Treatment of pathologies of an otorhinolaryngological nature requires an integrated approach. Currently, one of the most effective ways to cleanse the nose and nearby sinuses from exudate is the Proetz movement method. The treatment procedure is non-invasive and has a minimum of contraindications. At the same time, according to the opinions of doctors, washing by the method of moving along the Proetz is a highly effective way to cleanse cavities from pathological contents. Not so long ago, with sinusitis, in order to pump out pus, a sinus puncture was made. Now, such a drastic measure is resorted to much less often, preferring washing.
The essence of the method
The method was invented by the American doctor Arthur Proetz. The method is named after him.
In practice, another name for the procedure is often used - "cuckoo". Moving along the Proetz involves the introduction of rubber tubes into the nasal passages. One of them is filled with a liquid containingmedicine. The same medication leaves the other tube, but together with the pathological contents of the nasal sinuses. This is due to the difference in pressure indicators.
During the washing procedure, in no case should pathological exudate be allowed to enter the throat, oral cavity, bronchi and trachea. To prevent this from happening, during the session, the patient must constantly pronounce sounds: “Ku-ku”. That is why the Proetz movement wash is more often called the "cuckoo".
Indications
Doctors prescribe the procedure in the presence of many ENT diseases. But to carry out movement along the Proetz is permissible only if there is a patency of the anastomosis of the maxillary sinus. This is an important condition to consider when evaluating the feasibility of prescribing a flush.
Indications:
- Sinusitis.
- Etmoiditis.
- Frontite.
- Adenoiditis.
- Sphenoiditis.
- Rhinitis of both bacterial, viral and allergic etiology.
- Presence of hyperplastic mucosal changes.
After washing the sinuses by moving the liquid along the Proetz, the following symptoms are stopped in a short time:
- Itching.
- Swelling of the mucous membrane.
- Sneeze.
- Copious discharge of liquid secretions from the nose.
Already after the first procedure, the severity of the inflammatory process is significantly weakened and the sense of smell is restored.
Contraindications
Like any other treatment method, this method has a number of limitations. It is not prescribed if the patient suffers from:
- Frequent episodes of nosebleeds.
- Epilepsy.
- Mental disorders.
- Allergies to medicines that the doctor plans to use during the procedure.
In addition, nasal lavage by the Proetz movement method is prescribed with caution to pregnant and lactating women. This is due to the fact that drugs can enter the bloodstream and provoke the development of an undesirable reaction.
Children's age up to 5 years is also a contraindication. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the sinuses. In addition, often babies do not follow the doctor's orders in a timely manner, and therefore the procedure becomes dangerous.
During the treatment, the patient should be in a motionless position with his head thrown back for several minutes. In this regard, the procedure is not prescribed for persons suffering from pathologies of the cervical region and circulatory disorders in the arteries passing through the spine.
Clinic Methodology
The method does not require any preparation. It is enough to come to the medical facility at the strictly appointed time.
Algorithm for washing by the method of moving along the Project:
- The patient is placed on the couch. After that, a vasoconstrictor ("Nafthyzin" or "Sanorin") is instilled into each of his nasal passages. In some clinics,At this stage, turundas are inserted into the nasal passages, pre-soaked with a solution of adrenaline. If necessary, additional local anesthesia can be performed.
- After about a minute, the patient is helped to lie down on the couch so that his head is at a 45-degree angle to his body. If a child needs to have the procedure, one of the parents can hold it.
- The doctor warms up the treatment solution to a comfortable temperature. A special catheter or syringe without a needle is inserted into one nostril of the patient, and a vacuum suction is inserted into the other.
- The doctor or nurse turns on the device. After that, the drug begins to flow into the nasal sinus with constant pressure. At this time, the patient should constantly say: "Ku-ku." Suction also removes the medication from the sinuses along with pathological contents.
- The procedure is repeated for another nasal passage.
Immediately after the session, the patient is offered to blow his nose well to remove the remnants of the solution and the pathological secretion. After that, an antibacterial agent is instilled into each nasal passage.
On average, rinsing takes 10 minutes. If the medicinal solution or pus enters the mouth, a reflex cough occurs. At the same time, the doctor interrupts the procedure and conducts it again. This greatly increases the duration of the session. That is why you need to strictly follow all the doctor's commands.
Used medicines
The choice of medication directly depends on the pathology. During rinsingthe following medicines can be used to move around the Proetz:
- Antiseptics. As a rule, doctors use Chlorhexidine and Miramistin.
- Proteolytic enzymes. The active components of the drugs contribute to the thinning of thick mucus with rhinitis. Most often, doctors use "Chymotrypsin" and "Trypsin".
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Antibiotics.
Before prescribing this or that drug, the doctor should ask the patient if he has a tendency to develop allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to any medications.
The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor in each case. The therapy regimen can include from 2 to 10 treatments.
Flushing at home
For independent use, the method of moving medicines along the Proetz is not suitable. Washing should be performed only by specialists who will exclude the reflux of pathological contents into the cavity of the oropharynx or middle ear. Doctors advise at home to limit the use of an irrigator. A striking example is the Dolphin device.
Cuckoo is allowed only if there are no alternatives. But the methodology must be strictly followed. Instead of vacuum suction, a large volume syringe can be used. Syringes must be sterile.
During the procedure, it is necessary to create the same pressure. In other words, you need to act slowly and carefully. The solution used must be preheated to 35 degrees. For its preparation, you can use sterile or boiled water.
Up to 20 ml of solution can be pumped into one nostril. Then be sure to repeat the procedure for the second nasal passage.
Important nuances
According to the reviews of doctors and their patients, an improvement in overall well-being occurs after the first session. However, in order not to provoke the development of complications, the following rules must be observed:
- Don't make sudden movements while rinsing.
- Immediately after the completion of the procedure, you do not need to get up. It is necessary to remain in a horizontal position for at least 10-20 minutes. If you stand up immediately, you can provoke a sharp increase in blood pressure. In addition, it is fraught with fainting and nosebleeds.
- You should not go outside until 30 minutes after the procedure is completed.
Compliance with these rules prevents the development of complications and significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
"Cuckoo" is a well-known and widely used method. Supporters of the method claim that it has a number of undeniable advantages:
- After removing the pathological secretion, the focus of infection decreases, and the patient's condition improves.
- Washing avoids a puncture, which means that patients are psychologically easier to tolerate this procedure.
- During the treatment, it improves significantlynasal breathing. As a result, there is no need to use vasoconstrictor drops, which often lead to mucosal atrophy.
- The method can be used even at high body temperature.
Cons of the method:
- Efficiency is lower than that of a puncture. In addition, it directly depends on the skills of the doctor. The work of an inexperienced specialist can also lead to complications.
- There is a possibility of disruption of the normal functioning of the mucous membrane.
In addition, some patients report feeling nausea and dizziness after the procedure.
In conclusion
Proetz's displacement lavage, better known as "cuckoo", is quite often prescribed for patients suffering from ENT diseases. According to the reviews of doctors and their patients, after the first procedure, the general condition improves. Nasal breathing is restored, eliminating the need for vasoconstrictor drops.
