptus oil can trigger life-threatening respiratory spasms.
- Fennel – spasmolytic / antispasmodic.
- Chamomile – against inflammation and pain, disinfects and soothes. Caution. Chamomile can also cause allergies in rare cases.
- Peppermint (contains among other things:. three essential oils (menthol, menthone and menthofuran), which are among the efficacy-determining ingredients – peppermint oil stimulates the cilia (cilia) of the lungs to increased activity, so that even stuck mucos (mucus) can be coughed up and transported outside (= mucociliary clearance of the lungs).
- Thyme – against bacteria and fungi
- Tea tree – against bacteria
- Juniper – relaxation of the respiratory tract due to spasmolytic (antispasmodic) action on the smooth muscles.
Benefits
Inhalation therapy gently and gently helps to relieve the symptoms of respiratory diseases and promote the process of healing. The inhaled active ingredients reach directly to the site of the disease and can specifically develop their effects there.
