Why rinse your nose
Washing cleanses nose from mucus, removes dirt and pathogens. The procedure also helps prevent the formation of crusts in the nose that block drainage – clearing the sinuses.
Saline rinsing solution is considered isotonic. This means that it has the same concentration of water and solutes as blood plasma.
Scientists considerthat rinsing with saline solution:
- Moisturizes the nasal mucosa, preventing it from becoming thinner under the influence of too dry air.
- Slows down the development of inflammation.
- Reduces swelling.
- Makes breathing easier during ARVI.
- Reduces signs of allergic rhinitis. For example, with a seasonal reaction to pollen. The solution flushes out particles from the nose that cause symptoms.
- Reduces the risk of developing viral and bacterial diseases.
In addition, rinsing support health of nasal cilia – hair growing in the nostrils. They are enveloped in mucus and moisturize the air, which then enters the nasopharynx and lungs, traps pathogenic bacteria and helps the sense of smell.
Take note 🤧
If you use nasal sprays, it is better to do so after rinsing with the solution. Nasal medication is much more effective when sprayed onto a clean nasal membrane, and the remedy will penetrate deeper into the nose.
Is it safe to rinse your nose at home?
Yes, the procedure is safe and useful if everything is done correctly and there are no contraindications to it.
The benefits of nasal rinsing are so obvious that doctors recommend doing it to almost everyone. Including daily. For example, in winter, when the indoor air is dried out by heating devices.
When not to rinse your nose
There are several cases where rinsing your nose can be harmful. Refuse The procedure is necessary if:
- you have an ear infection;
- there is a feeling of fullness or pressure in one ear or both ears;
- your nostril is completely blocked;
- you have had ear or sinus surgery;
- it’s hard for you accept convenient position for washing.
If in doubt, it is better to consult an otolaryngologist: the doctor will tell you whether you can do rinsing.
What solution to rinse your nose with?
You can do it yourself cook saline solution To do this, mix 3 teaspoons of regular salt without additives and a teaspoon of soda in a clean container. Pour this mixture into a glass of water and stir thoroughly. If the solution remains, it can be used for another week. But then you need to pour it out.
Please note that regular tap water for rinsing won’t fit. It can introduce bacteria into the sinuses, causing infections.
To protect yourself, use:
- Distilled or sterile water.
- Boil water for 3–5 minutes.
- Water that has been passed through a filter to capture infectious organisms. Devices may be labeled “antibacterial” or “absolute pore size 1 micron or less.”
You can also buy a ready-made solution at a pharmacy.
Liquids with special substances for diluting biofilms on the nasal mucosa are better do not use. They have no evidence of effectiveness, but may cause side effects, including loss of smell.
Which vessel to use for nasal rinsing
Several types of devices for the procedure are sold in pharmacies and marketplaces:
- bottles,
- syringes without needle,
- nasal irrigator,
- rubber bulbs,
- A neti pot is a special teapot.
How to rinse your nose correctly: instructions
The mechanism is simple: you pour the saline solution into one nostril and tilt your head so that the liquid, having passed through the nasopharynx, pours out through the other.
Now in detail about how it is organize.
1. Prepare the vessel and solution
Pour the solution into the container from which you will rinse your nose. If using boiled water, wait until it is neither too hot nor too cold.
2. Take the correct posture
Lean over the sink at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The nostrils should point down. Now turn your head slightly so that one nostril is higher than the other.
3. Start rinsing
Before starting the procedure, open your mouth – you need to breathe through it. Place the tip of a douche, syringe, spray or neti pot spout into the upper nostril and squirt enough solution into it.
Fluid will begin to flow from the lower nostril, and possibly from the mouth. There is no need to swallow the solution, just spit it out. But if something gets into your throat, it’s okay. The main thing is to keep your throat and mouth relaxed. This will help avoid irritation.
If you feel a burning sensation, stop the procedure and prepare another solution – with less salt.
4. Clean your nose and repeat for the other nostril
After finishing rinsing through one nostril, gently blow your nose. Wipe your nose with a tissue and repeat the procedure for the other nostril.
Within 15 minutes after rinsing is better don’t blow your noseso that the solution does not get into the ear.
How to care for a nasal rinse vessel
If there is any rinse solution left inside, discard it. Then rinse the container: this can be done manually or in the dishwasher.
Give the vessel completely dry out on a clean towel.
This material was first published in March 2019. In March 2024, we updated the text.
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