Nasal washes at home

Diseases of the upper respiratory tract are found everywhere, regardless of place of residence, gender and season. The differences lie only in the frequency of diseases and their severity. Features of the course of pathology are due to the cause of its development, the level of immune protection, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases in humans. To properly cleanse the nasal cavities, it is necessary to use a device for washing the nose, which will allow you to get the maximum therapeutic effect. Treatment usually uses medications and procedures that enhance the effect of drugs and accelerate recovery.

In most cases, vasoconstrictor drugs for intranasal administration are prescribed to combat the common cold, which have quite a few side effects and contraindications. The safest medicines are saline solutions, herbal infusions used to cleanse the nasal mucosa.

The rinsing procedure is not pleasant, but its effectiveness has been proven for centuries.

Indications

Normally, the nasal mucosa produces a small amount of mucus, which moisturizes the tissues and protects against the irritating effects of environmental factors. Mucus traps germs, dust particles, not allowing them to enter the lower respiratory tract.

Inhalation of dusty air, as well as in chronic inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx, mucus can become more viscous. As a result, the mucous membrane loses its physiological properties, which predisposes to infection.

To maintain an optimal level of protection, regular cleaning of the mucous membrane from dust, chemicals, pathogenic microorganisms is required. The procedure also helps to prevent the exacerbation of chronic diseases.

With an increase in the volume of mucous secretions against the background of inflammation, allergies, the risk of accumulation of microbial toxins in the nasal passages increases, which support the course of the pathology.

Home rinsing is recommended for:

an allergic reaction when hypersecretion is observed due to the interaction of an allergen with the human immune system;
chronic rhinitis;
inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses, which is necessary to reduce tissue swelling, facilitate the outflow of mucus from the cavities;
adenoiditis.

In addition, cleansing procedures can be prescribed for a complicated course of the common cold.

Contraindications

Flushing of the nasal passages is prohibited when:

neoplasms in the nasal passages;
perforation of the septum;
epilepsy, frequent convulsions of unknown origin;
microbial otitis media, which increases the risk of spreading the infection;
lack of patency of the nasal passages;
increased tendency to nasal bleeding.

Difficulties in the process of the procedure can arise with curvature of the septum, narrowing of the nasal passages of traumatic genesis. After washing, the following may appear:

headache;
dizziness;
sneezing;
itching, burning sensations in the nasopharynx;
lacrimation;
nasal congestion.

Side effects of the procedure can occur as a manifestation of allergies or a reaction of the nervous system to an irritating procedure.

Purification rules

A hygienic procedure involves the introduction of a healing fluid into one nostril and its outflow from the other nasal passage. It provides:

reduction of tissue swelling;
cleansing the inner surface of the nose;
restoration of ventilation in the paranasal, ear cavities;
normalization of the ciliated epithelium;
relief of nasal breathing;
regulation of secretion;
prevention of infection.

Solutions

To prepare a medicinal solution for rinsing the nasal passages, it is necessary to use warm boiled water. The fact is that a cold solution can aggravate the course of the disease and irritate the nasopharyngeal mucosa. On the other hand, hot water can cause tissue burns.

If you plan to use a herbal decoction for the procedure, it should be filtered before use. If burning sensations appear during the procedure, you need to wash off the solution from the surface of the mucous membrane with boiled water. Next time, it is recommended to prepare a medicinal product for washing with a lower concentration of the active substance (salt, antiseptic, plant).

For hygiene and treatment, the following solutions can be used:

saline. For cooking, it is enough to dilute 5 g of salt in 350 ml of warm water. The ingredient should be thoroughly dissolved in order to avoid irritation of the mucous membranes. Salt can be used food, sea;
iodine. To enhance the therapeutic effect, a couple of drops of iodine can be added to the saline solution (in the absence of allergy to iodine-containing drugs);
soda-salt. During an epidemic of viral diseases, as well as in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx, washing can be carried out with a soda-salt liquid. For preparation, it is necessary to dissolve 2 g of components in 420 ml of water;
herbal. For cooking, you need chamomile, eucalyptus, oak bark, sage, St. John's wort or green tea. 15 g of grass should be poured into 310 ml of boiling water;
saline. It can be purchased ready-made at the pharmacy;
antiseptics (Furacilin, Miramistin) - are prescribed for the rehabilitation of the infectious focus.

Recommendations

To achieve the desired result, you need to follow a few rules:

for hygienic purposes, the procedure can be carried out in the evening. This will clear the nasal passages of irritants that have accumulated on the mucous membrane during the day. Thanks to the relief of breathing, falling asleep will be quick, and sleep will be calm;
it is advisable to carry out the procedure one hour before or two hours after a meal;
after cleaning, you should not go outside in cold weather for an hour;
for therapeutic purposes, washing can be repeated up to four times a day;

Cleansing the nasal mucosa before instilling hormonal and antihistamine drops can significantly enhance their effect.

with severe nasal congestion, to facilitate the hygiene procedure, it is necessary to drip vasoconstrictor agents 10 minutes before cleansing. This will reduce the severity of tissue edema and improve the patency of the nasal passages. From vasoconstrictor drugs, you can use Otrivin, Sanorin, Noxprey;
after cleansing, it is advisable to blow your nose well to remove contaminated mucus;
we emphasize that after the procedure, the liquid can flow out within 20 minutes. This should be taken into account before going to bed and cleaned an hour before falling asleep.

Home washes

For home procedures, you can use the following devices:

Neti pot;
Rinolife, Aqualor, Dolphin;
syringe;
aspirators.

The Dolphin set includes a bottle, a nozzle for intranasal administration, as well as bags with powdery contents for solution preparation. Its action is:

removing germs from the inner surface of the nose;
activation of regeneration, acceleration of tissue healing;
strengthening local immune defenses;
reducing the risk of developing an allergic reaction by flushing out allergens.

After preparing the solution, it is enough to put the nozzle on the bottle, insert it into the nasal passage and press. The medicine can be prescribed for children, pregnant women, during the lactation period.

Rinolife

A flushing attachment is available at the pharmacy. The package contains a bottle and a nozzle. For cleansing, you can prepare a solution yourself or buy a ready-made one. The method of application is similar to Dolphin.

The devices allow you to remove dust, infection, allergens from the nasal passages, and restore the physiological functions of the mucous membrane. Ultimately, nasal breathing is facilitated and overall well-being improves. The effectiveness of cleaning largely depends on the correctness of its implementation.

Rinolife is made of medical grade plastic, which is absolutely safe. It washes well with running water with a brush and soap. The dimensions of the device are small, which allows you to take it with you on a trip.

To completely empty the container, it is enough to press on its walls, which makes the device compressed. With a decrease in pressure on the walls, the container takes on its original shape.

Rinolife is recommended for use:

with atrophic changes in the nasopharyngeal mucosa to restore tissue nutrition;
with sinusitis in the acute phase or chronic course;
with rhinitis of an allergic, microbial nature;
with chronic adenoiditis;
in the postoperative period, when surgery was performed in the nasopharyngeal zone. The sanitation procedure is carried out to prevent the development of inflammation, microbial complications, accelerate regeneration and healing;
before instillation of the nasal passages with antihistamines, antibacterial, steroid agents;
in case of living in unfavorable conditions with polluted air;
in the presence of occupational hazards. This applies to workers in the milling, wood processing, paint and varnish, mining industries, when a high concentration of various dust and chemicals is registered in the air.

The Rinolife system should be filled with a warm solution. We are located in the bathroom, slightly bend over the washbasin, the bathtub and slightly turn our head to the right.

We bring the bottle to the face, apply the nozzle to the nostril of the right nasal passage so that the liquid is directed deep into the nose. The bottle should be gently squeezed, causing water to flow into the nasal passage. The solution may flow out through the other nostril or mouth, so it is advisable to open your mouth slightly.

Fluid should enter the nasal passages under slight pressure or by gravity. The introduction of a syringe or drawing in of the nostril solution with force is highly undesirable due to the high risk of entering the auditory tube.

You need to open the bottle after removing the nozzle from the nasal passage. After rinsing, you need to blow your nose well. The procedure is repeated with the other nostril.

After cleaning the nose, disassemble the device, rinse with running water, soap, and wipe dry. It is forbidden to boil Rinolife, as well as to use one device by two patients.

Neti pot

Neti-pot is an apparatus for washing the nose, which looks like a teapot. It can be used at home to ease nasal breathing. Procedure technique:

Neti-pot should be washed with boiled water, soap, and then dried completely. This avoids infection if the device has not been used for a long time;
preparing a solution (saline, antiseptic, herbal). Note that table salt is more irritating than sea salt;
fill the teapot with liquid, start rinsing;
insert the spout of the container into the nostril, pour in water. It flows from the second nasal passage;
during the procedure, you need to breathe through your mouth or hold your breath altogether (as it is convenient for anyone). Laughing, talking when washing is prohibited;
Neti floor needs to be washed and dried.

Nasal aspirators

Remember that overuse of nasopharyngeal lavage is not recommended due to the high risk of flora disturbance. The consequence of this can be a decrease in immune defense and activation of fungal pathogens.

In most cases, intranasal aspirators are used to flush the nasal passages of a young child. It is convenient to use them at home. Subject to the rules, the procedure is well tolerated by children and gives a quick result.

Children under 2-3 years old cannot blow their nose on their own, which makes it difficult to cleanse the nose. In this regard, parents need to monitor the patency of the nasal passages and regularly clean them.

There are several types of devices that can be used in pediatrics or adult otolaryngology:

syringe or otherwise "pear". The device is one of the simplest and cheapest, has a soft tip. The liquid must be injected with a small pressure so that the solution does not penetrate into the Eustachian tube, paranasal sinuses. At the end of the procedure, the syringe is used to aspirate the wash water. After washing, wash the device thoroughly;
the electronic type of device is the most common. For washing, it is enough to pour the solution into one nasal passage and aspirate it from the other using the apparatus. A tip is usually provided in the kit. Some of the devices have musical accompaniment, which is especially important for children;
vacuum view of the aspirator. It is often used in healthcare settings, but home use is not prohibited. The operation of the device is accompanied by noise, which is not always convenient.

Traditional methods

In addition to the syringe, regular containers with a spout can be used for the rinsing procedure. The latter is necessary to direct fluid into the nasal passages.

The technique of the procedure practically does not differ from the hardware cleansing. The liquid is gradually poured into the nostril, after which it is poured out through the other nasal passage or mouth.

Nasal lavage is an effective treatment for diseases of the nasopharynx. Also, do not forget about the hygienic cleansing of the nose, for which herbal decoctions can be used. Due to their natural composition, the mucous membrane undergoes a mild anti-inflammatory, decongestant and antiseptic effect.