Nasal irrigation plays a significant role in the treatment of many pathologies of the maxillary sinuses and in postoperative care. The nasal shower optimizes the distribution and cleansing power of the irrigation solution in the nasal cavity. At the same time, the ionic composition and Ph positively affect the he alth of the epithelium.
Description
A nasal douche is a device for washing the nose. It can be in the form:
- ceramic bottle with plastic spout and handle;
- plastic vessel;
- rubber syringe;
- spray bottle;
- balloon for babies;
- in the form of sprayers with an electric pump.
Benefit
Nasal douche provides mechanical cleaning of mucus, crusts, cell debris, various air pollutants, allergens and pathogens. It can serve as an effective therapy in relieving the symptoms of chronic and acute sinusitis caused by respiratory tract infections. Increases mucociliary clearance and reduces the contact time of mucus with airborne elements.
It reduceslocal concentrations of anti-inflammatory mediators and moisturizes the nasal mucosa, especially in the postoperative period. Nasal showers can also be helpful for temporarily relieving symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis.
Research
A recent meta-analysis of 10 controlled trials, drawn from a review of 11,500 studies, included more than 400 patients with allergic rhinitis. Regular saline irrigation in adults and children improved nasal symptoms in 35% of cases and quality of life in 30%.
In 2007, experts investigated the effectiveness of a nasal shower in chronic rhinitis. Scientists have found a significant superiority of this method.
Two studies were done for acute infection. The first follow-up of 390 patients showed a faster improvement in nasal permeability with nasal douche irrigation than in the control group without it. It was found that when using this method, the number of ENT complications and the duration of drug treatment are reduced. The second study included 69 patients with acute sinusitis. The standard treatment was found to be more effective in reducing symptoms when nasal douching was used.
Composition
The main component for irrigation of the mucosa is sea water, diluted by one third with distilled water (for example, the Paris Montesol nasal douche with a branded composition). There are also commercially available products consisting ofelectrodialyzed sea water. This solution retains a high concentration of the main seawater ions. Such a composition reduces local inflammation, enhances the secretion of the nasal epithelium, stimulates the entry of calcium into cells, restores the respiratory epithelium, and reduces the viscosity of mucus. An example is the Paris Montesol nasal douche filled with Sterimar solution.
To make your own saline solution, mix half a teaspoon of sea s alt with a glass of water. Do not use tap or well water. It must be distilled or sterilized. If this is not available, you can use tap water that has been boiled for three minutes.
Application
For the successful use of a nasal shower, the following rules must be observed:
- It is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before use.
- Position for rinsing the nose. Adults and older children should lean far over the sink with their heads down. Younger children should be held gently over the sink without pressure on the chest and abdomen.
- Flushing for adults and older children. It is necessary to bring the shower dispenser to each nostril in turn and rinse according to the instructions for the device used.
- Bead syringe method. A special ear syringe is used, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. It must be filled with a solution, insert the tip of the syringe into the nostril, holding it around the syringe. Thenit is necessary to gently press the reservoir of the syringe. Repeat the procedure with the other nostril.
- Special syringes are used for babies. Seek advice from your he althcare professional and receive training before flushing your baby's sinuses.
- With any technique, the s alt water solution can get into the mouth and leave an unpleasant aftertaste. In this case, rinse your mouth immediately.
Examples
The following devices are currently available in pharmacies:
- Nasal douche "Montesol". It is a round plastic container. Irrigation composition is poured into it. A cap with an elongated spout is screwed on top, on which a spray dispenser is located. Irrigation with this device is convenient and safe.
- Nasal douche "Microlife". This device is of Italian origin. It is a plastic bottle, on the neck of which a device for washing the nose is installed. It has optimal speed and spray area. Does not create pain and discomfort. Allows you to adjust the dosage of the drug from 2 to 12 ml.
Portability and security
Adults have minimal side effects. Such reactions as irritation of mucous membranes, discomfort in the nose, otalgia are described. They most often appear when using very large volumes of devices. In most cases, these symptoms are mild. You should also pay attention to the temperature of the solution. Too muchcold or hot composition may be harmful. Similar conclusions can be drawn for children. Although safety assessment is more difficult, especially in the youngest patients.
Precautions
In order to prevent the growth of bacteria, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the equipment used to wash the nose. It is important for each member of the family to have their own nasal douche. After each use, you must:
- put a small amount of dishwashing detergent into the container;
- add clean water;
- fix the vessel with a cork;
- shake contents;
- wash all the components of the shower (container, cap, tube, dispenser);
- shake off excess water;
- dry on a clean towel.
You can also decontaminate in the microwave for two minutes.
