In case of respiratory diseases, medicines can be given to the child not only in the form of syrup, capsules, tablets or suspension, but also inject the medicine directly into the lung tissue (using a nebulizer). In some cases, the child is prescribed inhalations with hormonal drugs, one of which is "Dexamethasone". Not everyone knows in what proportion the medicine is diluted and how to inhale children correctly.
Composition and form
The procedures are performed with a liquid form of the drug, which is dark glass ampoules filled with a colorless or yellowish transparent liquid. Although this drug is intended for injection into muscles, joints or veins, it is also used for inhalation, which should only be done with a nebulizer.
The main component of the solution is sodium dexamethasone phosphate. Its dosage in 1 ml of the drug corresponds to 4 mg of dexamethasone. Among the excipients of the drug are sterile water, sodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, glycerol and disodium edetate dihydrate. The medication is available in 1 ml ampoules, and one box contains 25 ampoules.
How does
"Dexamethasone" refers to glucocorticoid hormones, so it has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. In addition, this substance acts on energy metabolism and the work of the pituitary gland.
The use of such a drug, if prescribed by inhalation, helps to eliminate throat swelling, relieve coughing and ease wheezing. The medicine acts on the focus of inflammation, blocking the formation of substances that support the pathological process.
Due to its effect on the vascular walls, the swelling of the tissues disappears, and the cells of the immune system accumulate less at the site of inflammation. This leads to a gradual decrease in such manifestations of the disease as hoarseness of voice, wet or barking cough, feeling of lack of air, sore throat and others.
From what age?
There are no age restrictions in the instructions for the "Dexamethasone" solution, but it is mentioned that in childhood, treatment with such a drug should be carried out with caution. Only a doctor should prescribe nebulizer therapy if there are grounds for the procedure. Making them at home for a child without consulting a pediatrician is very dangerous.
Dr. Komarovsky will consider the topic in more detail on children's inhalations in the next video.
Indications
Inhalation use of "Dexamethasone" is prescribed:
- With laryngitis.
- With bronchial asthma.
- With laryngotracheitis.
- With false croup.
- With acute bronchitis.
The most common reason to prescribe a child to breathe "Dexamethasone" through an inhaler is laryngospasm. The drug is often prescribed for bronchospasm accompanying acute inflammation or an asthma attack.
Contraindications
There are quite a few contraindications for the use of "Dexamethasone" in the form of injections or tablets, but the local use of this hormone with a nebulizer is strictly prohibited only if any of the ingredients of the solution are intolerant. In addition, inhalation therapy is not prescribed for elevated body temperature, purulent sputum, heart disease, or mental illness.
Very carefully it is necessary to treat small patients with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal ulcer disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, severe liver disease, and also after surgery. If a child has any chronic pathologies, treatment with Dexamethasone must be monitored by a doctor.
Side effects
A negative effect on the body is often noted only with prolonged use of "Dexamethasone" (mainly when taken orally or injections), and inhalations for coughing are short-term procedures, therefore they are considered harmless and can only provoke an allergic reaction in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance of the drug. If during the manipulation the child has symptoms such as redness of the skin, rapid breathing and other discomfort, the inhalation should be stopped immediately.
Instructions for use
- In childhood, 0.5 ml of Dexamethasone is used for one inhalation.
- It is recommended to dilute this amount of medicine with 2 milliliters of saline - and only after that add the drug to the nebulizer chamber.
- The child should breathe the medication calmly so that sharp breaths do not worsen his condition.
- During inhalation, a special mask is used for babies.
- The duration of the procedure is usually 5 to 10 minutes.
- After manipulation, you should rinse your mouth with clean water and do not eat anything for at least one hour.
- Such inhalations are usually prescribed for 3 days for 2 procedures, however, the treatment regimen can be changed (depending on the diagnosis and the condition of the small patient).
- If the child is over 12 years old, the dosage and proportions correspond to those used in adults - for inhalation in adolescents, take 1 ml of "Dexamethasone" and 2 ml of saline.
Purchase and storage conditions
- Purchase of "Dexamethasone" in ampoules is available only after presentation of a prescription from a doctor. The average price of a package of such a medicine is 180-200 rubles.
- The shelf life of an unopened medication is very significant (it is 5 years). If the date marked on the package has passed, it is prohibited to use the drug.
- Keep the box with ampoules out of the reach of small children. Storage temperature should not exceed +25 degrees Celsius.
- After opening the ampoule, the medicine is not stored. If it has not been used for inhalation completely, the rest of the solution should be discarded.
Reviews
The inhalation use of "Dexamethasone" for children in most cases responds well. Parents confirm that the procedure with such a medicine is quite effective for laryngitis, quickly eliminates barking cough and throat swelling. The drug is hormonal, but the mothers of most children note the absence of any side effects after inhalation.
Analogs
If necessary, to replace "Dexamethasone" in inhalation, the pediatrician may prescribe other hormonal agents, for example:
- Hydrocortisone. This hormonal drug is used for laryngospasm in children over 2 years old, but if necessary, it can be prescribed by doctors at an earlier age. For inhalation use ampoules with a suspension.
- Pulmicort. The main ingredient in this drug is budesonide. The medicine is released in the form of a dosed suspension and is prescribed for inhalation for bronchial obstruction or false croup in babies over six months old.
A child with laryngitis or other respiratory disease may be prescribed inhalations with Ambrobene, Ventolin, Berodual, Fluimucil and other medications. However, they have completely different active ingredients, the effect on the respiratory tract is different, so they cannot be called analogues of "Dexamethasone". Only a doctor should select such treatment for children.
