Mentholatum for Congestion Due to Pneumonia

Menthol in products such as Mentholatum is commonly used as a treatment for congestion and nasal drainage associated with a respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia. It is widely available in nasal sprays, vaporubs, inhalers, lozenges and cough syrups.

The Facts

With pneumonia and most respiratory conditions, congestion and swelling of tissues can decrease the amount of air flowing into and out of the lungs, making breathing difficult. The active ingredients in Mentholatum, camphor (4.7 percent), eucalyptus oil (1.2 percent) and natural menthol (2.6 percent) have a warming effect upon the muscles, and when placed upon the chest, can relieve minor soreness from coughing, as well as open the nasal passages. Mentholatum is fast acting and easy to administer, with few to no side effects.

How it Works

When you are congested, you're unable to take in much air through your nose. The cells in your nasal lining contain special temperature receptors that respond to cold air. The menthol in Mentholatum is a chemical that cools the air you inhale, and triggers the temperature receptors in the nasal lining to relay the positive "cold" signal to your brain, which makes you feel that your nose is opening up, making breathing easier.

How to Apply

Mentholatum can be used in a steam vaporizer by placing a small amount into the water of the vaporizer. This allows the steam to have a cooling effect on nasal passages, and opens the congested airway. It may also be applied directly to the skin by rubbing a thick layer on the chest and throat. You can cover the area with a dry cloth if desired. Leave clothing loose around the throat and chest to allow vapors to easily reach the mouth and nose.

Considerations

Mentholatum may be applied up to three times a day, and is only recommended for adults and children over age two. Consult your physician before using this product on a child age two or younger.

Warnings

While placing a small amount of Mentholatum inside your nostrils will not cause long-term problems with your nose or nasal passages, it is not recommended. Mentholatum is petroleum-based, and if it gets into the lungs, can cause pneumonia or severe complications of pneumonia. Become familiar with the symptoms and treatment of pneumonia and/or worsening pneumonia. Mentholatum is for external use only, and should only be placed on skin.

References

• "Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics"; Inhibition by the Cold Receptor Agonists Menthol and Icilin of Airway Smooth Muscle Contraction; Ito, Kume, Kondo, Makino et al. Oct. 2008.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Pneumonia: Treatments and Drugs