A solution of sea salt for the nose is an effective remedy for the prevention and treatment of infectious colds. Irrigation (irrigation) of the nasal cavity with salt water helps to eliminate pathological secretions, allergens, dirt particles and pathogens. It is advisable to rinse the nasopharynx for prophylactic purposes in anticipation of seasonal ENT diseases.
Sea salt is a natural antioxidant, which contains trace elements and minerals that have a pronounced antiseptic and antiphlogistic effect. Systematic irrigation of the nasopharynx helps to strengthen local immunity and eliminate acute and chronic rhinitis. The composition of the solution does not include synthetic components, which makes it possible to carry out therapeutic measures for preschool children.
What is in salt?
According to otolaryngologists, for the relief of clinical manifestations of rhinitis, it is more advisable to use not table salt, but sea salt. It contains much more nutrients that help accelerate metabolic processes, destroy pathogens and mucus accumulations. These include:
- iodine - disinfects the mucous membrane in the nasal canals, sinuses and nasal cavity; normalizes the process of hematopoiesis, which helps to accelerate regeneration processes;
- magnesium - takes part in many biochemical processes that stimulate cell metabolism;
- calcium - increases cellular turgor by increasing the elasticity of blood vessels;
- manganese - stimulates local immunity, as a result of which tissue reactivity increases.
Sea salt for the common cold is a proven cold remedy that rarely causes side effects. With proper irrigation of the nasopharynx, the saline solution normalizes the functioning of the glands in the ciliated epithelium, due to which the process of hypersecretion of viscous secretion is inhibited.
Medicinal properties
Rinsing the nose with sea salt at home allows you to eliminate acute rhinitis provoked by the development of ENT diseases within a few days. The pronounced therapeutic effect of sea water is due to its therapeutic properties, namely:
- relieves puffiness;
- kills germs and viruses;
- accelerates tissue epithelization;
- normalizes the functioning of the mucous membrane;
- stimulates local immunity;
- clears pus and mucus from the paranasal sinuses;
- eliminates allergic manifestations.
Sea water increases blood clotting. In the presence of thrombophlebitis and problems with hematopoiesis can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Cleansing the nasal cavity of pathogenic flora with a saline solution prevents the re-development of inflammation. Regular rinsing of the nose leads to the elimination of not only congestion, but also sluggish rhinitis caused by pathogenic bacteria.
Purpose of the procedure
When is sea salt used for nasal rinsing? The antiseptic solution has a beneficial effect on the state of the ciliated epithelium during the development of inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx. Cleansing the nasal passages of pathogens leads to tissue detoxification, which leads to an increase in their reactivity. For this reason, irrigation is resorted to in the event of the development of such diseases:
- flu;
- frontal;
- tonsillitis;
- allergic rhinitis;
- laryngotracheitis;
- sinusitis;
- sinusitis;
- vasomotor rhinitis.
Important! It is undesirable to use concentrated sea water in the treatment of newborns and children under 1 year of age.
When treating ENT diseases complicated by the development of pathogenic bacteria, it is necessary to take systemic antibiotics. Untimely elimination of purulent foci in the nasopharynx can lead to inflammation of the middle ear and eye sockets.
Types of sea salt
What sea salt should I use to wash my nose? More than 5 different types of sea salt are available in shops and pharmacies. But not all of them should be used for the treatment of ENT diseases, due to the presence of dyes and synthetic additives in the product.
Almost any salt contains calcium silicate, which prevents it from caking. Chemical additives can provoke allergic reactions. Therefore, for therapeutic purposes, it is better to use only white salt without fragrances and coloring pigments.
Coarse crystals of a substance are poorly soluble in water. For the preparation of a saline solution, it is more expedient to use finely ground salt. To make sure that there are no synthetic additives in the product, you need to carefully read the composition on the package. It is undesirable for additives such as E341 and E504 to be present in it.
Solution proportions
The effectiveness of nasal irrigation largely depends on the degree of concentration of the solution. Too concentrated sea water leads to drying out of the mucous membrane, which is fraught with irritation and the occurrence of adverse reactions. How much sea salt do you need to rinse your nose?
To avoid complications, the following dosages should be taken into account during the preparation of the drug:
- for the prevention of rhinitis: 1 tsp. salt per ½ liter of water;
- for the treatment of acute rhinitis: 1 teaspoon of salt per 250 ml of water;
- for the treatment of sinusitis: 2 hours of salt per 250 ml of water.
For dilution, you can use only boiled or hot mineral water.
Is it possible to rinse the nose with sea salt for atrophic rhinitis? The presence of mechanical damage, necrosis and ulcerative formations in the mucous membrane excludes the use of sea water for nasal irrigation. The drug will only contribute to irritation of the ciliated epithelium, which will lead to painful sensations in the nasopharynx.
Washing technique
How is the treatment of a cold with sea salt? It is advisable to rinse at the first signs of a cold. Timely relief of inflammation prevents the development of severe rhinitis and congestion. To irrigate the nasopharynx, you need to do the following:
- type seawater in a syringe (syringe);
- turn your head slightly to the side, leaning forward;
- pour the solution into the upper nostril;
- blow out liquid through the nose, pinching the lower nostril;
- rinse the second nasal passage in the same way;
- irrigate at least 3 times a day.
To enhance the antimicrobial effect of seawater, add 2-3 drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to it.
Residual solution and mucus can pass out of the nose within half an hour after the procedure. Therefore, it is undesirable to go outside within an hour after washing.
Contraindications
Despite the high efficiency of the therapeutic procedure, rinsing can be performed only on the recommendation of a doctor. Ignoring contraindications can provoke a deterioration in health. You can not use sea salt solution for rinsing the nose when:
- acute otitis media;
- neoplasms in the nasopharynx;
- obstruction of the nasal passages;
- mechanical damage to the mucous membrane;
- frequent nosebleeds.
Nasal lavage is a procedure that is used as a symptomatic treatment of ENT diseases. To eliminate the very cause of rhinitis, it is necessary to undergo a course of medication prescribed by a specialist.
