Inhalations with hydrocortisone in children

When rhinitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and other diseases of the respiratory system are often prescribed inhalation, in which the drug enters the respiratory tract using a nebulizer. One of the medications used for such inhalation therapy is Hydrocortisone. Not everyone knows whether it is possible to carry out procedures with children for him, in which cases it is necessary and how to properly dilute the medicine.

For procedures using the liquid form of the drug, which is an ampoule with suspension. Although this medication is intended for injection into the joints or muscles, it is often prescribed for inhalation.

The main ingredient of the solution is hydrocortisone acetate. Its dosage in one ampoule is both 25 mg and 50 mg. For inhalations, a lower dose is usually used (25 mg / 1 ml), especially if the child is to be manipulated.

Auxiliary components of the medication are sterile water, benzyl alcohol, sodium chloride, povidone, propylene glycol and sorbitol. Each ampoule contains 2 ml of the drug, and in one box there are 5 or 10 ampoules.

"Hydrocortisone" is one of the glucocorticoid hormones, so the medicine has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition, this drug reduces itching and relieves swelling. Influencing the foci of inflammation, it prevents the accumulation of blood cells in them, reduces the production of compounds that support the inflammatory response, and also reduces the permeability of vascular walls. Thanks to these effects, inhalation with Hydrocortisone helps to eliminate spasm in the throat, barking cough, laryngeal swelling and hoarseness.

Treatment with "Hydrocortisone" in the form of inhalation is prescribed to children older than 2 years. However, the drug can be used at an earlier age (from 3 months), if the doctor sees serious indications for this. Doing the procedure for a child under 3 years old without a pediatrician is not allowed.

Inhalations with "Hydrocortisone" are in demand:

• With laryngitis.
• With laryngotracheitis.
• With a false croup.
• With acute bronchitis.
• In case of bronchial asthma.

Treatment with Hydrocortisone through a nebulizer is not recommended for:

• Renal failure.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Increased body temperature.
• Ulcers of the digestive tract.
• Tuberculosis.
• Hepatic insufficiency.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system in which palpitations or increased blood pressure are increased.

Due to the presence of benzyl alcohol in the composition of the drug can cause a strong allergic reaction. If the dosage of the drug is not exceeded, hydrocortisone has no systemic effect.

Inhalation is often carried out only during the attack, for emergency care. The dosage is determined by the doctor individually (based on the nature of the disease and the age of the child). Most often, one milliliter of suspension is prescribed for one procedure, which should be diluted with 2-3 milliliters of saline. More accurate proportions should prompt a pediatrician.

For inhalation, you need to prepare the vial "Hydrocortisone", saline, nebulizer and syringe.Since during storage the drug particles settle to the bottom, the suspension must first be shaken. Next, having broken off the upper part of the ampoule, it is necessary to collect a syringe of 1 ml of solution and pour it into the compartment of the nebulizer. After that, a physiological solution is taken up with a syringe and, in the ratio prescribed by the doctor, is also added to the nebulizer.

The duration of the procedure is usually 5-10 minutes. The little patient should inhale the medication calmly, as a strong breath can aggravate the spasm.

To purchase "Hydrocortisone" in ampoules, you must first consult with your doctor and get a prescription for such medicine. The average price of 10 ampoules of the drug is 150 rubles. Store the suspension at home should be at a temperature below +15 degrees, but it should not be allowed to freeze. The best place would be the top shelf of the refrigerator, where the drug will not get a small child. Shelf life of the drug - 3 years.

On the use of suspension "Hydrocortisone" for inhalation, many mothers respond positively. They emphasize that the drug acts locally and very quickly removes edema, so that the tool helps with laryngospasm and barking cough. Although many parents are frightened that this is a hormonal agent, but in most reviews, mothers note the absence of side effects.

If you need to replace "Hydrocortisone", the doctor may prescribe inhalation with other drugs that have similar therapeutic effects:

• "Pulmicort". Such a drug based on budesonide is used for croup, asthma and other cases of bronchial obstruction. It is represented by a metered-dose suspension for inhalation and is approved for children over 6 months.
• "Budeen Steri-Neb." This medicine also contains budesonide and is available in vials for inhalation. For children, medication is prescribed for bronchial asthma or false croup from six months of age.
• "Hydrocortisone-Richter". In this preparation, lidocaine is added to the hormone, so the medicine is in demand for severe sore throat, which often manifests laryngitis.
• «Dexamethasone". For inhalation apply injection solution. Such a drug for laryngism can be used at any age.

Read more about inhalation Dr. Komarovsky will tell in the video below.