When the throat itches and the nose runs, sprays and aerosols are often used. Sprays act quickly and with pinpoint accuracy. They allow a very fine distribution of a drug. In addition to sprays with propellant gas, there are pump sprays that release the active ingredient via a pump mechanism.
Advantages of sprays and aerosols
It is true that there are rinsing or gargling solutions with anti-inflammatory active ingredients for sore throats and pharyngitis. But for those to work, the solution must be in contact with the mucosa for a long time: The patient must gargle long enough.
For many patients, it is very unpleasant to have to gargle for up to half a minute. Some even fear swallowing the often sharp-tasting solution.
In this case, sprays and aerosols are used. Depending on whether the sprays are used as a nasal or throat spray or as an asthma aerosol, the different applications must be observed.
Nasal Spray
For nasal sprays, the head must be held straight and the spray bottle vertical. In this way, the spray adheres optimally to the nasal mucosa and the active ingredient can be absorbed properly.
Throat spray
In the case of throat sprays, the fine spray mist should not be inhaled, because then it cannot adhere to the mucous membrane in the tonsil area. To do this, the opening of the spray bottle should point to the suppository or slightly above it. Inhalation is prevented by saying “aaa” loudly and spraying deeply into the mouth at the same time.
Even though the sprayed solution may initially leave a bad taste, you should never rinse immediately with a glass of water. This only achieves that the active ingredient is removed again and the healing fails.
Dosage aerosols
Metered-dose aerosols are small, high-pressure gas containers and are essential for the effective treatment of asthma. With each burst of spray, a specific amount of drug is delivered with the help of a propellant gas. In this way, a precisely dosed amount of active ingredient is released as a fine mist and absorbed by simultaneous inhalation.
Consider the following tips for using metered-dose aerosols:
- Shake spray vigorously before use
- Hold can upside down and pull off the protective cap
- Firmly enclose the mouthpiece with your lips
- Exhale deeply
- Slowly take a deep breath, at the same time triggering the spray burst
- Hold your breath for five to ten seconds
- Then exhale slowly through the nose
If aerosols containing cortisone are to be inhaled or if children have to use the spray, so-called spacers in various designs and sizes can be helpful. Spacer (English “spacer, bridging”) are spacers with a large volume, which facilitate the inhalation of the spray. The aerosol sprayed into the spacer is inhaled in several breaths, and the exhaled air is removed via a special valve.
Cleaning the spacer
Because plastic becomes electrically charged over time, spacers need to be cleaned regularly, even if they don’t look dirty. If the spacer is electrostatically charged, the aerosol will stick to the wall of the spacer instead of entering the lungs. It is sufficient to unscrew the spacer and clean it with washing-up liquid. Once it has been rinsed with clear water, the spacer must then be allowed to air dry.
Drying with a towel would cause the plastic surface of the spacer to become electrically charged again due to friction.
