During a cold, a sick person suffers from fever, headache, cough and many more unpleasant symptoms. But one of the most agonizing and troubling is nasal congestion.
During a runny nose, the sense of smell disappears, appetite decreases due to loss of taste, and breathing problems occur. This condition is especially difficult to bear during sleep.
Today, there are many drugs and techniques to combat nasal congestion. One of the most popular ways is to irrigate and wash the sinuses with various solutions. This procedure is effective and can be done at home. In addition, you can make your own nasal irrigation solution.
In case of what diseases it is possible and necessary to wash the nose
- Nasal congestion with colds.
- Rhinitis caused by allergies.
- Dry and irritated sinuses due to dust or chemicals.
- Aftersurgical intervention when the damaged mucosa needs time to recover.
- Sinusitis, including sinusitis.
Important: for sinusitis, it is better to undergo the procedure in the hospital, since at home it is difficult to get the solution for washing the nose to the source of infection. In addition, there is a risk of bacteria getting into the middle ear.
The effect of the procedure
After using the nasal rinse solution at home, you can achieve the following results:
- Reducing the volume of mucus, and as a result, the normalization of breathing.
- Softening and thinning of secretions.
- Removal of bacteria from the mucosa.
- Reduce discomfort caused by nasal congestion.
Many people practice daily nose washing as a preventive and hygienic procedure. But there is also strong evidence that using this technique for too long has the opposite effect - people after a sharp refusal to artificially flush out mucus began to suffer from sinusitis by 62%.
Important: the maximum duration of washing is no more than 2-3 weeks in case of illness or for the purpose of prevention during a dangerous period.
Methodology
There are several ways to wash the nose, but at home it is recommended to use only these types:
- Irrigation. The mucous membrane is gently moistened with a solution from a sprayer or nebulizer.
- Aspiration. The method is used for small ones, includinginfants. The solution for washing the child's nose is poured with a syringe or pipette, and then it is pumped out along with the mucus using a pear or an aspirator.
- Nasal shower. The procedure is carried out using a pear or a special mug with a long spout. The patient tilts his head and pours an herbal or saline nasal rinse into the upper nostril. With good patency, fluid will flow out of the other nostril, some of it may enter the mouth and this is not a deviation.
Important: you need to blow your nose before washing, and after that you can not go out into the cold for 2 hours.
Contraindications
The procedure cannot be performed if:
- There is an obstruction - the nose is very stuffy.
- There are polyps or neoplasms in the nose with metastases.
- There is a severe curvature of the septum, preventing flushing.
- The disease is complicated by otitis.
- Weak capillaries on the mucosa, frequent bleeding.
Important: in any situation, it is always best to consult a doctor who can not only approve (or not) nasal lavage, but also show you how to do it correctly.
Nasal rinses
There are a few general rules to follow at all times:
- Always prepare a fresh and warm solution.
- The ideal temperature of the liquid is equal to the temperature of the body - 36-37 ⁰С
- Perform the procedure 3-4 times a day in case of illness, for prevention - 1 time per day.
- Don't usetap water, but if there is no choice, then it should be boiled and cooled to the desired temperature.
- All containers must be clean and boiled, special attention should be paid to reusable irrigation vessels.
There are quite a few recipes for a nasal wash. Here are some of the most popular.
Saline
S alt prevents the growth of bacteria, thins the mucus and contributes to the preservation of the mucosal surface in a normal state. You can use both regular table s alt and sea s alt in the recipe. You just need to make sure that it does not contain any extraneous fragrances and dyes.
Saline nasal wash should have a concentration of 0.9% and no more than 3%. For an adult, the best option would be 2.5% liquid, for children you need to do it a little weaker, since their nasal mucosa is more tender.
Often people are interested in what is better to use for washing the nose - sea s alt or table s alt? The first option is largely preferable. Sea s alt contains many mineral components: calcium helps heal damage to the mucous membrane, relieves irritation; iron normalizes the work of capillaries; iodine is a universal natural antiseptic that reduces the growth of bacteria; manganese improves the work of local immunity; magnesium calms the nerve endings and helps reduce swelling. Its merits are also evidenced by the fact that pharmaceutical preparations are made from ocean water.
But if sea s alt is not at hand, you can always useordinary sodium chloride, it is also quite effective.
Important: Nasal s alt sea s alt should not contain extraneous chemical agents - this can cause an allergic reaction and increase swelling.
Iodine
How to make an iodine-based nasal wash? The main thing here is not to make it too concentrated, otherwise you can get a burn of the mucosa. To get the desired effect, just add 1-2 drops to 250 ml of water.
Vegetable
Herbal decoctions of chamomile, St. John's wort, sage and calendula will be an excellent alternative to iodine or saline solution for washing the nose at home.
Herbs have various therapeutic effects:
- St. John's wort strengthens the mucous membrane, and the phytoncides contained in it kill bacteria;
- chamomile is famous for its calming and anti-inflammatory effect, so it is indispensable for a long illness and damage to the mucous membrane;
- sage is a good antiseptic, and the tannins contained in it strengthen the nasal membranes;
- calendula nourishes and restores the mucous membrane after damage.
Decoctions should not be made too strong. They should not cause burning and discomfort.
Important: do not use herbal decoctions for allergic rhinitis.
Soda
How to make a soda-based nasal rinse? In fact, this substance has rather low antiseptic properties, so it is used not as the main component, but assupplement.
Most often they make a combined solution of soda and s alt.
Rinse the nose for children
When it comes to babies, you always need to follow one principle - do not make things worse. Doctors have not yet come to a consensus on the advisability of washing the nose in infants under one year old, some pediatricians do not recommend performing the procedure up to 4-5 years. In each case, it is important to consult with a specialist and get his approval for any manipulation with the child.
Typically, pediatricians may advise you to drop a weak saline solution (a teaspoon per liter of water) with a pipette, and then remove the liquid with mucus with an aspirator. In this case, you need to control the volume of the drug, as the baby can choke.
For older children, the nose is washed in an upright position with a syringe or douche. The baby's head should be pushed forward and tilted, the mouth is open. The procedure begins with the introduction of a small amount of liquid into one nostril, the pressure increases gradually.
Important: all manipulations with the child must be carried out carefully, without haste and sudden movements - this will help to avoid possible injuries and tears.
Children's noses are washed with home-made saline or herbal solutions, or pharmacy medicines.
Pharmacy preparations
A solution for washing the nose at home can be prepared on the basis of medicines. These include:
- Furacilin - 0.02% concentration is needed for the procedure.
- Miramistin - 0.01% ready-made drug is sold in pharmacies, which is suitable for washing.
- Protargol - for use, add 1-2 drops to a glass of water.
It is also worth mentioning separately preparations based on sea water - Aquamaris, Aqualor, Quick. They differ in composition from self-prepared s alt solutions in the presence of natural trace elements.
Benefits of using solutions
- Minor injury. In the past, the drug was delivered to the sinuses with a puncture, which increased the risk of repeated multiple infections. Today it is enough to use a special solution for washing the nose with sinusitis, which with a high degree of probability will help to avoid the intervention of the surgeon.
- Low component cost.
- Reduce the risk of frontal sinus infections.
- Possibility of self-treatment, which is very convenient, since after the procedure you can not go out into the cold. Even at a slight sub-zero temperature, the remaining fluid in the sinuses will cause hypothermia.
Flaws
- The most serious drawback is the possibility of infection spreading to neighboring organs (ears and throat) if the procedure is not carried out quite correctly. This is possible even when all the manipulations are carried out by a doctor.
- Rinse the nose is rather unpleasant and uncomfortable. And if an adult is able to cope with emotions, then a child can throw a tantrum.
- Some home and pharmacy solutionsproducts greatly dry the mucous membrane, which can cause damage or nosebleeds.
- If the procedure is carried out regularly, the natural secret is washed off, which protects the nasal cavity from pollution and bacteria.
