Chlorhexidine for angina: instructions for use for rinsing the throat, the benefits of the drug
The content of the article:
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Pharmacological action of the drug
Is it possible to gargle with sore throat with Chlorhexidine
- Benefits of using Chlorhexidine
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Mode of application
Chlorhexidine use in children and pregnant women
- Side effects of Chlorhexidine
- Video
Chlorhexidine for angina is used as part of a complex treatment. It is a modern antiseptic with effective properties in the fight against a number of pathogenic microorganisms that lead to inflammatory diseases of the pharynx.
With angina, Chlorhexidine can be used as part of a complex treatment
Angina occupies a leading place in the pathology of ENT organs. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the tonsils as a result of viral or bacterial infection.
In acute tonsillitis (sore throat), patients most often note discomfort in the pharynx: pain when swallowing, tickling, burning, sensation of a foreign body in the throat. The body temperature rises to febrile numbers (above 38.0 ° C), signs of intoxication appear, regional lymph nodes increase in size and become painful.
The inflammation can spread to the mucous membrane of adjacent areas, causing pharyngitis, otitis media, or rhinitis, especially in children. This is due to the anatomical and physiological features of the structure of the child's upper respiratory organs.
During pharyngoscopy with angina, there is edema and hyperemia of the tonsils, possibly purulent discharge in the lacunae.
Timely treatment of angina is the prevention of infectious and rheumatic complications.
Pharmacological action of the drug
Chlorhexidine aqueous solution is most often prescribed as a rinse. It belongs to chlorine-containing derivatives of biguanide and contains chlorhexidine bigluconate, which has antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (staphylococcus, streptococcus, gonococcus, Trichomonas, chlamydia), viruses (enteroviruses, genus viruses, influenza viruses, herpes viruses) Candida.
Chlorhexidine is effective against bacteria, viruses and, to a lesser extent, fungi
In foreign medicine, the drug has been used for a long time, in Russia it has been actively used for about 20 years. The high clinical efficacy of the drug has been shown in many studies.
The principle of action of the drug Chlorhexidine is based on its interaction with the membranes of bacterial cells. Reacting with phosphate groups on the membrane surface, the active substance of the solution leads to disruption of osmotic equilibrium and subsequent destruction of the membrane and death of the microorganism. According to this principle, antiviral action is carried out against membrane viruses (influenza, parainfluenza, herpes, etc.). Antifungal activity appears to be less effective than bacteria and viruses.
The effectiveness of the product can be reduced with the simultaneous use of anionic surfactants, such as toothpaste.
Is it possible to gargle with sore throat with Chlorhexidine
It is possible to gargle with Chlorhexidine for an adult with angina. This solution is recommended from the first signs of illness.
Local treatment is primarily aimed at fighting infection.
Currently, the emergence of resistant forms of pathogenic microflora, immunosuppression, dysbacteriosis, as well as unreasonable prescription and use of antibacterial drugs have aggravated the problem of antibiotic resistance of microorganisms. In this regard, it is important to use antiseptic agents that also have an antimicrobial effect, but do not cause the appearance of resistance.
The drug acts directly in the lesion focus
The drug is used to wash the lacunae of the tonsils (Chlorhexidine absorbs purulent exudate) or the postoperative area after surgical interventions in the oral cavity, including after tonsillectomy. By activating the regeneration processes, the agent promotes rapid wound healing. It does not damage granulation and viable cells, does not inhibit the marginal epithelization of wounds.
Stimulates protective reactions at the site of application by activating the absorption and digestion functions of phagocytes, relieves wound and perifocal inflammation.
Benefits of using Chlorhexidine
The advantages of local therapy with Chlorhexidine solution are:
- simplicity and availability of introduction into the zone of pathological changes: palatine tonsils, tonsil lacunae, oropharyngeal region as a whole;
- direct effect on the inflamed mucous membrane;
- high concentration of the drug in the focus of inflammation with a low total dose of the drug;
- minimal risk of side effects;
- high activity in the presence of pus;
- prolonged action (up to 4 hours);
- low toxicity, the drug is not absorbed through the mucous membranes and does not enter the systemic circulation;
- low price.
Mode of application
A small amount (15–20 ml) of a 0.05% aqueous solution of Chlorhexidine is used to rinse the throat. The concentration of the agent should not be high. Processing takes a few minutes. Before that, you must rinse your mouth with warm water to remove accumulated mucus or discharge from the surface of the affected tonsils. It is recommended to repeat the procedure several times a day (5-6 times) and after each session you should not eat or drink for an hour. The course of treatment is usually 7-10 days.
Chlorhexidine solution is used to gargle
With purulent sore throat, it is not recommended to dilute the medicine with water; at a high concentration, sensitive mucous membranes can react with a burning sensation. This is one of the signs for switching to a less concentrated solution. But the burning sensation does not require discontinuation of the drug, it goes away on its own in 15–20 seconds.
Also, Chlorhexidine solution is often used by patients with exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis.
Chlorhexidine use in children and pregnant women
With caution, the drug can be used during pregnancy and in children as an alternative to local antibacterial agents. It is very important that the child knows how to gargle. It is better for children to pre-dilute the Chlorhexidine solution with warm boiled water.
In addition to rinsing children, using a special sprayer, you can irrigate the pharynx with a solution 3-4 times a day.
With frequent rinsing with a solution of Chlorhexidine, the severity of inflammation of the palatine tonsils decreases, pains, discomfort in the throat stop.
It is important to remember that in the treatment of angina, the solution is prescribed against the background of systemic antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory treatment. With the simultaneous use of antibiotics and Chlorhexidine, the effectiveness of therapy increases due to increased antibacterial action.
Side effects of Chlorhexidine
Like any medicine, Chlorhexidine Solution can cause various side reactions.
Due to its low toxicity, the drug is well tolerated, does not have a systemic effect on the patient's body. But individual intolerance to the drug is possible. It is forbidden to use the drug inside, only topically.
If an allergic reaction occurs in the form of a skin rash or itching, it is necessary to stop using the solution and consult a specialist.
It is not recommended to use Chlorhexidine on an ongoing basis, after recovery, it must be canceled so as not to destroy the natural barriers of the oral mucosa. Unlimited uncontrolled use of chlorhexidine, including in the composition of other drugs, contributes to its cumulative toxic effect on the body.
Thus, chlorhexidine solution and modern antiseptic preparations containing chlorhexidine are highly effective means of preventing and treating angina and many other pyoinflammatory processes in otorhinolaryngology.
Video
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Alina Ervasova Obstetrician-gynecologist, consultant About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University. THEM. Sechenov.
Work experience: 4 years of work in private practice.
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