What is nasal irrigation?
Nasal irrigation is a painless procedure for the prevention or treatment of various diseases of the Upper Respiratory System. It the procedure of cleaning your nose with pure water or a special solt solution.
Scientists have conducted a lot of research and found that nasal irrigation:
-Moisturizes the nasal mucosa, preventing it from thinning under the influence of too dry air.
-Inhibits the development of inflammation.
-Reduces puffiness.
-Helps to remove accumulated mucus in the nasal passages, restores nasal breathing in acute respiratory infections.
-Reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. For example, with a seasonal allergy to pollen, because it washes out allergen particles from the nose.
-Reduces the risk of viral and bacterial diseases.
-Effectively prevents the development of sinusitis.
Even if you don’t feel sick, it is recommended to perform the procedure daily, as well as any hygienic procedure in the morning and evening.
How to do nasal cleaning
1. The tool
For irrigation, you will need a container for salt solution: enema bulb, a syringe without a needle, a neti-pot (this is the name of a special teapot for this procedure). All this can be purchased at the pharmacy.
2. Solution
You can use ready-made pharmacy solutions that contain either seawater or isotonic solutions consisting of a concentrated 0.9% sodium chloride solution. You can make the solution yourself: dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. With increased sensitivity, with a burning sensation, it is necessary to add the same amount of water to the solution. The temperature of the solution is approximately 36.6 C. Take boiled water or any mineral water without gases.
3. Washing
Bend over the sink and turn your head 45 degrees, so that one nostril is higher than the other. Put the syringe into the nostril and pour the liquid under low pressure. It is necessary to breathe through the mouth. The liquid will pass through the nasopharynx and flow out through the opposite nostril. Sometimes some of the solution may come out through the mouth, this is normal. With the second nostril, it is necessary to perform the same, and after you should blow your nose. During the procedure, it is important to be relaxed.