Children: aerosol against coughs and colds

A few drops of sea water in the device can do a lot, both in the acute phase and as a prevention against winter ailments.

Children do not always love them, but inhalations with aerosols can be an extraordinary ally to prevent and treat inflammation and infections of the nose and throat, so frequent throughout the year and on the agenda in the coldest months and seasonal changes.

According to epidemiological data and practical experience, during childhood the episodes of colds and coughs can reach up to 7-10 over the twelve months and having an effective and harmless method to combat them is essential to ensure maximum well-being of the child.

The benefits of steam

Aerosol is undoubtedly an ideal solution. The heat of the steam, in fact, together with the humidifying effect of the microparticles of water, allows to alleviate the sensation of dryness in the throat typically associated with intense coughing (especially if not productive, as is often the one that accompanies the flu and cold strokes) and to fluidify any mucus too concentrated and difficult to expel, facilitating its elimination.

It is an aspect not to be underestimated especially in younger children (0-2 years), in which the use of mucolytic drugs of any kind is absolutely contraindicated.

This favorable action can then be further enhanced by adding solutions characterized by a more specific soothing and rebalancing action in the tank of the aerosol device, such as isotonic solutions with sea water, which can be purchased in pharmacies.

Thanks to the mineral salts they contain, in composition similar to those of sea water, they amplify the preventive and therapeutic effect of steam, without creating any problem for the child, even in the case of repeated administrations throughout the day or prolonged for prolonged periods.

In addition to isotonic solutions, hypertonic solutions can be used, with a higher concentration of salts. The following table shows the differences in use.

Periodic airway hygiene

If your child cooperates, providing regular aerosol treatments once or more times a day in the months of maximum spread of cold and flu viruses (i.e. October to March) is absolutely advisable.

With a little patience and imagination it is not difficult to involve the little one and make the aerosol moment pleasant and cheerful. The noise of the instrument and the use of the mask, often perceived as annoying, can for example be exploited to invent stories of scuba diving, science fiction experiments or space missions, to be developed day after day, like the episodes of a cartoon.

To reassure the little ones can be enough a little pampering, the proximity of favorite toys and relaxing music in the background, without forgetting to emphasize their skill and thank them for the availability shown at the end of each successful inhalation.

It is forbidden, however, to do things in a hurry, pressing the child and demanding that he stays good and calm for the 7-0 minutes necessary (it is useless to extend the aerosol beyond this time) to complete the procedure, while scolding him or complaining continuously. It’s the best way to make anyone hate aerosol.

If the child coughs during inhalation there is no need to worry: it is a completely normal reaction that indicates that the steam and the isotonic solution to sea water are producing the desired effect.

Even after finishing the procedure, the intensity of the cough may increase for some time, making it even more productive. The child should be encouraged to cough (and blow his nose) because in this way he will be able to eliminate the mucus and pathogenic microorganisms it contains more efficiently.