Nasal irrigation is easy, quick and painless. It is recommended mainly for adults and children with nasal congestion from colds, sinusitis or allergic rhinitis.
The purpose of Nasal Washes is to clean the nose of dirt, mucus, crusts, dust and germs and to improve nasal breathing. To improve their effectiveness, they should be used at regular intervals. For adults 250ml (special bottle: e.g. SinusRinse, Athomer, Physiomer, Otosan) for each wash, usually 2-3 times a day. If there is a severe runny nose or crusts in the nose, even more washes are recommended. There are no restrictions. Nasal washes are completely harmless and improve nasal hygiene. Try to include nasal washes in your daily routine, like brushing your teeth.
Saline water for washing is prepared by dissolving the special sachet (usually 2.5 g of salt) in 250 ml of lukewarm water (a large cup). The water does not need to be boiled - running tap water is usually perfectly clean, however, if you have doubts about the purity of tap water, you can also use water that has been previously boiled.
How to use:
The solution can be introduced into the nose in various ways:
with a 250 ml syringe or with a special nasal jug or with a wash bottle with a special nozzle (considered the most practical).
-Go over the sink, place the wash bottle on your nose and tilt your head down (about 45°).
-Slowly push the solution into one nostril while simultaneously pronouncing the letter K or the sound GG. This closes the pharynx and the solution remains in the nose and exits through the other nostril.
-As the two nasal cavities communicate at the back of the nose, the solution exits the other nostril and falls into the sink.
-The wash is successful when you feel the serum going to the other nostril. This may not happen at first due to severe nasal congestion. In this case, you can use Xylometazoline spray (e.g. Otrivin, Ronal) 5 minutes before washing.
-At the end of the procedure, gently help the nose to empty by blowing gently ..
Medications and nasal washes
If you are using corticosteroid medications in the nose (e.g. cortisone nasal spray or a combination with an antihistamine), it is recommended to first clean the nose with nasal irrigation. This increases their effectiveness – as, after irrigation, the medications can better reach and act on the nasal mucosa.
In patients after sinus surgery (Sinusitis), fluid remains in the sinuses after the washes and the nose may run later if you bend to the side. To avoid this phenomenon, you can turn your head right and left alternately at the end of the nasal washes, bending forward so that the sinuses are also emptied! In the first period after the surgery, crusts are formed. These can be removed more effectively if the washes are repeated 2-3 times in a few minutes.
Visit the following websites for additional information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYZDeiOVJx0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW9mvVe7Mk4
