Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: blakestyger on 04/04/2009 15:41:51

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: blakestyger on 04/04/2009 15:41:51

Does anyone know the mechanism whereby inhaling menthol vapour (through one of those stick things you put into a nostril) clears a blocked nose?
Thanks.

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: graham.d on 04/04/2009 16:04:56

I believe the menthol type do it by actually irritating the mucous membranes and producing more fluid that then swills out the drier thick stuff. Antihistamine types work by limiting allergic reactions to external irritants. And the more effective decongestant types work by shutting down the capillary blood vessels and thereby inhibiting mucous production - they have a consequence of raising blood pressure so should be taken with care.

You can see that combinations of these taken together may be counter productive.

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: blakestyger on 05/04/2009 13:07:46

Thank you graham.d - that seems to make sense and explains why my Olbas inhaler says 'can be used up to 4 times an hour'.

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Karen W. on 07/04/2009 07:14:26

Do any of them actually shrink the mucous membrane?

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 11:26:29

I don't know much about cleaning the nose

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 07/04/2009 11:52:20

Why are you so nosy?

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 11:53:25

i am not nosy,

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 07/04/2009 11:54:22

It was a joke referring to noses!

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 11:56:13

ya i got it.

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 07/04/2009 11:57:15

Who (k)nose? Do you really? [:)]

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 12:01:06

hmm

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 07/04/2009 12:20:58

Are you on nose candy?   

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 12:21:45

no

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Don_1 on 07/04/2009 12:33:36

You could always stick one of these up your hooter and pump away.
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fww2peopleswar%2Fstories%2F73%2Fimages%2F11220200326707471069_1.jpg&hash=e241567da037e0f99b68f82113e21ff4)

Title: How do inhalers clear our noses?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 12:34:13

 [;D] [;D] [;D] [;D] [;D]