If you have a stuffy nose, it makes breathing difficult. Luckily, a stuffy nose can be easily cleared with a nasal spray or nasal rinse solution.

Steps

Using a nasal rinse solution

Buy a kit with a nasal rinse solution or prepare the solution yourself. Nasal rinses help relieve a variety of symptoms if you have chronic nasal and sinus problems. Rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution can reduce inflammation, normalize breathing and unblock the sinuses. This will also help remove mucus from your nose and relieve nasal congestion. Buy a nasal rinsing kit at the pharmacy or prepare a saline solution yourself from available materials.

Use a bulb syringe or neti pot. To effectively rinse your nose with saline solution, you will need a bulb syringe (syringe) or a neti pot. A neti pot resembles a small teapot with a long spout. A bulb syringe or neti pot can be purchased at a pharmacy or ordered online.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before rinsing your nose to avoid introducing bacteria or other harmful microorganisms into your nose. After this, fill the syringe or neti pot with saline solution.

1. Stand over a sink or bathtub. If you are using a nasal rinse, you will need to lean over a basin, sink, or bathtub to allow the saline solution and mucus to drain into it.

   • Place the tip of the bulb syringe into your left nostril and gently spray the solution from it. Direct the flow towards the back of the head, not the top of the head. Do not inhale through your nose. A bulb syringe will allow you to squirt the solution into your nostril without inhaling it.
   • If you are using a neti pot, place the tip of the spout into your left nostril and lift the pot to allow the liquid to flow into your nose. If the solution does not flow out of the neti sweat, lift it so that it is slightly higher than your head, but do not tilt your head to the side. Keep your head straight so that your forehead remains above your chin.

2. Tilt your head forward, chin to chest. In this case, the remaining solution will flow out of the nose into the sink or bathtub. You can place a towel under your chin to absorb the solution. Do not swallow liquid if it gets into your mouth. Spit the solution into the sink or bathtub.

   • After you have rinsed your left nostril, you can lean over the sink or bathtub and blow your nose thoroughly through both nostrils. This will get rid of any remaining solution and mucus. You can also wipe away the water and mucus with a towel. However, do not pinch one nostril while blowing the other, as this can cause increased pressure on the inner ear canal.
   • Using a syringe or neti sweat and saline solution, do the same for the right nostril.

3. Repeat the procedure several times for each nostril until you run out of solution. The first few times you use it, you may feel a slight burning sensation in your nose. This is a normal reaction to the saline solution, and the burning should subside after you rinse your nose a few times.

   • If the saline solution continues to irritate your nose, it may not contain enough or too much salt. Taste the liquid and determine whether it is too salty (you will taste a lot of salt) or bland (you will barely taste the salt). Add water or salt if necessary to ensure the solution tastes moderately salty.
   • If you experience a headache after using a nasal rinse, it is likely that you lowered your forehead below your chin while rinsing, causing some of the solution to flow into your frontal sinus. After some time, the liquid will flow out on its own.

4. Use the nasal rinse solution once a day, morning or evening. If symptoms worsen or a serious infection develops, increase the frequency to twice daily.

   • Children may have difficulty using the nasal rinse solution. Help your child and make sure he does not lie down while rinsing his nose. The nasal solution works more effectively if you sit or stand during the procedure.

5. Close one nostril with your finger. Bend your head forward and place the tip of the applicator into your second nostril. Hold the can vertically so that the spray flows out of it normally. Place the applicator between your index and middle fingers.

   • Inhale through your nose. As you inhale, press the applicator with your index and middle fingers - as a result, a stream of liquid will spray into the nostril.
   • After the spray enters your nose, exhale through your mouth.
   • If your doctor has recommended that you spray two sprays into each nostril, repeat the above steps again. If you apply the spray once into each nostril, repeat the procedure for the other nostril.

6. Dry the applicator with a clean cloth. It is necessary to keep the applicator clean so that when using the spray, germs and bacteria do not enter your nose. In addition, you should cover the can with a cap to prevent small debris and dust from getting into the spray.

   • Store the nasal spray in a dry place at room temperature (not in the bathroom, where the humidity is too high). If the applicator becomes clogged, you can immerse it in warm water and then rinse it under cold running water. After this, dry the applicator thoroughly and store it properly. Do not attempt to clear the hole with a pin or other sharp object as this may contaminate the spray.

7. Be aware of the possible side effects of nasal sprays. Always study the composition of the spray you purchase. If you suspect you are allergic to fluticasone or other ingredients, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are taking antifungal or steroid medications, you should also consult your doctor or pharmacist. You may need to adjust your dosage or monitor for possible side effects. You should immediately stop using the nasal spray and consult a doctor if the following side effects occur.

Nasal lavage or lavage is one of the treatment methods 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 preventative measure 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 bulb 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.

Goals of the procedure

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

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

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:

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.

Rules for rinsing your nose at home:

• To carry out the procedure, it is necessary to prepare a fresh, warm solution.
• The ideal temperature of the liquid is 36-37°, 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. The nose is stuffy;
2. There are either malignant neoplasms in the cavity;
3. (in this case, the doctor should decide whether washing will 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 people with severe nasal congestion.

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 must 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. The vagina, published in the Independent publication for medical practitioners, states: “ Uncontrolled intensity of aspiration [bulb] 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 douche and irrigation can already be recommended, described above. 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:

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:

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:

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:

1. Aqualor;
2. Aquamaris;
3. Quicks.

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

What Advantages can be noted for 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:

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!”

Scientists have done a lot of research Saline Nasal Irrigation for Upper Respiratory Conditions and found that the saline solution:

• Moisturizes the nasal mucosa, preventing it from becoming thinner under the influence of too dry air.
• Slows down the development of inflammation.
• Reduces swelling.
• Makes breathing easier during ARVI.
• Reduces symptoms of allergic rhinitis. For example, with seasonal allergies to, since it washes allergen particles out of the nose.
• Reduces the risk of viral and bacterial diseases.

In addition, rinsing maintains the health of nasal cilia - the hair growing in the nostrils. These hairs are enveloped in mucus and moisturize the air, which then enters the nasopharynx and lungs, traps pathogenic bacteria and helps the sense of smell.

The benefits of nasal rinsing are so obvious that doctors recommend Natural Allergy Relief: Saline Nasal Sprays do this procedure for everyone. Including every day. For example, in winter, when the indoor air is dried out by heating devices.

And if you have hay fever or ARVI with snot, rinsing is absolutely necessary. Unless, of course, you want it faster.

The mechanism here is simple: you pour the saline solution into one nostril and tilt your head so that the liquid, having passed through the nasopharynx, pours out through the other.

Webmd.com

Now let's talk in detail about how to organize this Nasal Irrigation: Natural Relief for Cold & Allergy Symptoms.

1. Decide on a tool

To rinse, you will need a container for saline solution: a syringe, a syringe without a needle, a neti pot (this is the name of a special teapot for this procedure). All this can be bought at the pharmacy.

They also sell ready-made sprays with saline solutions, you can use them.

2. Prepare saline solution

Such solutions are also called physiological or isotonic. This means that, in addition to water, they contain exactly the same amount of salts as natural body fluids. In addition, there are hypertonic solutions - with a high salt content. Both options are suitable for washing.

Here is the most popular homemade saline solution recipe. You will need a glass of warm water (about 36.6 °C, rely on body temperature) - distilled or boiled, to prevent infection.

Add ¼-½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of soda to it. Mix thoroughly and pour into the prepared container.

3. Take the correct posture

Lean over the sink at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The nostrils should point down. Now turn your head slightly so that one nostril is higher than the other.

4. Start rinsing

Before starting the procedure, do not forget to open your mouth - you need to breathe through it. Place the tip of a douche, syringe, spray or neti pot spout into the upper nostril and squirt enough solution into it.

You can see how this is done in a video from Mayo Clinic.

If you feel a burning sensation, stop the procedure and prepare another solution - with less salt.

If you do everything correctly, fluid will begin to flow from the lower nostril, and possibly from the mouth. There is no need to swallow the solution, just spit it out. But if something gets into your throat, it's okay.

5. Clean your nose and repeat for the other nostril

After finishing rinsing through one nostril, gently blow your nose. Wipe your nose with a tissue and repeat the procedure (starting from step 3) for the other nostril.

When not to rinse your nose

In some cases, rinsing is at least useless, and at most harmful. Do not do this procedure if:

• Your nose is so blocked that you can't breathe through it. If you try to break through the congestion, you risk applying a stream of water with high pressure and, along with the liquid, introducing the causative agent of the disease into the middle ear.
• You have a deviated nasal septum. In this case, the liquid can linger in the nasal passages and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
• You have benign formations on the nasal mucosa.
• You often suffer from nasal problems.
• You have or know you are susceptible to ear infections.

If, despite all this, you believe that rinsing the nose is necessary, seek help and advice from an ENT specialist.

Breathing through your nose is necessary and important. Nasal breathing is an active physiological process aimed not only at the entry of air into the lungs, but also at its preliminary release from mechanical contaminants and pathogenic microorganisms. Due to the fact that the air passes through the nasal cavity, it reaches the underlying parts of the respiratory tract cleaned and warmed - this helps prevent numerous diseases. The activity of mucociliary transport as one of the most important mechanisms for protecting the respiratory system depends on the activity of the ciliated epithelium and the characteristics of nasal mucus, and these parameters, in turn, are determined by the state of the nasal cavity. An integral component of the treatment and prevention of a runny nose is proper cleansing, so it is important to know how to clean your nose at home and whether it is safe to do so.

To let your nose breathe

Among the therapeutic non-drug measures aimed at improving nasal breathing, the most acceptable are:

• nose toilet;
• irrigation therapy.

The purpose of a nasal toilet is to mechanically remove accumulations of mucus and crusts. Before removing the crusts, they should be softened. The definition of “nasal toilet” is closely related to the definition of “irrigation therapy”, or nasal irrigation. The difference between them is that in the first case, various means can be used to soften the crusts and cotton swabs directly for removal. In the second case, irrigation and washing are carried out using medicinal solutions. The nasal secretion is liquefied, which facilitates its evacuation. The method is also used to prepare for the administration of various drugs - antibacterial, antihistamines, topical decongestants and topical steroids.

During rinsing, mucus is removed, as well as allergens and pathogenic microorganisms.

Thus, toileting, or nasal cleaning, is intended to quickly remove elements that interfere with breathing and accumulations of mucus from the anterior sections of the nasal cavity, and irrigation therapy allows for a deeper cleansing of the nose. Sometimes nasal toilet and irrigation therapy methods are considered identical concepts, since the purpose of the implementation is to cleanse the nasal cavity.

Any procedures performed to affect the nasal cavity have both indications and contraindications. Cleaning your nose at home requires justification. If the nasal mucosa is not covered with crusts, and there is a sufficient level of humidity in the room where the person is, you should not resort to it. When the nose breathes independently without difficulty, active irrigation measures contribute to irritation of the mucous membrane and increase the risk of pathological changes in the auditory tube.

What conditions make it necessary to clean your nose? They can be presented in the list:

1. ARI (acute respiratory infections).
2. Atrophic rhinitis.
3. Adenoid hypertrophy, chronic adenoiditis.
4. Chronic rhinosinusitis.
5. Surgical interventions on the paranasal sinuses.

During the active phase of the inflammatory process, provoked by respiratory viruses and various bacterial agents, nasal congestion of varying severity occurs. Deterioration of nasal breathing contributes to increased headaches, drying of the mucous membrane of the lips and oral cavity. Studies conducted in various age groups have revealed that regular implementation of irrigation measures makes it possible to reduce the volume and frequency of use of vasoconstrictors. During the procedure, the microbial and viral load on the mucous membranes is reduced, dust particles are mechanically washed out and inflammatory mediators are removed. A significant advantage is the activation of local immune mechanisms and hydration of mucous membranes.

Cleansing the nasal cavity is necessary to remove provoking allergens.

It is known that the most effective way to combat allergies is to prevent and stop contact with substances that cause a reaction. Therefore, rinsing is effective as a method of prevention and therapy and helps restore the functioning of mucociliary transport.

Another reason to find out how to clean your nose is the increase in mucus viscosity and drying out of the nasal mucosa. The characteristics of nasal secretions largely depend on the temperature, humidity and dust levels of the premises. When using heating appliances, the air becomes dry and hot, and the humidity rapidly drops. Dust aggravates the impact of these unfavorable environmental conditions.

How to clear your nose while at home? There are various ways to introduce the rinsing agent. The most common among them are:

• rinsing with a bulb syringe;
• rinsing with a syringe without a needle;
• rinsing with a pipette.

Much depends on the age of the patient. For children, it is best to use containers that hold a limited and small amount of liquid - a regular pipette with a rubber bulb used for administering drops, or a bottle for nasal drops. A disposable syringe designed for 1.5 ml of solution is also suitable.

Adult patients can use a rubber syringe. The volume of the rinsing solution is about 250 ml (for both halves of the nose). You can also use a syringe (for example, 20 ml). The frequency of repetitions of administration depends on what the solution is filled with.

How to clear your nose at home? Can be used:

• homemade products;
• pharmaceutical products.

To clean your nose as effectively as possible, saline solutions are suitable.

You can prepare them yourself or purchase them at the pharmacy. Pharmaceutical products for nasal irrigation are available in drops, sprays and bottles. One of the most accessible and popular drugs is saline solution - this is an isotonic solution of 0.9% sodium chloride. There are also combined products indicated not only for mechanical cleansing - they have additional therapeutic effects (Rinorin, which may include chamomile extract, dexpanthenol, Quix based on Atlantic Ocean water, etc.). They should be used according to the instructions included with each drug. Before starting treatment, you should consult your doctor.

The method for preparing homemade saline solution is quite simple. You will need clean (preferably filtered) boiled water in the amount of 1 liter and table salt. A teaspoon of salt should be dissolved in prepared water. In this case, the resulting liquid should not be cold or hot; a value of 35-40 °C should be achieved.

The optimal temperature of the solution is close to body temperature.

You can pour a little solution into a separate container, test the temperature with your finger or check with a thermometer. It is best to prepare fresh product each time. Saline solution is suitable for use by both children and adults.

Washing procedure

How to clean your nose correctly? The following algorithm is suitable for adults:

1. In case of severe congestion, clean the nose with a handkerchief or napkin and dosed administration of vasoconstrictor drops or sprays (Oxymetazoline, Xylometazoline).
2. After facilitating nasal breathing, a few minutes later the rinsing is carried out directly. To do this, the patient bends over the sink and draws saline solution into a syringe or syringe without a needle. The tip is inserted shallowly into the nostril towards the top and the inner corner of the eye.
3. Using gentle pressure, the solution enters the nasal cavity on one side. It should pour out from the other side. Each half of the cavity should be washed 2 to 4 times.

How to clean the nose if the patient is a child? For small children, saline solutions in the form of drops are suitable, which can be administered 1-2 times into each nostril every hour, unless the instructions or doctor’s prescriptions provide otherwise. If we are talking about saline solution, there is no need to worry about an overdose. When a syringe is used, a solution is also dripped from it.

Do not insert the tip of the syringe deep into the nose and press the plunger sharply.

The creation of high pressure creates a risk of rinsing fluid and the contents of the nasal cavity entering the auditory (Eustachian) tube. This causes the development of an inflammatory process directly in the auditory tube and middle ear (eustachitis, tubootitis). Precautions regarding pressure during the procedure are relevant at any age.

To prevent colds and treat certain nasal diseases, rinsing is prescribed. They relieve congestion, relieve swelling and eliminate the inflammatory process. But you need to know what to rinse your nose with in order for the procedure to have an effect.

With the help of rinsing, you can achieve several goals at once:

1. Perform disinfection. Antiseptic compounds suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, disrupt metabolism in pathogenic cells, leading to their death. If left untreated, bacteria can spread from the nasal cavity to the pharynx and larynx, leading to complications.
2. Clear the respiratory organ of mucus and pus. Mucus clogs the nasal passages, the breathing process is disrupted. In addition, it is an optimal environment for the life of bacteria. Therefore, microbes are eliminated along with mucus.
3. Reduce tissue swelling and eliminate inflammation. At the same time, the breathing process becomes easier.
4. Prepare the nose for the administration of medications. Due to mucus, drugs cannot reach the mucous membrane. Therefore, to increase their effect, the nasal passages must first be cleaned.
5. Accelerate the process of tissue regeneration after surgery.
6. Wash off allergens from the mucous membrane. Allergy sufferers are advised to rinse their nose every day in spring/summer when plants are blooming.
7. Slow down the growth of polyps. But in this case, the procedures have little effect.
8. Increase nasal immunity. Due to this, the organ becomes more resistant to the action of pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Attention! First, if you have a runny nose or other diseases of the respiratory system, you should consult an ENT specialist. This is an effective addition to the main therapy, but it makes no sense to use only rinsing.

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Pros and cons of rinsing

Thanks to rinsing, the nasal mucosa is moistened. This avoids dryness in arid regions and in winter after the start of the heating season. During this procedure, the nose is cleansed of various contaminants (dust, crusts), and pathogenic microorganisms are removed from it.

However, rinsing also has its downsides. When the nose is blocked, the injected fluid cannot flow freely. Since water is introduced into the nasal cavity under some pressure, it can enter the middle ear. As a result, pathogenic microflora penetrates the tympanic cavity, causing inflammation - otitis media.

This problem is especially common in childhood. The infectious process can spread not only to the auditory tubes, but also to the adenoids. Therefore, it is not recommended for children to rinse their nose; it is better to instill or spray the solution.

The main indications for washing the respiratory organ are:

• sinusitis;
• rhinosinusitis;
• chronic runny nose;
• cold;
• allergic rhinitis;
• excessive drying of mucous membranes;
• prevention of seasonal diseases;
• recovery period after operations.

An ENT specialist often prescribes the procedure as an integral element of complex therapy. The use of some medications is recommended only after clearing the nasal cavity of accumulated mucus using a rinsing liquid. Such procedures are physiological and safe.

Contraindications

The procedure is contraindicated for nasal congestion. Due to swelling of the mucous membrane, the flushing fluid may enter the ear cavity. If you cannot do without rinsing, you can drip vasoconstrictor drops into your nose before the procedure.

Washing should be performed with caution in the presence of tumor processes, a predisposition to nosebleeds, and ear inflammation. With a deviated septum, the effectiveness of the procedure will be low.

There are many different remedies that you can use to rinse your nose with a runny nose at home. You can buy them or prepare them at home.

Pharmacy drugs

The treatment regimen should be selected by an ENT specialist. After all, it is impossible to independently determine the cause of an unpleasant symptom. It is advisable to use anti-inflammatory or antiseptic drugs when inflammation develops. And in case of allergic rhinitis, drying of the mucous membrane, their use is pointless.

But you can choose some remedies yourself. For example, preparations with sea water. They can be of two types. Saline solutions with a salt concentration of 0.9%, which corresponds to the normal salinity of human blood. They moisturize the mucous membranes well, restoring and strengthening them, and help with allergic rhinitis.

Hypertonic formulations are more saturated with salt, therefore they destroy harmful microorganisms. They reduce tissue swelling and accelerate mucus removal. But with prolonged use of such drugs, the mucous membrane dries out, so it is not recommended to use them for longer than 30 days.

You can buy saline solution at the pharmacy. This substance is inexpensive, safe, does not irritate tissue, and can be instilled into the eyes. The use of saline solution is suitable even for infants. It destroys pathogenic microflora from the nasal mucosa, under its influence the mucus becomes more watery, and swelling of the walls decreases.

Let's consider what else to rinse your nose with to eliminate a runny nose and other symptoms:

1. Humer. Contains diluted sea water. The Baby Humer is suitable for babies one month old and older. The bottle is equipped with a special dispenser, which ensures safe administration of the medication. The Humer for adults has a larger nozzle.
2. Aqualor. Also contains ocean water. Available in several forms. Aqualor baby is intended for babies from the first days of life. Aqualor Soft is suitable for allergy sufferers and people with dry nasal mucosa.
3. Aqua Maris. Available in the form of spray and drops. For children under one year of age, the use of drops is allowed. Aqua Maris Plus, in addition to diluted ocean water, contains dexpanthenol, which has a regenerating effect. This drug effectively helps with sinusitis and atrophic rhinitis. Aqua Maris Sense contains ectoine, which protects cells from destruction. Suitable for relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The drug is safe, so it can be used for long courses.

There are other pharmaceutical products, the main element of which is sea water. Before using them, you must read the instructions on the packaging.

You can also purchase drugs with antimicrobial and bactericidal effects:

1. Furacilin. The active element is nitrofural, which prevents microbial cells from multiplying. It is necessary to use a weak solution (0.2%). Half the tablet must be crushed and filled with 100 ml of hot water. It is recommended to use the prepared composition immediately.
2. Dioxidine. It is prescribed for sinusitis of various etiologies. A 1% solution is used (when purchasing the product, you need to pay attention to the concentration, as there are even more dilute solutions). Before washing, you need to check the tolerability of the drug and administer a test dose of 10 ml.
3. Hydrogen peroxide. This is an antiseptic drug that destroys germs and removes accumulated mucus. Rinse your nose with a 3% peroxide solution diluted with an equal amount of purified water (can be diluted with saline solution).
4. Miramistin. It has a dispenser that facilitates the process of rinsing the nose. The concentration of the product should be 0.01%. It is odorless and tasteless, does not cause burning, so the procedure does not cause discomfort.
5. Protargol. This is a concentrated product containing silver ions. The liquid is prescribed for the treatment of acute rhinitis. To rinse, add 3-4 drops per glass of water.
6. Chlorhexidine. It is a cheaper analogue of Miramistin. Kills microbes, has a gentle effect on mucous membranes, and is safe. A 0.05% solution is used for washing.

The above products are commercially available and are available without a doctor’s prescription.

There are many folk remedies that can be used to rinse your nose:

1. Chamomile infusion. Chamomile has disinfecting properties, has a gentle effect on mucous membranes, and does not cause irritation. To prepare the product you need 1 tbsp. l. pour a glass of boiling water over the flowers, leave for a few minutes and strain. Before using the nasal rinse, it must be cooled.
2. Sea buckthorn oil. Softens mucous membranes, destroys infections, and moisturizes well. Every morning you should rinse your nasal cavity with boiled water. Then lubricate the nasal passages with sea buckthorn oil.
3. Chamomile-sage infusion. Take 2 tbsp. l. dry mixture of chamomile and sage, pour half a liter of water. Cook for a few minutes after boiling. Then cool and strain. Before use, you can dilute it with boiled water in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Diluted red beet juice. Squeeze the juice out of the vegetable, and then 1 tbsp. l. mix with 100 ml of water. The product relieves swelling well, but with frequent use it burns the mucous membrane.
5. Salt and propolis product. Dilute 1 tsp in 500 ml of water. sodium chloride and add a few drops of propolis. Repeat up to 3-4 times a day. The resulting drug regenerates the mucous membrane.
6. Aloe juice. Tear off 1-2 lower leaves of the plant and refrigerate for several hours. Pass through a meat grinder or grind with a blender. Strain the resulting pulp through cheesecloth. Add 1 tbsp. l. juice in a glass of water.
7. Potassium permanganate. Dissolve several crystals of potassium permanganate in 200 ml of water so that the liquid is slightly pinkish, add 3 drops of iodine to it. The substance slightly dries out the mucous membrane, so it must be used with caution.
8. Calendula tincture. It is sold at the pharmacy, but you can also prepare it yourself. In summer, collect the first flowers of the plant and place them in a liter jar to the top. Then pour in alcohol so that it fills all the free space between the flowers. After 2 weeks, strain and pour into a dark container. This product can be stored for several years in a cool place, protected from sunlight. To prepare the washing solution, dilute 20 drops of tincture in a glass of water.
9. Boiled water. To rinse it, it must be cooled to a comfortable temperature.

Before using any drug, you need to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to its components.

To prepare a salt solution, you need 0.5 tsp. dissolve the substances in a glass of water heated to 40 degrees. If the resulting product causes a burning sensation, you will need to use less salt next time. Also, to prepare a similar solution, use 0.5 tsp per glass of water. sodium chloride, add a pinch of soda and 2 drops of iodine (you cannot add too much, as it can lead to irritation).

To prepare a furatsilin solution, you need to add a medication tablet to a glass of boiled water. Then strain the resulting product through cheesecloth.

Making your own washing solution: recommendations

When preparing a solution for washing, the following features must be taken into account:

1. The saline solution should be weak. Otherwise, it may burn the mucous membranes. Therefore, you should not add more than 1 tsp to a glass of water. salt.
2. You can dissolve the ingredients in boiling water. But after this you should wait until the product cools down to 40 degrees. The solution must be warm. If it is cold, it will lead to a cold. Hot liquid can cause thermal burns.
3. Do not use the composition unless all ingredients are completely dissolved. In this case, it is better to strain it. Otherwise, large particles can injure the mucous membrane or cause it to burn.
4. After performing the procedure, it is recommended to stand or sit for at least 10 minutes. It is prohibited to take a horizontal position of the body, as residual fluid may enter the ear cavity.

Rules for performing the procedure

Before the procedure, you need to prepare so that you know how to rinse your nose correctly. Failure to follow the rules can lead to various complications.

Let's consider the basic requirements for performing a nasal shower at home:

1. First, clear your nose of mucus by blowing your nose.
2. Approximately 100-250 ml of solution should be used at a time. It should be warm, but not hot (38-42 degrees).
3. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is no more than 2 weeks.
4. Each time you should prepare a fresh product. And, for example, the saline solution can be stored in the refrigerator, but not longer than a day. It must be warmed up before use.

The drug can be taken into the palm of your hand, previously washed with soap. Then bring it to your nose and draw in the liquid through one nostril, after which it should flow out through the other.

You can also draw the washing liquid into a syringe or a medical bulb. But they must be sterile. It is necessary to tilt your head over the sink and begin to introduce liquid in small portions. You cannot introduce it under high pressure, as the water will not have time to flow out.

Irrigation

Before irrigating, you need to blow your nose. Pipette the solution to be used. Lie on the sofa with your nose up, drop 3 drops of the substance into each nostril. You can also use purchased products, which makes the procedure easier.

Nasal rinsing in children

Due to low immunity, children are more vulnerable to colds. To prevent and treat them, it is recommended to gargle and rinse your nose.

Also, using the procedure, crusts and mucus that interfere with the breathing process are removed from the nose. Because of this, the child may sleep poorly and be capricious. Therefore, rinsing is an excellent way to combat insomnia.

Children can only rinse their nose by instilling or spraying the product. Saline solutions with reduced concentrations are suitable (check with your pediatrician), herbal decoctions and children's pharmaceuticals.

Important! Rinsing is a great way to stop your child from picking his nose. Kids do this because the crusts bother them and they want to remove them. If you carry out the procedure regularly, dirt will not accumulate in the nose, so over time the bad habit will disappear.

For rhinitis, repeat the procedure up to 3-4 times a day after meals. For sinusitis - up to 5-7 times a day. Children should irrigate their nose 2-3 times during the day.

Properly performed nasal rinses can reduce the symptoms of respiratory system diseases. Therefore, in order to avoid complications, it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements, take into account indications and contraindications, and choose the right remedy. Therefore, you should definitely consult a doctor.