Is DIY mist inhaler safe for clearing throat mucus?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the safety of a DIY mist inhaler created using a mist maker element, a plastic bottle, and tap water for alleviating throat mucus. The user reported effective results but experienced throat irritation, raising concerns about the safety of inhaling water particles. While similar devices are commercially available for individuals with lung issues, the thread was ultimately locked to prevent medical advice and encourage consultation with a physician for proper treatment options.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic DIY electronics and mist maker technology.
  • Knowledge of respiratory health and potential risks associated with inhalation therapies.
  • Familiarity with home remedies for throat and respiratory issues.
  • Awareness of safety guidelines for using tap water in inhalation devices.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the safety and efficacy of commercial nebulizers for respiratory issues.
  • Learn about the risks associated with using tap water in inhalation devices.
  • Investigate alternative home remedies for clearing throat mucus.
  • Consult medical literature on the use of mist inhalers for respiratory conditions.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for DIY enthusiasts, individuals seeking relief from throat mucus, and anyone interested in the safety of inhalation therapies. It is particularly relevant for those considering alternative treatments for respiratory issues.

SentinelAeon
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I often have hard to clear mucus in my throat and its annoying since a lot of my work depends on my voice and i have to constantly cough to clear it else i lose my voice. there's a lot of home remedies, drink more fluids, inhale steam, use saline solution. So the other day i was bent over my stove where i had boiling water with some salt in it and i was breathing it in. During this 10 minute process i had some time to think, mainly about how uncomfortable this was and how much easier it would be to have something portable with a tube so i could inhale while watching a movie.

I had 2 options - 1 was to make a small heater inside a container and breathe in the water vapor. Second was to make vapor/mist some other way. I remembered i still had my small mister from some other project - its basicaly a small piezo speaker that atomises the water.

I decided for option 2 and took a plastic bottle, put this mist maker element inside, poured some water and used a plastic tube to breathe in. To my surprise, it works so well that when i inhale it, wait 2 seconds and exhale, there is still visible "smoke/mist" coming out of my mouth as if i smoked a cigarette. The first few times it actualy stung my throat a little - and i am a cigarette smoker !

So i got a bit worried thinking about it because this is not normal water vapor - its actualy small water particles in the process of evaporating, clearly not all of it evaporates since when i exhale you can see "smoke/mist". I did a quick search online and such a device is indeed sold for people with lung problems so i guess it cant be that dangerous. But i would still like to hear your opinions on this first. As for why not just buy this device instead .. i tend to prefer DIY whenever i can. Unless i harm myself in the process of course so this is why i am here. As for materials, a clean plastic bottle, tap water, mist maker element and a plastic tube (otherwise used for electric cables, the only tube i had lying around sadly). And here is the link to a similar device i found online:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP2F25BY/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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SentinelAeon said:
tap water
You are too close to the line of us giving medical advice, so this thread needs to be locked now. The correct option obviously is for you to visit your family physician to ask for their advice on your symptoms and get some recommended treatments from them. They will be able to help you understand what to avoid in terms of dangers, and what to look for in terms of treatments.

This thread is now locked, but I will ask the other Mentors if they would like to add more information to try to guide you in what to discuss with your doctor. Please be well (and be smart).

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/ritual-ablution.html

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/risks-and-rewards-of-nasal-rinses-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...ans-deadly-brain-infection-report/2236681002/
 
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