How to properly rinse your nose with a pear

Nasal rinsing at home. How and with what to rinse?

Let's take a closer look at how to rinse your nose at home. What means to choose for this and when is it better to refrain from such a measure?

Absolutely no one is immune from the onset of the disease.

Table of contents:

The disease can suddenly overtake anyone, both in winter and in summer, when it is no longer possible to breathe without air conditioning.

One of the easiest, most effective and accessible methods for everyone to combat rhinitis is nasal rinsing or irrigation therapy. But before you begin manipulation, you should learn about certain subtleties and nuances so as not to harm yourself or your child.

When is nasal rinsing indicated? Why is this procedure needed?

The main task of the event is to cleanse the nasal cavity of accumulated mucus. Therefore, the main indication for its implementation is the presence of a runny nose or rhinorrhea, which can be observed in various ENT diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to resort to its help yourself when:

  • acute rhinitis of a viral or bacterial nature;
  • sinusitis, especially sinusitis;
  • adenoiditis;
  • tonsillitis;
  • laryngitis;
  • pharyngitis, etc.
Doctors especially often advise you to rinse your nasal passages yourself when you have a runny nose before instilling vasoconstrictor drops or other medications prescribed by your doctor. This will allow you to get the expected result much faster and increase the effectiveness of using medications.

It may seem strange, but irrigation can be practiced to relieve the condition of:

  • headaches, including migraines;
  • severe fatigue;
  • visual impairment;
  • severe diseases of the bronchi and lungs, including bronchial asthma;
  • insomnia;
  • depression.

Resorting to irrigation therapy is also indicated to prevent the development of colds and allergies. This is due to the fact that most pathogenic microorganisms and allergens are washed out of the nasal cavity, due to which the risk of rhinitis is reduced tenfold.

But still, before starting treatment, it is recommended to talk with an ENT specialist to determine whether the procedure is necessary at all and to find out whether there are any contraindications.

How can you rinse your nose?

What means to use for rinsing depends on the cause of rhinorrhea. The most universal and simplest of them is an isotonic saline solution.

To prepare it, you can use regular table salt, but it is better to give preference to sea salt. Also for this purpose, sodium chloride (saline solution) sold in every pharmacy is used, where you can also purchase ready-made medications produced by well-known pharmacological companies.

To increase the effectiveness of the event, on the recommendation of a doctor, it can be carried out using herbal decoctions or antiseptic and antimicrobial drugs.

But the choice of which solution to rinse the nose from mucus should be left to the otolaryngologist, since the use of the same antiseptics, for example, for an allergic rhinitis will be at least ineffective, and in the worst case will lead to acute rhinitis.

This is due to the fact that the substance will kill all the microflora inhabiting the mucous membrane, which can be replaced by pathogenic microbes unfamiliar to the human immune system. This will cause a pathology that cannot be dealt with quickly.

Under no circumstances should you rinse your nose with tap water, especially unheated water!

This can cause swelling of the mucous membrane. After all, according to the laws of physics, water will be absorbed into the blood and tissues containing sodium chloride in order to equalize its concentration on both sides of the mucous membrane, which acts as a kind of semi-permeable membrane.

This is called osmosis. If you use unboiled water, especially from the tap, it may contain bacteria that are quite dangerous to health, which, against the background of decreased immunity, can easily take root and cause a deterioration in the patient’s well-being.

Such water can only be used if irrigation therapy is used as part of an everyday hygiene ritual.

Pharmacy drugs

Today you can buy ready-made preparations with saline solution. Most of them are made from sea water. This:

Some medications are available in the form of sprays and drops, and some, in particular Dolphin and Aqua Maris, are equipped with special systems that significantly facilitate irrigation therapy. But any of them can be replaced with saline solution.

This will not make the procedure less effective. The only thing that will change is the convenience of its implementation, because you will have to resort to the help of improvised devices.

Folk remedies and decoctions

The beneficial properties of medicinal plants and other natural products are difficult to overestimate. They are also able to help if you have breathing problems. For example, it is useful to do rinsing:

Decoctions and infusions of herbs. You can wash with chamomile, sage, calendula, eucalyptus or a mixture of them. The easiest way is to prepare an infusion. For this, 1-2 tbsp is enough. l. Pour the plant material into a liter jar, pour boiling water over it and leave for a quarter of an hour.

Then the infusion is filtered and cooled. It is extremely important that its temperature is close to the temperature of the human body, so as not to cause burns or, conversely, hypothermia of tissues and vasospasm.

Antibacterial and antimicrobial nasal rinses

For sinusitis, many otolaryngologists recommend the practice of soda irrigation.

A drug based on it has a bactericidal effect, due to which it kills pathogenic microorganisms that cause inflammation in the paranasal sinuses.

Also, drugs such as Miramistin, Furacilin and Chlorhexidine can boast excellent antiseptic properties. But rinsing begins only after they are diluted. For this purpose, ordinary boiled or sea water can be used.

But you should not treat yourself with such antiseptics, as this is fraught with unpleasant consequences.

In addition, during such therapy it is extremely undesirable to swallow liquid, since this can lead to irritation of the gastrointestinal mucous membranes and the development of other pathologies.

How to prepare a solution for rinsing the nose?

You can prepare a classic isotonic saline solution, which can be used for any ENT diseases, easily and simply at home. To do this, dissolve 2 teaspoons of regular or sea salt in a liter of boiled water. Strain the product to remove undissolved crystals and small pebbles that can injure the mucous membranes.

When choosing sea salt, make sure that it does not contain dyes or flavors.

To irrigate children's noses, it is worth preparing a less concentrated preparation. Therefore, for every 200 ml of boiled water you need to take ¼ teaspoon of the selected salt.

To increase the effectiveness and give the product anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and disinfectant properties, you can add to it:

  • Soda. In this case, take 1 teaspoon of salt and soda per liter of water.
  • Iodine. One drop of iodine is added to the finished product.

Your own feelings will help you determine whether the solution is too concentrated. If, after its administration, a tingling sensation occurs, this indicates an excess of salt.

In such situations, it is necessary to immediately dilute it with water, since irrigation with hyperconcentrated drugs can lead to the formation of severe swelling and dryness of the mucous membrane, which can lead to the appearance of discomfort and crusts.

How to properly rinse your nose? Washing technique

There are several options for implementing this hygienic procedure at home, since for this purpose the following can be used:

  • syringe;
  • syringe;
  • pear;
  • an ordinary teapot;
  • special medical devices.

Regardless of the choice of device, there are a number of rules that must be followed:

  1. The temperature of the finished product should be within 25–30 °C.
  2. An adult needs to use at least one glass of liquid to cleanse each half of the nasal cavity.
  3. If manipulations are performed with herbal decoctions or products prepared from pharmaceutical preparations, they should be prepared daily. It is not recommended to use yesterday’s ones, since microorganisms have managed to multiply in them within a day.
  4. It is best to practice irrigation therapy over a sink, wide basin or other container with a large diameter.
  5. Before the event, you need to blow your nose well, and suck out the snot for babies using special aspirators, a syringe or other device.
  6. After performing the manipulation, you need to stay at home and avoid drafts for an hour.
  7. If the sessions do not bring relief or even cause a worsening of the condition, you need to stop self-medication and consult a specialist.

If the inflammation has affected not only the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, but has also spread to the nasopharynx and pharynx, they should also be cleaned.

To do this, the head is slightly tilted forward, one nostril is pinched, and the liquid is drawn in with the opposite one. In this case, the rinsing solution from the nose will flow into the oral cavity through the nasopharynx, cleansing it, and pour out from the slightly open mouth.

You can, on the contrary, tilt your head back, open your mouth slightly, stick out your tongue and inject liquid into the nasal passages using some device, for example, a syringe or syringe. As soon as it gets into the mouth, it is immediately spat out. After completing the session, it is recommended to blow your nose to remove any remaining moisture and mucus.

Syringe

The easiest to perform is irrigation with a syringe. For adults, products with a volume of 10 or 20 ml are suitable; when treating children, it is better to limit yourself to 5 and 10 ml syringes. The product is drawn into the instrument without putting on a needle. Its tip is inserted into the nostril and, gradually pressing on the piston, liquid is injected.

Syringe (bulb)

To do flushing with a pear, special skill is also not required. The solution is drawn into it by squeezing the body of the device and immersing it in a container with liquid. Then the tip of the syringe is inserted into the nostril and, gradually pressing on it, the medicinal solution is injected. It is important to avoid sharp and strong pressure.

It is advisable to choose a device with a soft tip to avoid damaging the tissue. The volume of the bulb used can be any, but it is better to give preference to 200 ml devices, since this is the amount of liquid that is recommended to be used to cleanse one half of the nose.

The bulb for irrigation therapy cannot be used for enemas, vaginal douching or any other purposes!

Teapot or special teapot

There are special kettles on sale called “neti pots”. They are more often found in stores selling oriental goods, since such devices have been used by Buddhist monks for centuries specifically for daily cleansing of the nasal cavity.

But in the absence of one, an ordinary teapot will do, as long as it has a narrow spout. If the house only has a teapot with a wide spout, you can put a nipple on it with a cut off end.

The vessel is filled with the prepared solution, tilted to one side and the tip of its spout is inserted literally a couple of millimeters into the nostril. Raising the device, pour in the liquid, first opening your mouth slightly.

Precautionary measures

In general, irrigation therapy is quite safe, but certain precautions should still be taken when implementing it:

  • When administering liquid by any method, you should hold your breath so that it does not penetrate the respiratory tract and ear canals.
  • It is harmful to carry out manipulation until breathing has been restored, since this increases the risk of fluid and bacteria entering the ears.
  • If you feel that water has gotten into your ear, you need to try to get it out immediately, for example, by tilting your head in the appropriate direction, twitching sideways, up and down, so that the liquid flows out faster. Otherwise, the ear may become sore, which can lead to the development of otitis media.

How often and how many times a day should you rinse your nose?

Usually, otolaryngologists advise patients to perform manipulations for therapeutic purposes about 3 times a day, with the last session should be performed at night.

How many days it will take to do this depends on the severity of the disease and the characteristics of its course, but in most cases from 7 to 14 days is enough.

Longer treatment is required for chronic sinusitis or if a person constantly works in dusty conditions.

You can also do a salt rinse to prevent the development of colds. For this purpose, 2-3 sessions per week are enough, but it is better to make them part of the daily hygiene ritual, like brushing your teeth and taking a shower.

When is nasal rinsing contraindicated and ineffective?

Despite the apparent safety of the event, in certain cases it cannot be carried out, namely when:

  • the presence of tumors in the ENT organs;
  • weakness of the walls of the vessels of the nasopharynx, since in such situations severe bleeding is almost inevitable;
  • significant swelling of the mucous membrane.

Pregnant and lactating women are not prohibited from washing with traditional isotonic solutions. On the contrary, performing these therapeutic manipulations will be very useful for a complete recovery from the disease, especially in their situation.

If self-medication turns out to be ineffective and does not bring results, then this is a direct incentive to contact an ENT specialist. This can be observed with congestion caused by sinusitis.

In such cases, doctors recommend rinsing the sinuses from mucus and pus using the “Cuckoo” procedure. This method involves removing the contents using a vacuum, that is, the nurse pours the medicine into one nostril, which is sucked out by an aspirator from the other.

Nasal rinsing procedure “Cuckoo” for sinusitis

This is one of the effective ways to treat sinusitis, in most cases it allows you to cope with a common runny nose or cold and avoid a puncture.

In this case, the patient must constantly repeat “Ku-Ku”, since the pronunciation of this combination of sounds helps to close the throat, so that liquid does not enter it. The procedure is safe, effective, and completely painless and can be prescribed even to children over the age of 5 years.

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Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 12 years

Specialty: Otorhinolaryngologist Work experience: 8 years

Source: http://nasmorkam.net/kak-promyvat-nos-v-domashnih-uslovijah/

Nasal rinse with salt water. How to rinse your nose at home?

Nasal rinsing is widely used to treat various diseases of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and their prevention. During this procedure, the nasal passages are cleansed of accumulated mucus and microorganisms. This allows you to quickly cope with colds, flu and other similar diseases. Nasal rinses are also used to moisturize the mucous membrane, eliminate allergic reactions, facilitate breathing and maintain the functioning of the upper respiratory system.

Benefits of nasal rinsing

The appearance of a runny nose is most often associated with allergies, viral or bacterial infections. It is worth noting that the increased production of mucus itself is a protective reaction of the body aimed at removing pathogenic microorganisms or allergens. At the same time, a severe runny nose has the opposite effect: the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, nasal breathing becomes difficult, and the protective mechanism stops working.

Rinsing the nose helps remove mucus and pus accumulated in the nasal passages, and washes away pathogenic bacteria and viruses, as well as dust particles, from the mucous membrane. This procedure helps restore natural breathing. To carry it out, different solutions can be used to speed up recovery for various diseases.

Washing is carried out for such pathologies as:

Salt nasal cleansing is used not only for treatment, but also as a preventive measure for the above diseases.

Indications for use of saline solution

For pathologies accompanied by a runny nose

Most often, rinsing the nose with saline solutions is carried out for diseases accompanied by a runny nose. It is better to start procedures with the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. Since the sooner you begin to flush out pathogenic microorganisms from the nasopharynx, the sooner a complete recovery will occur and the less chance of complications developing.

Such procedures are important for inflammatory pathologies of the sinuses. For frontal sinuses and sinusitis, they are carried out daily three times a day for 7-10 days. Regular flushing is also used for chronic forms of these diseases, reducing the likelihood of exacerbation.

To moisturize the nasal mucosa

Nasal rinsing is also carried out to moisturize its mucous membrane, which occurs with certain diseases, increased dryness in the room, and also after surgery in this area. Such procedures increase the resistance of the mucous membrane to infection and adverse external factors, reduce the likelihood of illness and speed up recovery.

For other problems

Nasal rinses are also used before using certain medications to treat the nasal cavity. This procedure increases the effectiveness of many ointments, sprays, and drops used. This is due to the fact that the substances of the drug fall directly on the nasal mucosa.

Homemade nasal saline solution

Properly prepared saline solutions are completely harmless and can be used to treat pregnant and lactating women, as well as children of any age. To prepare a rinse, you can use regular table salt. However, it is better to replace it with sea water; it contains a large amount of useful substances and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the mucous membrane. When choosing salt, you should give preference to one that does not contain any additives, such as flavors, dyes, fragrances, etc. You can buy it at almost any pharmacy.

Recipes

To prepare the solution you will need two small spoons of sea salt and clean water. The resulting product can be used for rinsing the nasal passages in case of inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity and for their prevention, as well as for people working in dusty rooms. This solution is also suitable for gargling. To rinse a child’s nose, the dosage is reduced to half a small spoon per cup of water.

When using ordinary salt to prepare a solution, you need to dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of clean water. When preparing a wash, you should take into account your own feelings. If a person experiences discomfort with a standard dosage, then you should try to reduce the amount of salt in the solution.

The purity of the water also plays an important role. If it is contaminated, there is a risk of infection, which can worsen the patient's condition. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the temperature of the solution. Too hot water can cause burns, and too cold water can cause irritation.

How to properly rinse your nose with salt water

Experts advise rinsing your nose about three times a day, with the last procedure being carried out shortly before bedtime. The duration of such treatment can be 1-2 weeks depending on the disease, its course and the treatment provided. For preventive purposes, the nose can be washed twice a week.

Before starting the procedure, the person must blow his nose well. An adult needs at least a glass of saline solution to cleanse the nose. Carry out the procedure over a sink or bathtub. The liquid is poured into the upper nostril and should flow out from the lower nostril. After rinsing the nasal passages, you should not be in a draft or leave the room for an hour. If the patient’s condition worsens after the procedure, you should definitely consult a specialist.

Rules of application

It is worth noting that there are some contraindications to the use of nasal rinses. These include:

To carry out the procedure in young children, you can use a pipette or a small syringe without a needle. Adults can use a special teapot or rubber bulb. First, the solution is poured into one nostril, the second can be pinched with your finger, the liquid will pour out through the mouth, then the procedure is repeated with the second nostril. The patient can turn his head to the side, in which case the solution is poured into one nostril, and it flows out of the other.

If there is severe fear, discomfort or poor tolerance to the procedure, a gentle washing method can be used. It is much less effective, but it also helps to cope with the disease and clear the nasal passages. The patient tilts his head back and a saline solution is instilled into his nose using a pipette. After about a minute he should blow his nose well.

Using pharmacy salt water for the nose

List of drugs

Pharmacies offer a fairly large list of drugs for nasal rinsing. The most popular saline solutions include: Aqua Maris, Quicks, Otrivin, Dolphin, Aqualor, Morenazal, Avamis. Some of these products also contain medicinal plant extracts and essential oils.

Infusions and decoctions of herbs in their pure form cannot be used to cleanse the nose, as this can lead to damage to the mucous membrane. But such agents can be added to the saline solution. In this capacity, infusions of chamomile, calendula or eucalyptus are most often used. You can prepare them yourself or purchase them at a pharmacy and add 250 ml drops of saline solution to your nasal rinse.

Features of nasal rinsing in children under one year old

A teapot or rubber bulb should not be used to syring the nose of babies under one year of age. At this age, the volume of the solution should be minimal. Therefore, cleaning with small cotton wool is better suited for crumbs.

To prepare a solution for a child, you should dissolve half a small spoon of salt in a glass of water or purchase a ready-made rinse. The baby should be placed on his side or back, with his head turned to the side. Then, a cotton swab is generously moistened in the prepared solution and inserted into the nostril. After this, the child’s nose is gently squeezed, this will help the solution enter the nasal passage. Next, the turunda is removed from the nostril and all excess is removed from the nose using an aspirator. The procedure is repeated for the second nostril.

How to rinse an older child's nose with salt water

For children over one year of age, nasal cleansing is usually done using a pipette. To do this, the child is placed on his side. Then take the prepared solution into a pipette and instill 2-5 drops into the upper nasal passage. Then, using an aspirator, the liquid along with mucus is removed from the spout. The procedure is repeated for the second nostril, first turning the child to the other side.

For older children, you can increase the dosage to 9-10 drops. From about 2-2.5 years old, it is allowed to use a small syringe without a needle to syring the nose. For a child over seven years old, the procedure can be performed using an adult method.

Additional questions

How often should you rinse your nose with salt water?

To prevent diseases, it is enough to rinse your nose 2-3 times a week. For medicinal purposes, the procedure is carried out 3-4 times a day for 7-15 days. People working in dusty conditions are recommended to rinse their nose regularly, preferably after each working day spent in such conditions.

How to rinse your nose with a syringe?

In order to rinse the nose, an adult will need a syringe; a 5 ml syringe is suitable for a child. When performing the procedure, you need to tilt your head over the sink, turning it to the side so that the nostrils are at different heights. Then a saline solution is injected into the upper nasal passage using a syringe without a needle. During one procedure, approximately ml of liquid is injected, and it should be poured through the second nostril and mouth.

How to use a pear?

The nose is syringed with a bulb with a soft tip, this will help prevent injuries to the nasal mucosa. Its volume may vary, but 200 ml will be enough. The patient should bend over a sink or basin, tilting his head to the side. The tip of the bulb is inserted into the upper nostril and the prepared solution collected into it is released. After all the liquid comes out of the second nasal passage, take another portion of the solution and repeat the procedure with the other nostril.

How to wash your nasal passages with a cuckoo?

Washing the nasal passages with a “cuckoo” can only be used by specialist doctors in a clinic or hospital. To carry out the procedure, the patient lies on his back. Catheters are inserted into both of his nostrils. One of them receives a saline solution, and through the second it is sucked out along with pus and mucus. To prevent fluid from pouring into the bronchi and choking, the patient must continuously say “ku-ku,” which is what gave this method of clearing the nasal passages its name.

The duration of the procedure is about a quarter of an hour. In itself it is quite unpleasant. Despite the controversy of this method of treatment, many patients note its effectiveness and significant relief after the procedure. It is worth noting that nasal rinsing using the “cuckoo” method is contraindicated for preschool children and people suffering from mental illness.

Source: http://nasmork-rinit.com/lechenie-nasmorka-dlya-vsekh/533-kak-promyvat-solenoj-vodoj-nos

How to rinse a baby's nose

All mothers know that the baby’s nose should always be clean. His mood, appetite, and most importantly, sleep depend on this. That's why every mother should know how to properly clean and rinse her newborn baby's nose. This procedure is necessary for children not only during a respiratory illness, but also during daily care. However, each parent has his own point of view regarding means for cleansing the child’s nose. Some prefer to use medications (aquamoris, etc.), others use water, others rely on the advice of the older generation and use breast milk. But how should you wash your baby’s nose correctly so as not to harm the baby?

Why do you need to rinse your baby’s nose?

Cleaning your baby's nose and rinsing it daily is necessary for a number of reasons:

  1. As a prophylaxis for sinusitis and sinusitis.
  2. To remove crusts that have formed in the nose.
  3. For medicinal purposes.

Parents should remember that a clean nasal mucosa is the key to the baby’s health and good mood.

Saline nasal spray

Saline nasal solution in the form of a spray is strictly prohibited for use by young children. It can only be used from one year onwards, or preferably three years. Rinse your child's nose as follows:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water before using the spray.
  2. Hold your child upright and spray the nasal spray into each nostril 1-2 times.
  3. Place the baby so that the head is lower than the body. This is necessary so that the saline solution weakens the thick secretion of mucus, and the baby can sneeze it into the accessible part of the nose.

If the child cries and resists the procedure, then it should be postponed. Remember that rinsing should be gentle and any discomfort on the child’s part should be minimized.

How to rinse your nose with a bulb

All adults can easily rinse their nose, knowing how and with what to do it correctly. But the child is not yet able to understand why the mother carries out such procedures, which may seem like real torture to him. You can wash your baby’s nose not only with special medications in appropriate packaging, but also with saline solution using a syringe, better known as a pear. This item is an excellent tool for clearing your little one's nasal passages. To rinse your nose with a pear, you need to:

  1. Wash the pear with soap and rinse thoroughly.
  2. Practice a little by squeezing and unclenching the bag. This will allow you to learn how to control the force of pressing the syringe in order to deliver a stream of saline solution into the baby's nose with the required force.
  3. Keep your baby upright by tilting his head slightly to the right.
  4. Press the bulb to release a small amount of solution into the spout.
  5. Let the water flow out.
  6. After a few minutes, use the same pear, only empty and without air, to remove the soggy mucus from the baby’s nose.
  7. After this procedure, wash the pear again with soapy water.

You can rinse and clean your nose with a pear 3-4 times a day. If you carry out this procedure more often, you can damage the mucous membrane of the nasal passages. To prevent irritation for your baby, you can use a decoction of chamomile to soften crusts in the nose.

Reliable and safe nasal rinse

The most effective and, most importantly, safe means for rinsing the nose of babies is the drug “Aquamaris”. This product is made from natural products without added chemicals. The preparation is based on sea salt and water. There are two types of this product - drops and spray. Children under one year old, and preferably up to 3 years old, should use the drug in drops, since the spray can lead to inflammation of the middle ear, as well as asphyxia, due to the physiological immaturity of the child’s respiratory tract. You can use drops from the first days of a baby’s life. Usually a 3-fold application is prescribed - 2 drops in each nostril 3 times a day. After instillation, the crust becomes soaked and can be easily removed using cotton wool.

How to make your own saline solution

To make a saline solution at home, you will need:

  1. Clean container (glass jar);
  2. A liter of sterile water at room temperature (you can use distilled water);
  3. A level teaspoon of sea or rock salt;

To make the solution, simply place these ingredients in a clean container and stir. Make sure that all salt crystals dissolve in the water. This is very important, since they can be inadvertently dropped into the baby’s nose and cause a burn to the nasal mucosa.

Remember, you cannot touch or measure the temperature of the prepared solution with your fingers.

To make a saline solution for rinsing a baby's nose, you need to take a smaller amount of salt, about a quarter of a teaspoon. In addition to distilled water, you can also use still mineral water.

How to rinse a child’s nose after 6 years

At school age, children already understand the need for certain procedures. Therefore, you can wash your nose with it a little differently. Nobody prohibits the use of the above means. But due to the individual development of each baby, some of them may not be effective. Therefore, if your child is sick and has nasal discharge due to a cold, then it is better to hold off on using pharmaceutical drugs for a runny nose and use folk remedies.

  1. Prepare the saline solution as described above.
  2. Have your child cup their hands and lean over the sink.
  3. Pour a little solution into the child's palms.
  4. Have your child inhale the saline solution through their nose.

Don't be afraid that the water will get into his throat. If the body is positioned correctly, it will flow back out of the nose. This procedure must be repeated 3-5 times. Not all children respond well to this method. However, it is considered the most effective for rinsing and moisturizing the nasal passages.

There is another method for which you will need a saline solution and a special watering can. To rinse, you need to ask the child to lean over the sink and turn his head to one side (first to one side, then to the other). Now you need to carefully insert the watering can into the child’s nose (not deep so as not to hurt him) and pour salt water into the watering can.

Whatever method you use to rinse your nose, remember that the main thing is to create an optimal level of humidity in the room. Then the formation of mucus in the nasal passages will be less intense, and the nasal mucosa will be sufficiently moisturized. These conditions are the key to clean breathing for every person, and especially for a newborn child.

Source: http://razvitierebenka.info/uchod/kak-promyt-nos-rebenku.html

How to properly rinse your nose with salt water

Rinsing the nose with salt water is popular today and is considered a good remedy for a runny nose. The procedure cleanses the nasal cavity of any kind of pathogenic microorganisms, prevents the further development of a cold or eliminates it completely. You can also rinse your nose to maintain normal functioning of the respiratory system in healthy people. The final result depends on the correct preparation of the solution and the procedure.

Therapeutic effect of the rinsing procedure

  1. An aqueous solution of salt disinfects the nasopharynx, reduces inflammation, significantly reducing the likelihood of developing an infectious disease.
  2. Completely eliminates various allergic irritants, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction.
  3. Reduces swelling of the mucous membrane, facilitating nasal breathing.
  4. Strengthens the vessels of the nasal cavity, increases local immunity.

Proper rinsing of the nose with salt water during the treatment of sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, runny nose, etc. helps speed up the recovery process, and also prevents the development of complications in advanced cases of the disease.

Preparing the rinsing solution

A saline solution for rinsing the nose is considered absolutely harmless and can be used even by children and pregnant women, which cannot be said about medications, the use of which is associated with a risk of side effects.

The solution can be prepared from both table salt and sea salt, but without additives (you can buy it at a regular pharmacy for a low price). The latter option is more preferable, since sea salt contains a number of useful minerals and has a therapeutic and preventive effect on the mucous membrane.

Options for sea salt rinsing solutions

For 1 glass of boiled water at room temperature, take ½ tsp. sea ​​salt.

For 1 glass of boiled water at a comfortable temperature, take 2 tsp. sea ​​salt. This dosage is relevant for people working in very dusty rooms.

For 1 liter of warm boiled water, take 2 tsp. sea ​​salt. The product is good to use for gargling, cleansing the nose in case of inflammatory diseases, acute and chronic sinusitis. To rinse a child’s nose, the solution is prepared from ¼ tsp. salt and a glass of boiled water at room temperature.

If for some reason you were unable to find sea salt, you can use regular table salt. For 0.5 liters of warm water, take 1 tsp.

To prepare a salt solution to cleanse the nasal cavity, you can also use salt in combination with baking soda, take ½ tsp for 1 glass of warm boiled water. products. The solution will have a bactericidal effect. The solution cannot be used to prevent disease, only for medicinal purposes.

How often can you rinse your nose?

For preventive purposes, 2-3 procedures per week are sufficient. It is recommended to use ml of solution per procedure. In order to treat an inflammatory disease, rinsing the nasal cavity should be done daily 3-4 times a day for 1-2 weeks, depending on the condition. For people who have chronic upper respiratory tract diseases, or who are forced to work in very dusty areas, the procedure is recommended for continuous use.

Technique of the procedure

Today there are many methods and devices for cleansing the nose of pathogenic contents. In pharmacies you can buy a special watering can, which resembles an ordinary small teapot with an elongated neck and a narrow spout. You can use a regular bulb syringe, which is very convenient if used carefully and correctly.

Video: Rinse your nose correctly.

To rinse your nose with salt water, you need to lean over the sink, turn your head slightly to the side and open your mouth. Next, slowly pour saline solution from a watering can into the nasal passage, which is higher. When rinsing correctly, the liquid should flow out of the nostril below. During manipulation, you should hold your breath so as not to “pour” the solution into the lungs or bronchi. Then turn your head slightly in the other direction and repeat the manipulation with the other nostril.

For children, rinsing is not recommended earlier than 6 years of age. Until this age, the solution can be irrigated into the nasal cavity several times a day. To do this, pour the solution into a bottle with a spray dispenser. Change the solution daily. After each irrigation, 5-10 minutes later, you should let the child blow his nose, if possible.

Before using this method of treatment and prevention of runny nose and other colds, it is important to consult a specialist.

Rinsing is not recommended if there is existing nasal congestion; it will not have any effect. In this case, you should use a product with a vasoconstrictor effect, and then rinse. After washing, you should not go outside for the next two hours. This is necessary to prevent the development of a runny nose due to hypothermia due to the remaining fluid in the sinuses.

The only contraindication to rinsing your nose with salt water is a tendency to otitis media.

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Nasal rinsing at home for children and adults

Nasal rinsing or lavage is one of the methods of treating a cold that makes it easier. It allows you to get rid of mucus, relieve swelling, wash away pathogens and reduce inflammation. Some experts recommend carrying out the procedure as a prevention of ARVI in the autumn and winter, others even advise including it in the list of daily hygiene measures.

Types of lavage

The modern nasal rinsing procedure has quite a few options, united under this general name. These in ENT practice include:

  • Nasal irrigation. This type of lavage is considered one of the softest. A balloon is brought to the nostril, from which the active substance is evenly sprayed (usually sodium chloride, that is, ordinary salt). Nasal irrigation is carried out using special pharmaceutical preparations (Dolphin, Rhinolife). A nebulizer operates in a similar way. There is known data on the penetration of drops of the drug into the maxillary sinuses. This method is recommended for patients with damaged and sensitive nasal mucosa.
  • Rinsing with a pear or mug. This method is the most common. It is suitable for use at home. When washing, it is important to follow safety precautions. Otherwise, the infection may spread from the nasal cavity and sinuses to the middle ear.
  • Nasal shower. The procedure is performed in a hospital or clinic setting. For this purpose, special equipment is used, consisting of a needle or olive, which is attached to the vestibule of the nose, a hose and a container with saline solution (0.9% saline solution). Note. Some doctors also classify the previous method as a nasal douche.
  • Water jet washing. Used for young children who are not yet able to follow the recommendations of a doctor or other adult. The treatment solution is fixed in a container on a tripod and gradually flows into the child’s nasal cavity. It is also removed from the adjacent nostril without pressure. A pediatrician or parent can rinse the nose in this way after receiving appropriate recommendations.
  • "Cuckoo" or Proetz washing method. Such lavage is also carried out by a specialist doctor. The patient should be in a supine position. The device is a container with an olive, through which liquid is supplied. An antiseptic solution is pumped into one nostril and removed from the other using suction. The patient is advised to say “ku-ku” to increase pressure on the fluid, hence the name of the method.
  • Nasopharyngeal baths. The method consists of pouring 50 ml of liquid with a medicinal substance into the nasal passage of the patient, bending over a sink. After it fills the cavity, he is advised to pronounce “ke-ke” or “ku-ku”. As a result, the soft palate reflexively rises, which creates a sealed space in the nasopharynx. The liquid should remain there for up to 30 seconds, after which it flows freely from the adjacent nostril.
  • Aspiration. The method is used for infants who do not know how to blow their nose. A medicinal drug is poured into the child’s nose using a spray or syringe, and the mucus is sucked out with a bulb or a special aspirator.

Goals of the procedure

During nasal rinsing, the following therapeutic and hygienic effects are achieved:

  1. Softening dried mucus crusts and removing them.
  2. Liquefaction of liquid secretion and its evacuation. This is especially important if you have a runny nose that causes nasal congestion.
  3. For allergies, rinsing ensures the removal of antigens (substances that cause rhinitis in this case) from the surface of the nasal cavity.
  4. Preparation of the mucous membrane for the absorption of drugs. This increases the effect of medications taken through the nose.
  5. Removing pathogens (bacteria, viruses or fungal parasites) from the surface of the nasal cavity.
  6. Irritation of trigeminal nerve receptors. It is responsible for the size of the lumen of the vessels that supply the nasal cavity. The solution, getting on the mucous membrane, mechanically affects the nerve. As a result, the lumen of the blood vessels decreases, swelling subsides and the secretion of liquid secretion decreases (a runny nose goes away).
  7. With a nasal douche, mucus is removed not only from the nose, but also from the sinuses, which is especially useful when they are inflamed.
  8. Antiseptic effect. Washing preparations often include components that inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microflora. Even saline solution has these properties.
  9. Anti-inflammatory effect. It is provided by a number of drugs intended for lavage.

Indications for nasal rinsing

If we exclude the hygienic purposes that this procedure serves, it is recommended to carry out it in the following cases:

  • Rhinitis. Another name for this phenomenon is a runny nose, and its causes can be very diverse. Most often it is the result of an infection or allergy. Less commonly, rhinitis can occur as a reaction to constant irritation from mucous dust, small dirt particles or chemical agents. Nasal rinsing can be done in all these cases. In case of allergies, it is necessary to more carefully select preparations for making the solution so as not to aggravate its course.
  • Sinusitis. This is an inflammation of the sinuses; it is quite difficult to get the medicinal drug there, especially at home. The most common form of sinusitis is sinusitis, which a couple of decades ago was treated mainly with a puncture. Only the attending physician should determine the degree of development of the disease and the appropriateness of the procedure. Nasal rinsing for sinusitis is best done in a hospital setting.
  • The period after nasal surgery. This is the time for the restoration of the mucous membrane, when it needs constant care. The type of lavage - nasal shower, irrigation - must be determined by the doctor. It may be more appropriate to simply use sprays to moisturize the mucous membrane.

Rules for nasal rinsing at home

Nasal shower

You can independently use the lavage method using a pear or a nasal mug. It consists of several stages:

  1. A working solution is being prepared. It may contain pharmaceutical preparations or regular table salt and soda. If desired, you can use sea water. In the first case, you can add one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of soda to half a liter of water.
  2. The patient leans approximately 45° forward and to the side.
  3. The nose cup (with a spout) is brought to the nostril. It can be replaced with a regular teapot or syringe.
  4. Slowly pour the solution into the top hole.
  5. If the nasal passages are normal, it should flow out on its own through the lower nostril.
  6. Part of the solution may get into the mouth - this is also not a deviation from the procedure.
  7. The procedure is repeated for the adjacent nostril.

Important! It is better to refrain from excessive blowing of the nose during the procedure, since the liquid along with the infectious agent can enter the middle ear and cause otitis media.

Rules for rinsing your nose at home:

  • To carry out the procedure, it is necessary to prepare a fresh, warm solution.
  • Ideal liquid temperature°, as close as possible to the temperature of the human body.
  • When sick, it is recommended to rinse up to 3 times a day, for hygienic purposes – daily.
  • After the procedure, it is better not to go outside for 1-2 hours.

Washing is contraindicated when:

  1. Nose is stuffed;
  2. There are polyps or malignant neoplasms in the cavity;
  3. The nasal septum is curved (in this case, the doctor should decide whether rinsing would be useful);
  4. The cold is complicated by otitis media;
  5. The patient often experiences nosebleeds.

Contraindications for nasal rinsing

Comment. It is better if a specialist first shows you how to rinse your nose correctly. This will reduce the risk of undesirable consequences and will allow you to correct errors in the procedure if they occur.

Nasal irrigation

The procedure is carried out using commercially available drugs: Dolphin, Rhinolife. During irrigation, no back draft of the solution is created; it flows out solely under the influence of gravity. This measure is one of the most gentle. It is not suitable for persons with severe nasal congestion or profuse purulent discharge.

Irrigation is also used at home. Along with the powder for preparing the solution, the kit includes a nozzle and detailed instructions for performing the procedure. The patient should be in an inclined position during nasal irrigation; this may be uncomfortable for older people. The method has no other disadvantages; it is extremely simple to implement. The patient simply needs to press on the bottle presented to the nostril until the solution flows out of the other.

Nasal rinsing in pediatric practice

Irrigation procedures performed on young children have recently been highly valued by ENT specialists. Aspiration as a type of nasal lavage can be performed from birth. In a child under one year old, the nasal canal is narrow and short, so when there is a cold or allergy, it easily becomes clogged. Breastfed children eat poorly and sleep with nasal congestion, as a result their health worsens and their body weight decreases.

At home, aspiration is most often used. Modern experts recommend using the Otrivin nasal aspirator to remove mucus instead of a pear. In the article by E.P. Karpova and E.E. Vagina, published in the Independent Journal for Medical Practitioners, states: “Uncontrolled intensity of [bulb] aspiration can lead to negative consequences. Blowing air into the baby’s nose entails pushing the secretions deeper.”

Many mothers of infants note that it is quite difficult to gain the skill of using a douche bulb. In addition, kids do not like unnecessary manipulations, so it is undesirable to delay the process. All these arguments speak in favor of professional aspirators.

Otrivin baby consists of detachable parts that can be easily boiled and replaced. A spout with a cotton swab is inserted into the child's nostril, on which the mucus settles. Next comes a hose and a mouthpiece, through which the adult sucks out the liquid secretion. Spout attachments can be replaced to prevent re-infection. Even in this way, rinsing a child’s nose is not at all easy. It is better if both parents carry out this procedure: one to fix the baby, and the other to perform aspiration.

For older children, methods such as nasal shower and irrigation, described above, can already be recommended. They can be carried out starting from 4 years. When using pharmaceutical drugs, you must pay attention to possible additional restrictions specified in the instructions.

Making your own rinsing solution

The most common ingredients for nasal rinses at home are:

  • Salt. It thins mucus and promotes its separation. In case of dryness, it helps maintain the water-salt balance of the nasal cavity. This substance is popularly known as a preservative. No wonder it is added to vegetables when rolled into jars. It gained such fame because it is able to stop the growth of bacteria, including pathogenic ones. The concentration of saline solution for rinsing the nose should range from 0.9% to 3%. Experts say the optimal content is 2.5%.
  • Iodine. This element is a popular antiseptic. The main thing is not to overdo it with its content in the solution - 1-2 drops per glass of water will be quite enough, otherwise you can get burns to the mucous membrane.
  • Soda. Doctors note that this substance has rather weak antibacterial activity, but it is quite suitable for use in combination with another stronger antiseptic.

For the youngest children, you can rinse your nose with just warm water. This method is suitable if their discharge is liquid, transparent and does not contain pus.

If it is determined that the runny nose is of a non-allergic nature, then decoctions of the following herbs can be used as an alternative:

  1. St. John's wort. This plant contains vitamins that strengthen the cells of the nasal mucosa, phytoncides - antibacterial substances.
  2. Chamomile. This plant has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Its use is recommended for long-term diseases in which the mucous membrane is irritated.
  3. Sage. A decoction of this plant has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. The tannins contained in the composition contribute to the healing of the mucous membrane.
  4. Field horsetail. Its decoctions are used as a healing and sedative. Horsetail contains a large amount of flavonoids - substances that prevent the proliferation of pathogenic flora.
  5. Calendula. Blooming flowers are used for medicinal purposes. The brighter their color, the higher their content of nutrients. Its decoction shows little activity against common cold pathogens - staphylococci and streptococci. But it perfectly nourishes the mucous membrane and promotes its regeneration.

The decoctions should not be made too strong; when rinsing, there should be no burning or tingling sensation.

Important! If you have allergic rhinitis, you should refrain from rinsing your nose with components of plant origin, as they can increase unpleasant symptoms.

Pharmacy preparations for nasal rinsing

Such medicines include:

  • Furacilin. To rinse the cavities, use a 0.02% solution. The drug has a bacteriostatic effect. It is active against the most common causative agents of colds. Its component nitrofural penetrates the microbial cell and prevents its division.
  • Miramistin. The drug is available in the form of a ready-made solution with a concentration of 0.01%, which is suitable for rinsing the nose. Miramistin has a complex effect. It neutralizes bacteria and viruses, including those that are not sensitive to other drugs; promotes mucosal restoration; prevents its re-infection; activates local immunity. Miramistin is a hypoallergenic drug and is suitable for use by people prone to this disease.
  • Protargol. This drug contains silver, which, when it comes into contact with mucous membranes, acts as an antiseptic. In addition, protargol forms a protective film that prevents re-infection. To rinse, add a few drops of the drug to the solution.
  • Hydrogen peroxide. This compound enters into chemical reactions with biological objects (pathogenic bacteria). As a result, active oxygen is released, which triggers a series of oxidative processes. This inhibits the growth of microorganisms and reduces their number. Oxygen peroxide does not act completely, showing only a slight antiseptic effect. For rinsing, you need to use a weak solution (0.25%) or dilute 3% peroxide eleven times. Doctors warn that you should not constantly use the drug or use it to prevent colds, since it has a drying effect on the mucous membrane.

Important! Some doctors advise using chloramphenicol as a medicine. This should not be done; the antibiotic solution is intended only for injection or eye drops. Levomycetin is well absorbed through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and can cause allergies.

Separately, it is worth considering preparations with sea water. Their action and composition are almost identical. Such drugs include:

They differ from self-prepared saline solutions by the presence of trace elements in their composition - magnesium, potassium, selenium, iodine and others. They provide complete nutrition to the mucous membrane and increase the therapeutic effect of other nasal products used after rinsing.

Pros and cons of the procedure

Doctors do not give clear recommendations regarding the frequency and necessity of nasal rinsing. What experts agree on is the therapeutic effect of the procedure during diseases of the nasopharynx and sinuses.

What are the advantages of this washing compared to other therapeutic methods:

  1. Local action without unnecessary trauma. In Soviet medical practice, it was possible to deliver medicine into the sinus only through a puncture, which, of course, created a risk of infection and was extremely unpleasant for the patient. Modern drugs make it possible to clean the cavity by rinsing and achieve the desired therapeutic effect without the intervention of a surgeon.
  2. For sinusitis, rinsing the nose helps prevent the spread of infection. The maxillary sinuses are located close to the meninges and frontal sinuses. In case of stagnant purulent phenomena, washing reduces the likelihood of infection.
  3. Opportunity for independent implementation. The patient can rinse his nose at home, so no hospital visit is required. In addition to obvious comfort for the patient, this situation creates opportunities for bed rest, eliminates hypothermia and contact with other carriers of infections.
  4. Price is another important advantage. The simplest rinsing with a solution of table salt is available to any patient, regardless of his income level.
  5. The procedure can be performed at any age; it is suitable even for infants from the first day of life.

Nasal rinsing also has negative aspects:

  • The procedure itself is quite unpleasant, especially for people with sensitive mucous membranes. The saline solution causes tingling and irritation. Decoctions often have a specific smell.
  • Salt water can get into your mouth and also cause discomfort.
  • The effect of the procedure does not always happen; it does not lead to a cure, but only softens the manifestation of some symptoms and brings recovery closer.
  • If you are careless or excessively active, the disease can spread to neighboring organs. Such cases are not uncommon even for washing in a hospital setting. Most often, the throat (when the solution is swallowed) and the middle ear area (when the patient blows out the liquid with excessive pressure) is affected.
  • Some drugs recommended for rinsing dry out the nasal mucosa.
  • Constantly washing off liquid secretion from the nasal cavity is not advisable, since it serves as protection against pathogens, dust, and small dirt particles. Normally, the epithelium cleans itself, since its cells contain cilia that provide mucus flow.

Nasal rinsing is a procedure that is effective for colds and eases their course. The issue of its daily use is controversial and not fully understood. When making a decision about hygiene of this kind, you need to be attentive to your feelings and the condition of the mucous membrane.

Video: nasal rinsing in the program “Live Healthy!”

The concentration of the saline solution should be no more than 2%! Otherwise, you will get a headache due to damage to the mucous membranes.

This is somewhere a little less than half a teaspoon of salt and the same amount of soda per 200 ml of water. ENT said that for 200 ml of water, salt + soda should not exceed 2 g.

And do not think that the more concentrated the solution, the greater the therapeutic effect. Start small, and then find the right concentration for you.