Inhalation (Latin for "the breathing ") which inhaling, in a narrow sense, is the intake of remedies which are already in a respirable form (gases, vapours, aerosols) or are converted to a respirable form for this purpose (through atomising or nebulising of fluids). The substance to be inhaled can either be absorbed using a mask which directly supplies the desired amount and concentration to the person being treated (e.g. also for anaesthesia purposes) or it can be absorbed by several people at the same time in an area specially for this purpose (inhalatorium) where the air is enriched with the gas or liquid mist. The droplet size determines the place where the substances are most effective: Larger droplets reach the mucous membranes, smaller ones in the large bronchial tubes and the finest in the alveoli. In balneology, healing water inhalation as well as the inhalation of surf aerosol and at salt works are particularly customary. (Source: Brockhaus)

At salivent® , we have compiled some interesting information for you which will help you better evaluate the symptoms of a cold-related illness and recover again as quickly as possible.

Some tips for preventing colds

Even if statistically speaking, almost everyone gets a cold at least once a year that does not mean that you have to get one too. You can reinforce your immune system and prevent infections with suitable means. We do not realise when viruses settle and reproduce on a large scale. This process takes place over two to three days. We feel listless, our nose starts to run, a headache and sore throat appear and, depending on that, a cough starts which - particularly at the beginning of the cold - sits firmly in the bronchial tubes. In other words: We have a cold which is very unpleasant but actually harmless! But be careful: Usually, the sentence "a cold lasts 14 days with a doctor and 2 weeks without one..." is, indeed accurate but colds can be the start of other, more serious illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia if the initial symptoms are not directly and thoroughly combated and the pathogens settle in the deeper respiratory tracts. Reason enough to always keep our immune system on its toes. Please distinguish between a cold which is caused by viruses and influenza which, by the way, you can be immunised against, which is caused by bacteria.

Good to know if you do get a cold:

Coughs serve to clean our lungs from dust, mucous accumulations or foreign bodies. Dry coughs can announce a cold particularly in connection with painful bronchia. What to do? In addition to the general measures, you should:

• Stop smoking.
• Drink cough or bronchial tea.
• Make sure there is high humidity in the rooms.

A congested nose is the most frequent cold symptom and is often the most annoying. The cold virus is passed from person to person by e.g.g shaking hands. Children have more colds than adults because their immune system is not as well "trained". If the cold lasts longer than three or four days without signs of improving or if pain occurs in the nasal or sinus passages, a physician should be consulted. What to do?

• Undertake nasal rinses.
• If you use nose drops or sprays, the nasal mucous membranes shrink quickly and for several hours.
• Only use „disposable tissues“.

Sore throats are a frequent attendant cold symptom. If you "only" have a sore throat without other cold symptoms and if swallowing is very painful, a physician should be consulted. What to do?

• Drink sage tea or gargle with it several times a day.
• Suck on lozenges containing sage or menthol or mineral salt.
• Make yourself a throat wrap (cold or warm).

With all types of colds, regular use of the salivent^® aerosol inhalator helps in an especially pleasant way.

Would you like to find out more on the subject of "Inflammations of the nose and throat"? Then you are at the right place. salivent® provides you with background information, tips and means for prevention.

Sinusitis is one of the most frequent diseases! "I just can't get rid of this cold", who has not heard this before. But sinusitis can lie behind the complaints such as stuffy nose, headaches and fever. Around 15% of the population in the western industrial countries suffer from chronic inflammation of the sinus cavities. The frequency of the illness is increasing steadily.

If your nose is congested

The sinus cavities are normally well ventilated. With a cold, the secretion drainage is obstructed by swelling of the mucous membranes. The secretion formed can no longer drain away, bacteria can reproduce and an infection starts. The cause can be a simple cold but could also result from:

• Allergies
• Deformities of the nasal septum
• Nasal polyps
• Dental root inflammation (maxillary sinusitis)
• • If the "cold" lasts longer than 10 days, a bacterial sinusitis could be the cause. An examination by a (ENT) physician is essential

Other typical symptoms are, for example:

• Headache pain increases when bending down
• Pain in the centre of the face
• Pain in the upper jaw which radiates to the teeth
• Pressure pain in the sinuses
• Knocking pain over the nerve exit points
• Swelling in the forehead and face area
• Continuous and high fever
• Impaired general condition
• Reduction of the hearing from poor pressure equalisation
• Dizziness

Good to know: Different forms of sinusitis

• Acute bacterial sinusitis: Bacterial infection of the paranasal sinuses with a duration of less than 30 days.
• Subacute bacterial sinusitis: Bacterial infection with a duration between 30 and 90 days.
• Recurrent acute bacterial sinusitis: Episodes of repeated acute bacterial sinusitis with a symptom-free period of at least 10 days.
• Chronic sinusitis: Episodes with inflammations having a duration of more than 90 days. In patients, reoccurring residual symptoms persist such as coughs, "runny nose" or swelling of the nasal mucous membranes.

Cortisone or antibiotics? Talk to your physician!

Up to now an important pillar of the therapy has been the administering of antibiotics. It made sense to treat an inflammation caused by bacteria with bactericidal medication. New findings show, however, that we have been chasing the "wrong offender": Viruses not bacteria are the main perpetrators for the inflammation. The new European guidelines have the therapeutic goal of stemming the inflammation and eliminating the secretion accumulation. This can also be accomplished from case to case without the use of antibiotics.

Good tips for frontal sinusitis

• Rest and warmth are good. Treat yourself to rest. Warm throat and chest wraps, infra-red light or a bath for the soothing of colds will bring relief. The bath should not take longer than 20 minutes and not be too hot. Then into bed. Do not bathe too warmly if you have fever or circulation problems.
• Drink a lot. Drink 3 to 4 litres of liquids per day. The mucous in the respiratory tract is liquefied and can be expelled more easily. Additionally, the body can fight off the viruses better and remove them from the body.
• An outstanding therapeutic possibility: Salt on the mucous membranes. Inhale using the salivent^® aerosol inhalator. In this way, healing saline microfine aerosols reach into the deepest lung areas (so-called alveoli) and ease breathing.

Sore throats are a frequent attendant cold symptom. If you "only" have a sore throat without other cold symptoms and if swallowing is very painful, a physician should be consulted. What to do?

By the way: Your salivent^® can also be used with chamomile extracts (added to water)

Medical information such as that from the Deutschen Allergie- und Asthmabundes e.V. [German allergy and asthma association] on the topic of "Asthma“ do not perhaps directly ease breathing. The salivent^® aerosol inhalator does however.

What exactly is asthma?

The asthma bronchial (from the Greek word ἆσθμα, "shortness of breath ", often simply called asthma), is a chronic, inflammatory illness of the respiratory tract with a permanent existing hypersensitivity. The inflammation can lead to reoccurring breathlessness in correspondingly predisposed persons as the result of a narrowing of the respiratory tract - a so-called bronchial obstruction (Definition of the international consensus report). This respiratory tract narrowing is caused by increased secretion of mucous, spasm of the bronchial muscles and formation of oedema of the bronchial mucous membrane. It can be reversed through treatment (reversible). A variety of stimuli cause an increase the sensitivity of the respiratory tract (bronchial hyper-reactivity) and the associated inflammation. Five per cent of adults and seven to ten per cent of children suffer from bronchial asthma.
(Source: Wikipedia)

Pay attention to these symptoms:

The spasm of the muscles in the bronchial wall, the swelling of the bronchial mucosa and the production of thick mucous is characteristic for bronchial asthma. The consequences of this are the typical complaints such as coughing, wheezing, a feeling of narrowing in the respiratory tract on to an asthma attack. In order to understand the illness asthma in its essential features, it is important to know the composition and functionalities of the human respiratory organs. The upper respiratory tract begins at the nose where the inhaled air is filtered, warmed and moistened. Prepared in this way, the air reaches the trachea (windpipe) over the pharynx (throat) and through the larynx (voice box). There the lower respiratory tracts continue the circulation of the inhalation and exhalation in the form of a bronchial tree. The trachea forms the trunk of the bronchial tree which forks into two thick branches which are so-called main bronchi. These each enter a lung lobe in which they branch further and further to the smallest branching – the bronchioles. At their ends, the alveoli are located which are responsible for the vital gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. In addition, the bronchi have the important task of filtration. Their inner wall is equipped with a very thin mucous membrane where the smallest cilia sit constantly moving upwards in the direction of the mouth. Dust particles or bacteria contained in the inhaled air become trapped in the mucous membrane and are transported by the cilia to the point where they can be expectorated. Asthmatics have permanent inflammation of the bronchial mucosa which leads to a hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract. This results in a swelling of the mucous membrane and excessive secretion production causing narrowing of the bronchia. During an acute asthma attack, a spasm (bronchospasm) of the bronchial muscles occurs leading above all to reduced exhalation. Symptoms such as constant cough irritation, wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, thick mucous and breathlessness occurring in attacks are typical characteristics of an asthmatic.

These forms of asthma are typical:

Generally there are two different forms of asthma: the allergic or extrinsic asthma and the non-allergic or intrinsic asthma. A combination of the two forms is possible. In the first form, an allergy can be seen as the cause of the asthma. The triggers here are above all dust mites, animal hair, pollen and mould. In adults, job allergies can also be significant (for example, baker's asthma). The non-allergic asthma is frequently intensified by infections. At the same time, sinusitis, nasal polyps, an acetylsalicylic acid intolerance (ASA intolerance) or intolerance to similar substances can arise. Added to this, factors such as the weather, chemical irritants, aromas, air pollutants (especially cigarette smoke) and also emotional stress can negatively affect asthma. A special form is seen in the cough variant asthma (CVA) or also cough equivalent asthma. Here patients demonstrate the characteristic even chronic dry cough, normal lung function as well as an unspecific bronchial hypersensitivity. Other typical asthma symptoms like breathlessness and bronchial narrowing are missing. The therapy is similar to classic asthma with 16 to 30 per cent of the patients developing bronchial asthma over time.

The diagnosis: Your physician knows.

An important component of the "asthma" diagnosis is a detailed medical history and a doctor-patient discussion. At this time, a preliminary, tentative diagnosis can be made based on the inquired symptoms and observations of the patient which in the course of physical examinations, measurement of the lung function and the bronchial hypersensitivity as well as in rare cases, with x-rays, is confirmed or revised. The lung function examination is indispensable and is used for the evaluation of the severity as well as the type and manifestation of the narrowing. In addition to lung function, breathing resistance and flow rate (Peak Expiratory Flow, PEF), the 1-second capacity (FEV1) is the parameter with the highest secured validity because it allows conclusions to be made on the course of the disease as well as on a (non-) response to a therapy. The FEV1 value tells how much of the inhaled/inspired air can be exhaled/expired again within the first second. Prior to the beginning of therapy, this is significantly reduced. A well-controlled asthmatic can, however, obtain normal values again.
(Source: Deutscher Allergie- und Asthmabund e.V.)

Interested in a supporting therapy? Try out the salivent^® aerosol inhalator.

More and more people are suffering from allergies. salivent® has compiled valuable background information for you from the Deutschen Allergie- und Asthmabundes e.V. [German allergy and asthma association] which allows detailed insight to this broad subject.

What exactly is an allergy?

Allergy (Greek word αλλεργία, "the foreign reaction", from the ancient Greek words ἄλλος allos, "other, foreign, unique" and ἔργον ergon, "the work, reaction") is characterised by an excessive defence reaction of the immune system to certain and normally harmless environmental substances (allergens) which manifests in typical, often symptoms with inflammatory processes. (Source: Wikipedia)
Basically, each substance in our environment can become a trigger of an allergy - from apple to onion, from angora fur to toothpaste. Conservative estimates identify 20,000 substances as having allergy-inducing action.

You should pay attention to these allergic symptoms:

• In the eyes: conjunctivitis, lid swelling
• In the respiratory tracts: Hay fever (seasonal colds), persistent rhinitis, swelling of the respiratory tract, asthmatic complaints
• On the skin: hives (urticaria), angioedema / eczema, atopic dermatitis
• In the gastro-intestinal tract: Nausea, diarrhoea, gastritis

Allergy diagnosis: Every detail counts.

In the diagnosis of allergic illnesses, there is a special problem that the illness symptoms - such as colds, asthma, eczema, gastro-intestinal disorders or migraines - are caused by an enormous number of allergenic substances. In order to find the relevant allergens for the patient out of the 20,000 which have been identified to date, "detective-like abilities" and complicated diagnosis methods are needed. The allergy diagnosis includes an increasing number of parameters.

1. Medical history

By collecting the medical history with regard to allergies, valuable information can be obtained on the possible allergy triggers. Additionally, the personal and work environment, the living and nutritional habits as well as the at least exploratory collection of the psycho-social environment should be considered. In particular, self-observed relationships between the allergic symptoms and possible allergens as well the environmental conditions of a personal and work-related nature should be recorded. The recording of the start of the illness (also possible "precursors") and the information on the primary allergen contact is particularly important.

2. Skin tests

Skin tests (prick test, intracutaneous test, scratch test and rubbing test) are the basis of the allergen diagnosis. Here, samples of various substances (possible allergens) are applied to the skin and observed to see if an allergic reaction occurs at this place on the skin (as pustules or welts). Depending on the diagnostic aim, the physician can limit the suspected allergens by prior questioning and only check specific ones. In most cases, however, a search diagnosis is used where extract groups are used to determine as broad an allergen range as possible in one sitting. Skin test can lead to false findings if antihistamines or corticosteroids are being taken at the same time. For this reason, antihistamines should be avoided for 5 days prior to the skin test.

3. Laboratory tests

Blood tests: Here, with the help of test samples, the reaction responsiveness and specific sensitisation are tested in the laboratory against the allergens examined. A criterion is the existence of specific IgE antibodies.

4. Re-doing the medical history and provocation test

The interpretation of the test results always requires an examination by redoing the "medical history" (Is the patient even exposed to the allergens? Do the symptoms and test results match?) Whether IgE antibodies established through positive skin tests and/or blood tests correspond to a current clinical effectiveness of the respective allergen, can only be conclusively resolved by direct examination of the affect organ with the help of a provocation test.
Provocation test: In the provocation test, the clinical symptom (e.g. conjunctivitis with reddening and tears, asthma, skin rashes, eczema) is largely reproduced as close as possible to the "natural conditions", e.g. with a dust mite allergy, blowing the dust mite allergen into the respiratory tract.

These therapy measures have proven themselves

1. Allergen avoidance

Avoiding contact with symptom-causing allergens is the best and safest method of therapy. Foods which cause allergic reactions should not be ingested. In the case of a nickel allergy, jewellery containing nickel (fashion jewellery, white gold) should be avoided. Avoidance is not always easy to do. Above all allergens found in the air such as pollen and mould make it difficult. If allergen avoidance measures are not possible to prevent contact with the allergens, a desensitisation treatment is indicated.

2. Desensitisation

The only causal therapy for allergies is desensitisation (meaning: "make less sensitive"). The idea behind this treatment is to expose the allergy sufferer to acute allergens in increasing doses to make him insensitive to them. You can read more information on this on the desensitisation page.

3. Medical treatment

The medical treatment is used for the relief and prevention of illness symptoms and for the treatment of the inflamed mucous membrane swelling. It fights the symptoms but not the cause, is, however, often the only possibility to provide the patient with days which are symptom-free or only mildly uncomfortable.

• Antihistamines
  In the course of the allergic reactions, histamines are released which as messengers, cause allergic reactions such as itching, mucous membrane swelling, etc. Antihistamine medications act against the histamine effects. They help by relieving itching and skin rashes, reducing swelling and curbing sneezing attacks and nasal discharge. The symptom-relieving actions occur after only a few minutes.
• Disodium cromoglycate(DSCG)
  DSCG stabilises the mastocytes blocking the histamine release. DSCG acts differently on each individual and not on acutely occurring symptoms, but rather preventative. This is why, DSCG must, for example, be used regularly during the pollen season (daily) or approx. an hour prior to ingesting a meal which could contain food allergens.
• Cortisone
  Cortisone, a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex, is used to prevent permanent damage as the result of chronic, allergically caused inflammation in its full extent. It is primarily used as a spray for inhalation or as a nose spray with inhalative allergies. Cortisone protects the mucous membranes against the inflammatory symptoms. As a spray, it is virtually free of side-effects because it goes straight to the mucous membranes and not into the bloodstream. Cortisone also works preventively; it does not work in acute attacks. With skin eczema, cortisone-containing skin creams are used to heal the eczema and prevent a chronic skin change.

(Source: Deutscher Allergie- und Asthmabund e.V.) [German allergy and asthma association] In addition to the corresponding behaviour measures, inhalation using the salivent^® aerosol inhalator brings relief and can effectively support the described therapies.

More knowledge often means that you soon feel better. salivent^® explains here what characterises "chronic bronchitis“ and how you can best handle it.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a form of bronchitis which is defined by the World Health Organisation as "coughing and expectoration on most days during at least three months over two consecutive years."

Chronic bronchitis belongs to the most frequent illnesses. That is why it is of great relevance from the perspective of health economics. Men especially (in a 3:1 ratio) are affected in the fourth decade.

Pay attention to these symptoms

Two symptoms must be verified in making the diagnosis:

• Coughing
• Expectoration

These symptoms usually appear more frequently in the morning when getting up. The patient must expectorate. He is then free of symptoms for hours. The morning expectoration is disturbing but not perceived as dangerous. Added to this are symptoms such as night sweats, fever, mild inflammatory signs in blood, whistling exhalation, breathlessness on exertion and increased infection susceptibility. In advanced cases, the oxygen satiation in blood decreases, cyanosis (blue disease) is evident.

Causes: Smoking and exhaust gases are at the top of the list.

Inhaled tobacco smoking is in first place (90 % of the sufferers are smokers or ex-smokers), but also environmental factors (air pollution, damp, foggy cold climate), industrial exhaust gases (e.g. sulphur dioxide) and work exposure (dust, irritant gases, extreme heat) are also lined to chronic bronchitis. Frequent infections of the respiratory tract can also damage the self-cleaning of the respiratory tract. Chronic sinusitis due to a deviated septum (Deviatio septi nasi; Septumdeviation) may also be a possible cause.

Origin and development of bronchitis

Smoking e.g. inhibits the cilia of the bronchial epithelium which is responsible for moving the bronchial secretion in the direction of the throat. After years of tobacco consumption, the cilia degenerate and a metaplasia to squamous epithelium begins. The self-cleaning system of the lung is impaired. Above all, mucous accumulates at night causing the smoker's morning expectoration which, however, often can only eliminate a part of the mucous produced. Chronic bronchitis frequently goes into COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This transition takes the following forms:

1. Chronic catarrhal bronchitis

This involves hypertrophy of the mucous glands and development of a goblet cell hyperplasia. The mucous overwhelms the ciliary clearance resulting in bacterial colonisation. The mucous membrane is oedematous, the bronchial muscles are eventually thickened by the frequent coughing.

2. Chronic mucopurulent bronchitis

A mucopurulent bronchitis results from bacterial colonisation. It is characterised by a severe granulomatous and lymphocytic infiltration of the bronchial wall. The wall thickening leads to wrinkle formation (thus the synonym hypertrophic bronchitis). A shifting of the small bronchial branches (bronchioli) could be a complication.

3. Chronic atrophic bronchitis

The mucous membrane of the bronchia is destroyed by the chronic inflammation. This causes a change in the underlying layers (the mucosa becomes thinner, the submucosa fibroses and muscle and cartilage thin out. The bronchus walls become limp. This can result in forced expiration from the collapse of individual bronchia.

The consequences? Not to be underestimated.

• COPD with pulmonary emphysema, brochiectasis, atelectasis
• Bronchial pneumonia
• Stenoses in the bronchial system
• Through the increase in resistance in the pulmonary circulation, chronic pulmonary heart disease can result.

What to do? These therapeutic measures can be practical:

• Strict tobacco abstinence
• Breathing exercises (e.g. breathing against pursed lips, pasha position, cart driver position)
• Tapping massages
• Sufficient fluid intake
• Light endurance sports
• Oxygen administration with respiratory failure
• Inhalators, e.g. the salivent aerosol inhalator have proven themselves in relief and prevention.