Content
When treating a cold, doctors recommend official and alternative methods, which, when properly combined, enhance each other's action and ensure the recovery of a patient of any age. Mustard plasters are very useful, which have a warming effect, collect sputum, suppress signs of rhinitis, and inhibit the cough reflex.
Why put mustard plasters
You can buy such a device at a pharmacy, use it according to the instructions, according to medical prescriptions. However, before putting mustard plasters, you need to find out why such a procedure is necessary, what therapeutic effect it provides in a weakened body. Unauthorized use is dangerous, can only harm the patient. So, treatment with mustard plasters is appropriate for:
- damage to the lower and upper respiratory tract;
- pneumonia;
- strong cough;
- bronchial asthma;
- severe attacks of headache;
- radiculitis;
- recurrent bronchitis;
- colds.
The principle of operation is as follows: the active ingredient, mustard powder, begins its therapeutic effect after being immersed in water. Upon contact with the skin, essential oils are released from it, which irritate the upper layer of the epidermis, provide a distinct warming effect. At this time, blood vessels close to mustard plaster expand in the body, systemic blood flow increases and, thereby, provides maximum blood supply to the affected organs. Therefore, it is important to find out from a specialist exactly where to put mustard plasters when coughing, how much to hold.
How often can you put mustard plasters
This method has been tested by time, but in some patients it can be the main cause of progressive allergies. Therefore, it is advisable to ask the attending physician in advance if you can put mustard plasters, how often to do this, to whom such therapy is contraindicated. It is also better to avoid increased stress on the heart, especially when it comes to a weakened child's body. The instruction informs that it is allowed to use mustard in practice for the treatment of the same bronchitis 1 time in 2 days, i.e. in a day - not more often. If you violate this rule, the remedy is harmful to health.
How to put mustard plasters correctly
It is customary to apply such a medical device in the chest area, but not all patients understand where exactly. This is an important point, which partly determines the positive dynamics of the disease, the time of recovery. The final choice of the zone depends on the nature of the pathology, and the effect of mustard plasters, in any case, is very productive. So:
- If the child is troubled by a strong cough, the mustard leaf should be placed on the chest and back to provide a double warming effect. With a cold, there is no better way to insulate the focus of pathology.
- For the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections in childhood, you can use dry mustard sheets, which are carefully placed in the warm socks of a small patient. The procedure is carried out at night, in the morning a long-awaited relief is expected.
- For problems with the throat, it is best to put a warming compress on the chest, but at the same time clearly control the individual sensitivity of the skin to such a powerful allergen.
How to put mustard plasters on your back
Before using in practice such a method that is relevant at all times, it is necessary to check the sensitivity of the skin. For example, in an adult or a child, after the first procedure, redness, a small rash may remain on the chest, and during the session, an unbearable feeling of pain and burning may increase. In this case, it is better to put a mustard plaster on your back or use an intermediate layer - a towel. The warming effect is less intense, but also useful for the inflamed broncho-pulmonary system. In general, the sequence of actions is as follows:
- soak the mustard leaf in warm water;
- put on the back, preferably in the affected area;
- cover an adult patient or a child with a towel, on top with a warm blanket;
- perform the procedure before going to bed, but no more than 7-10 minutes;
- after the end of the session, a baby cream helps to treat the reddened area of \u200b\u200bthe skin.
How to put mustard plasters on the chest
You can warm up the bronchi by properly laying a mustard leaf on your chest. This is a good method to quickly and correctly get rid of bronchitis, suppress the cough reflex, make dry cough wet, allow the patient to cough. Put a mustard plaster on the chest in the central part, also covering the patient first with a terry towel, and then with a warm blanket. That's just at a high temperature, it is important to temporarily refrain from such a method of treatment.
Mustard plasters for caviar
More often, the procedure is carried out by adults at bedtime to suppress an acute attack of pain, and is popularly called “mustard boots”. In this way, there is a decrease in the intensity of the inflammatory process, the normalization of the temperature regime, the disappearance of unbearable migraine attacks. To put mustard plasters on the calves, the patient must lie on his stomach. The rest of the sequence of actions is identical: wet - apply - hold for no more than 10-12 minutes.
Mustard plaster on the neck
The first rule, whether it is possible to put mustard plasters every day in a row, has been studied. The answer is negative. The second rule: the skin of the neck is especially sensitive, so the contact of mustard with children's skin should occur through a towel, for adults - in the absence of hypersensitivity of the dermis. Such areas are involved in the treatment of complicated clinical pictures, for example, when tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis progresses. Place the mustard on the neck every other day, hold for no more than 7 minutes. With acute pain, it can be removed earlier.
How to put mustard plasters when coughing
This medical device is designed to suppress coughing attacks that occur not only with colds, but also with infectious diseases. The benefit of such adjuvant therapy is obvious, since you can even get rid of recurrent bronchitis, pneumonia. Mustard plasters for coughs must first be moistened, and then installed on the chest, cover with a blanket and sweat. This is a good opportunity to warm up the affected bronchi, dry part of the sputum. If applied every other day, on the third night the patient will cough less.
How to put mustard plasters when coughing for children
In childhood, home treatment has its own characteristics, for example, it is very important not to provoke irritation on the child's sensitive skin. Therefore, it is shown to use mustard leaves only at the insistence of the local doctor, not to overexpose them on the body of a small patient. Otherwise, a burn appears, the feeling of itching, burning bothers. The use of mustard plasters when coughing is appropriate using a waffle towel, in which to wrap the prepared sheet, and then put it on the back or chest. how much to keep? Question to the local pediatrician.
How to put mustard plasters when coughing for an adult
If the patient is no longer a child, then he is able to endure unpleasant sensations. It is recommended to put mustard plasters on a naked body, but first lubricate it with warm water. It is desirable to glue in the amount of two pieces - on the chest and back, and lie down for how many minutes the strength is enough. By the same principle, you can use a mustard patch, which is even easier to attach to the body, discreetly mask under clothing.
Dry mustard compresses are a cold remedy that has been proven by more than one generation of children and adults. But not everyone knows how to put mustard plasters when coughing, and for many years they have been doing it wrong. In addition, modern medicine has revised its view of this “medicine”, and does not always recommend its use.
How mustard plasters work
Photo: How mustard plasters work when coughing
Mustard plaster is a dry and fat-free mustard powder, applied in a thin layer on a sheet of thick paper or sealed in filter bags of 4 cells. When interacting with warm water, essential mustard oil is released and irritates the skin at the site of application.
The redness that appears indicates the activation of local blood circulation: the vessels expand, and the blood rushes into the heated zone. Excitation of skin receptors (burning) causes the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline - hormones that accelerate all metabolic processes in the body.
As a result, the tissues of diseased organs receive increased doses of oxygen, nutrients and release more toxins and harmful metabolic products into the blood. What does it give to the treated person:
- anesthesia;
- disinfection;
- reduction of inflammatory symptoms;
- removal of spasms;
- easy expectoration.
In what cases do they help?
Mustard plasters are often used for bruises, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, myositis, sciatica), but their main purpose is the treatment of the respiratory system and nasopharynx. The use of mustard plasters for coughing is indicated for the following diseases:
- tracheitis and laryngotracheitis;
- pneumonia;
- laryngitis, pharyngitis;
- pleurisy.
In these diseases, different parts of the respiratory tract are affected, so the nature of their respiratory symptoms is different. But it doesn’t matter what kind of cough they put mustard plasters on, in any case, they have an anti-inflammatory effect and increase the body’s resistance to infection.
Warming procedures help the respiratory organs to clear mucus. Mustard plasters with a dry cough contribute to liquefaction of sputum in the bronchi, with a wet one they increase its excretion, increasing the productivity of expectoration.
Far from all diseases accompanied by a cough, you can put mustard plasters. They are prohibited in certain cases:
- with tuberculosis;
- allergic cough;
- obstructive bronchitis;
- bronchial asthma.
Mustard plasters for coughing in children
For many years, mustard plasters were the "lifesaver" of pediatricians and parents for any colds in children. However, modern medicine is cautious about this method of treating babies. The mustard oil contained in the powder is aggressive enough to cause an allergy in a child and lead to a burn. That is why the question of whether it is possible to put mustard plasters when coughing for babies is unambiguously resolved in the negative. At least until the age of 2, the child is not recommended to carry out such procedures.
Children are allowed from 6 years old. By this age, it is already known how the child's body reacts to common allergens, and the little patient himself is able to endure discomfort during the application.
You can put mustard plasters when coughing for children 2-3 years old, but through a dense tissue and for a very short time: while the burning sensation has not yet appeared, and the essential oil has already had a reflex effect on the skin receptors. The procedure should not last more than 5 minutes.
It is easier and safer for kids to make a mustard compress on their feet. Wet mustard plasters on the heels or dry mustard plasters on the socks (you can pour the powder directly) are no less effective. But due to the rougher skin and the ability to move during the procedure and go about your business, the treatment is comfortable for the child. For the smallest, dry mustard is poured between two cotton socks at night, with a warm blanket on top.
For adults
Mustard plasters when coughing for adults in the absence of contraindications are placed on the back, chest, heels, calf muscles - depending on the disease and the nature of the symptoms. The most typical treatment option is applications on the back and chest in the projection of the location of the bronchi.
Packets with mustard are moistened with warm water and applied to the affected areas, with a terry towel on top. Warming of the chest is preferable for diseases of the nose and throat. The treatment area is 5-6 cm below the collarbone, but not above the heart. With bronchitis, it is better to act on both sides at once. If there are problems with the heart, the application of mustard plasters on the chest is strictly contraindicated. Also, you can not warm your neck with a throat cough, essential oil can cause laryngospasm.
There are other options where to put mustard plasters when coughing:
- on the heels - with a beginning cold, reflex coughing due to a runny nose, inflammation in the throat and chest;
- in socks - dry bags of powder are put into cotton socks at night, the feet are warmed with woolen socks on top. With daily procedures, this method of treatment does not interfere with household chores;
- on the calves - for any colds with or without a cough, as well as a distraction for pain in the back and joints.
Contraindications for treatment
Mustard plasters are far from a harmless method of treatment. He has a lot of contraindications:
- increased skin sensitivity;
- individual intolerance to mustard;
- allergy;
- dermatological problems (atopic dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis);
- violations of the integrity of the skin;
- oncology;
- tuberculosis;
- bleeding in the lungs;
- previous stroke, heart attack;
- pathology of the central nervous system (epilepsy);
- varicose veins (with calf applications);
- bearing and breastfeeding a child;
- high body temperature - with subfebrile thermometer readings, the question of the appropriateness of mustard procedures is decided individually.
Mustard plasters when coughing for pregnant women are strictly prohibited. Mustard essential oil has an abortive effect. In the early stages, it can cause spontaneous miscarriage, in the later stages it can provoke premature birth. Mustard increases the tone of the uterus, which contributes to vasospasm and weakening the blood supply to the fetus. A hypoxic state can cause intrauterine development disorders.
How to put mustard plasters when coughing - instructions for use
Having determined the application area, you need to prepare everything you need for the procedure:
- mustard packs;
- container with warm water (40 - 45 degrees);
- gauze or parchment paper;
- terry towel;
- cover.
How to put mustard plasters when coughing - the instruction recommends conveniently positioning the patient on a horizontal surface and exposing a place for a compress. Children and adults with sensitive skin should protect the affected area with a tissue.
The order of application of mustard plaster:
- Take a sheet of mustard plaster or tear off 4 cells from the tape with filter bags.
- Take the mustard plaster with both hands, hold it horizontally. Shake the packaged mustard beforehand so that it is evenly distributed over the cells.
- Dip the mustard plaster in a container of water.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove the bag and shake off excess liquid.
- Set the mustard plaster on bare skin or pre-spread fabric.
- Top with a towel.
- Wrap the patient in a blanket.
- Leave the compress for the prescribed time.
- Remove mustard plasters.
- Remove mustard residue from skin.
- Put on fresh clothes.
- Put the patient to bed under the covers.
After the procedure, you need to lie down for at least half an hour, but if there is no way to rest, at least dress warmly and try to avoid drafts.
How many days does the course of treatment last?
The duration of mustard procedures depends on the age of the patient, the diagnosis and the intensity of the cough reflex. As a rule, the course is no more than 5 times with daily sessions. If mustard plasters are alternated with warming compresses and put on every other day, the treatment will end in 10 days.
Mustard applications require a moderate approach. In their case, more is not better. Do not abuse the procedures and carry them out for a long time and often. Too active treatment is more likely to result in burns and allergic reactions than to bring recovery closer. How often can you put mustard plasters when coughing - once a day is enough, and preferably just before going to bed.
The allowable time of one session is also limited. How much to keep mustard plasters when coughing depends on the age of the patient and the level of his field threshold. An excessively long procedure is fraught with burns, with a short one, the active substances will not have time to act. If the burning sensation came very quickly, and the patient requires to remove the mustard plasters, you can put a napkin on it and eliminate the discomfort. This will allow you to hold the application for the time necessary for treatment.
The normal duration of a session in adults is 10-15 minutes, five is enough for the first time. Children from the age of six are able to hold out from 5 to 10 minutes, for the initial procedure two are enough. Babies 2-6 years old should not keep mustard plasters longer than 2-3 minutes.
These are average data that must be adhered to in order, on the one hand, to obtain a therapeutic effect, and on the other hand, not to harm the patient. But still it is desirable to look at the reaction of the patient. An indicator that the mustard plaster is working is a feeling of warmth and redness of the skin. After a while, a burning sensation appears, and as long as it is tolerable, the procedure should not be stopped.
It is necessary to take into account such a factor as the quality of mustard plasters. If the powder is fresh, it causes redness and tingling very quickly. Such packages are best placed immediately through gauze. Weak mustard plasters - either old or with unsaturated powder, on the contrary, it is better to keep longer.
What happens when misused
Mustard must be removed. Having remained on the skin, they will continue to act, but not for the benefit, but to the detriment of the patient. Usually it is enough to wipe the back with a dry cloth, but if the powder is very caustic or stuck to the body surface, it is better to wash it off with a damp cloth.
If even after half an hour the patient complains that the skin "bakes", and hyperemia and swelling are clearly expressed at the site of application, a burn has probably formed. This happens when the procedure time is exceeded and the skin is hypersensitive. The burning place must be treated as follows:
- rinse with water;
- gently remove moisture with a sterile bandage;
- lubricate with an antiseptic (miramistin, furatsilin);
- glue a special burn plaster, in its absence - make a bandage with a disinfectant wipe;
- change the bandage after 10-12 hours.
You can give the patient an analgesic and an antihistamine to relieve swelling.
Do mustard plasters help with coughing
Many patients are skeptical about treatment with mustard plasters, believing that this is the "last century." Indeed, mustard procedures are not a full-fledged therapeutic method. They do not affect the causes of the disease, do not kill the infection.
However, in parallel with medications, mustard plasters give a good effect in reducing the discomfort associated with coughing. When mustard warming can be used instead of a pharmacy mucolytic and expectorants, and the same result can be obtained without drugs, this opportunity cannot be missed. Competent doctors are always interested in minimizing the use of drugs, if there is an alternative that operates locally.
Everyone has mustard plasters in the first-aid kit. It is an indispensable remedy for respiratory diseases. Mustard plasters are the simplest, cheapest and most effective way of treatment. However, not everyone knows how to put mustard plasters correctly. Fortunately, this does not require extensive medical knowledge.
Mustard plasters are effective for: insomnia, cough, radiculitis, runny nose, bronchitis, headache. Mustard plasters are contraindicated in the following symptoms and diseases: hypersensitivity to mustard plasters, skin diseases, asthma, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, acute forms of respiratory diseases, tumors, fever (more than 37.5 degrees), pregnancy.
Oh, those mustard plasters! Surely, each of us has known since childhood that if a cold has attacked, then mustard plasters are applied to the chest and back. True, not everyone knew that it was necessary to avoid the heart area, but I think everyone already knows this now.
That's just, not everyone now uses this wonderful tool, but in vain ...
1. When headache and hypertension mustard plasters are applied to the occipital region of the neck and to the calves of the legs.
2. When inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract mustard plasters are placed on the chest and on the calves.
3. When bronchitis mustard plasters are placed on the upper body, on one or both sides of the chest, on the back and under the shoulder blades.
A good way is to pour dry mustard into your socks and warm your feet. If this is done to a child, care must be taken to ensure that no moisture gets on the mustard, as soaked mustard can burn the legs.
4. At neuralgia and migraine mustard plasters are placed in the appropriate places only after consultation with a neurologist.
5. Mustard wrap (more often used in children).
For this, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of dry mustard are dissolved in 1 liter of warm water, filtered and moistened with a piece of cloth (preferably flannel or an old diaper). After wringing out the fabric, wrap the child with it and wrap it warmly. In 10 minutes. (possible earlier) unfold the diaper, wipe the baby and change into pre-warmed clothes.
6. If there were no mustard plasters at the right time at home, make homemade ones.
Mix 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry mustard, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of unrefined vegetable oil, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of rye flour and a little water. You should get a pasty mass of sour cream consistency. Put the mixture on a sheet of newspaper, cover with the other half of the newspaper. And attach the mustard plaster to the right place. Keep as long as possible. Such mustard plasters do not “bite”, do not cause a burn, but they warm up well and deeply.
Places for setting mustard cards
Such a tool is used for setting on the chest, back (just above the shoulder blades), the back of the head, the region of the heart and the calf muscles. Also, yellow cards can be placed on other parts of the body, but only as directed by a doctor.
Safety precautions when using mustard plasters
- If this remedy is indicated for the treatment of coughs or other diseases, then during the procedures it is necessary to carefully ensure that essential oils do not get on the mucous membranes. For this, the patient is advised to close his eyes and turn his head to the side.
- To avoid complications, it is required to strictly adhere to the time of setting mustard plasters (no more than 10 minutes for an adult and 2-5 minutes for a child).
- During the warming procedure using mustard cards, the patient's condition should be carefully monitored.
Required equipment
Before procedures, you should take care of the presence of the following attributes:
- tray with water (liquid temperature should be approximately 40−45⁰С);
- mustard cards;
- water thermometer;
- 2 towels (for cross-cutting events);
- napkins;
- warm blanket;
- watch.
Instructions for use
In order to give a general idea of how to properly put mustard plasters on a patient, we will describe a strict sequence of necessary actions.
- Completely eliminate drafts in the room.
- Check the suitability of the product (dry mustard should not spill out and have a specific smell).
- Pour warm water into a bowl.
- Expose the desired part of the patient's body.
- Dip the mustard plaster into the liquid, hold for a few seconds, and then remove and shake.
- Firmly attach the card to the skin (the side where there is powder), cover with a towel, and then with a blanket.
- After a couple of minutes, find out how the patient feels (he should feel a slight burning sensation and warmth). After that, you should lift the mustard plaster and identify the degree of hyperemia of the skin. With a pronounced remedy, it is better to remove it, otherwise leave it for another 5-10 minutes, taking into account the individual sensitivity of the patient.
- Remove mustard plasters.
- Soak a washcloth in warm water, wipe the patient's skin with it and wipe dry with a towel.
- Make sure the patient puts on underwear, and then cover him with a blanket for 30 minutes.
- On this day, the patient should not take a shower or bath.
Indications
You can use the presented tool when:
- bronchitis;
- SARS;
- pneumonia;
- neuralgia;
- lumboischialgia;
- myalgia;
- arthralgia;
- osteochondrosis;
- soft tissue injury;
- sprain;
- cardialgia.
When it is forbidden to put mustard plasters
You can not use this tool when:
- hypersensitivity;
- pyoderma;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- violation of the integrity of the skin;
- diffuse neurodermatitis;
- atopic dermatitis;
- with psoriasis;
- eczema.
Also, many people are often concerned about the question of whether it is possible to put mustard plasters at a temperature? Experts note that in diseases that occur with high fever, the use of this remedy is strictly prohibited.
Mustard plasters are a cheap and effective remedy for the treatment of respiratory organs for coughs and colds.
There are two main types of mustard plasters:
- The first option is small sheets of paper with a dense texture and applied active substance.
- Another remedy is presented in the form of neat sachets filled with dry powder.
Mustard plasters are placed in the treatment of wet and dry coughs. When active ingredients and essential oils are heated, blood circulation is enhanced, immunity is stimulated. Mustard patches are not used during the acute course of the disease. The composition of the patches helps to cope with numerous symptoms and diseases:
- neuralgia
- pneumonia
- myositis
- bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections
The medicine is indispensable after severe hypothermia as a preventive measure. The regular use of mustard plasters for a long time (no more than four days in a row) is excluded.
Contraindications
Cough, as a concomitant factor of an acute respiratory disease with pronounced symptoms, cannot be treated with mustard plasters. Mustard plasters are forbidden at temperature, weakness and chills.
Other restrictions:
- allergy
- diseases of the skin in the field of application of mustard plasters
- childbearing and breastfeeding
- asthma
- eczema
- psoriasis
- oncological diseases
Where and how to put mustard plasters when coughing?
An adult and a child can take a three-day course. Medical patches should be placed correctly to avoid burns. Mustard plasters are applied on the back between the shoulder blades. The lower region is closed, not reaching the sacrum. When sticking the patch in the anterior area, avoid the heart area. If you do the procedure correctly once a day, then after three days the coughing attacks will be significantly reduced.
In some cases, in the early stages of the disease, mustard plasters help after the first application. In severe cases of pneumonia, patches can be placed on the calf muscles.
Where to put mustard plasters for rhinitis?
When a runny nose appears without fever, plasters and mustard bags can be a lifesaver. You can put them every time at the first symptoms of mucosal edema.
On the first day, it is recommended to start a course of treatment, this will help reduce tickling, discomfort and severe congestion. Correctly apply the remedy for such a pathology should be on the feet. After the procedure, carefully wrap up until you sweat profusely. To keep your feet warm, put on cotton socks and wrap your feet in a blanket.
The procedure lasts at least two hours per day. During this time, you can sleep well or relax. After removing the patches, woolen socks are put on. To enhance the effect, you can drink a warm drink with herbs and honey. Such a folk remedy is indispensable when a cold is just beginning.
How many times to put mustard plasters for children?
Incorrect attachment can burn the baby's delicate back. To prevent this, a cloth slightly soaked in vegetable oil is laid between the skin and the powder. Or the patch is flipped to the other side.
Usage
- Sheets are lowered into warm water horizontally and then applied to the body
- Keep the product in water for no longer than 15 seconds. This is enough for the powder to begin to act actively.
- After applying the mustard plaster on the back, it is briefly pressed with a towel
- For a child, one procedure per day is enough, which will last no more than five minutes. An adult is allowed to do no more than two procedures per day lasting about 10 minutes
Precaution
After installing mustard plasters, you will need to monitor the skin reaction. This is necessary to avoid burns:
- Within three minutes there should be no negative reactions on the skin
- If, after contact, a change in skin color appears, unbearable itching or pain is felt, the patches are removed
- The irritated area must be washed with warm water and lubricated with petroleum jelly
- The burn site must not be treated with alcohol lotions or cologne
After the patient sweats well, it is necessary to wipe yourself with a towel and completely change clothes. You can not swim after the procedure, as this can provoke an increase in body temperature.
