As the winter season is in full swing in most parts of the United States, many people are being affected by flu and cold. In this regard, symptoms such as cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and fever are common. In addition, the patients are also experiencing extreme fatigue, headaches, and muscle as well as body aches. Apart from the fact that several treatments are available for flu which include both medicated and non-medicated options, patients often tend to go for non-medicated ones along with home-based natural remedies. One such treatment option includes the use of Vicks® VapoInhaler™ which has been known to act as a non-medicated remedy for cold and cough. Let us understand what Vicks VapoInhaler is, what benefits it provides, and how to use it properly to achieve maximum benefits.
Statistics Regarding Cold and Flu in the US
According to the statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the time period between the years 2010 to 2022, solely in the United States, flu has been estimated to cause between 9.4 million to 41 million illnesses. Among these, nearly 100,000 to 710,000 individuals needed hospitalization in the wake of their worsening symptoms. As flu can be fatal in some cases, approximately 4,900 to 52,000 patients have lost their lives.
What is Vicks VapoInhaler?
Vicks VapoInhaler, a product of Procter & Gamble and Helen of Troy Limited, is a nasal inhaler intended to be used in patients suffering from cold and cough. Being non-medicated, the composition of the VapoInhaler is based on different proprietary ingredients which mainly include camphor and menthol. Upon usage, these ingredients convert into vapor form and are inhaled followed by quick relief. Each pack of Vicks VapoInhaler contains 0.2 ml of the contents.
Composition of Vicks VapoInhaler
The Vicks VapoInhaler is prepared by using the following chemical agents which are known to provide various health benefits:
| Camphor | ● Camphor has antiseptic activity. ● It is antipruritic in nature i.e. can be used to relieve itching. ● It is also analgesic which means it can relieve minor pain. ● Its expectorant action aids the secretion of sputum. ● It is also anti-inflammatory. |
| Menthol | ● Menthol is ideal to be used to reduce dyspnea i.e. shortness of breath. ● It also provides symptomatic relief to patients suffering from upper airway congestion. |
| Methyl Salicylate | ● Methyl salicylate acts as a rubefacient i.e. it causes mild irritation, heat sensation, and redness of the skin which results in increased blood flow to the area. This way, the nasal cavity starts receiving more blood and, in turn, more oxygen. |
| Siberian Fir Oil (Abies sibirica) | ● Siberian Fir oil is an essential oil known for providing support to the lungs and improving airway activity in patients suffering from cold. |
Advantages of Using Vicks VapoInhalers
The Vicks VapoInhalers can be used in a number of conditions and are known to provide the following advantages:
● The use of Vicks VapoInhaler helps relieve nasal congestion caused by to cold, hay fever, or an allergy. It is to be kept in mind that this relief is temporary and one has to refer a physician or a pharmacist for an antibiotic prescription if the symptoms do not subside.
● Being smaller in size, the Vicks VapoInhaler is portable and can be easily carried in a pocket or handbag.
● Vicks VapoInhaler can also be used by healthy individuals who need to get relaxed and feel refreshed.
How to Use a Vicks VapoInhaler?
The steps given below should be followed while using a Vicks VapoInhaler:
● Vicks VapoInhaler comes with a screw cap which is to be removed prior to its use.
● Close one nostril and insert the inhaler into the other. Make sure it reaches as deep into the nasal cavity as possible without causing pain.
● Inhale deeply to facilitate the absorption of the inhaler contents into the airway passage.
● It is recommended to change your Vicks VapoInhaler after a month, 28 days to be precise, to avoid getting infected from it as it can trap dust and microbes after first opening.
Dosage Recommendations
As the Vicks VapoInhaler is non-medicated, there is no limit attached to its use in terms of the dose of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Therefore, patients can use it as much as needed. If the symptoms do not subside after 2 to 3 days, it is recommended to visit a healthcare professional to seek medical help.
Cautionary Note
Vicks VapoInhaler has suitability of usage for children above the age of 12 as well as adults. However, it is not to be used for children below 12 years of age.
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Conclusion
At this time of the year, it is common to get affected by diseases like flu and cold. Considering the high frequency of gatherings in the month of December, the number of infected individuals can significantly rise thus putting a huge burden on the healthcare sector.
Therefore, it is better to be prepared by taking precautionary measures as well as by stocking some of the over-the-counter products which are helpful in the management of flu. Vicks VapoInhalers are one such item. This non-medicated option works by providing relief to the patient by relieving congestion, reducing inflammation, and minimizing the cough.
Therefore, one must purchase Vicks VapoInhaler for prophylactic use as well to avoid getting infected. Purchasing medical devices and other medical goods from reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 ensures the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
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References:
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
