If we think about brushing our teeth, then nasal hygiene is not a reflex in our bathroom. Could this gesture be a preventive measure against the evils of winter? Answers with an ENT doctor and a pharmacy doctor.
The arrival of spring and pollen is accompanied by the famous hay fever for some unlucky ones. One of its notable symptoms is a stuffy nose. And when it comes to catching allergens and clearing the nostrils, nasal irrigation is recommended by healthcare professionals. However, this is far from the only situation in which this cleansing is required, confirm Georges Dib, an otolaryngologist at the Elsan Private Hospital in Er-et-Loire, and Léa Vacquier, a doctor of pharmacology and author of the book. Lea’s Pharmaceutical Council (1).
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Not required on a daily basis
On average, about 12,000 liters of air circulates in our respiratory tracts per day. As a human being is well formed, our nose controls the inflow of inhaled air through the nasal mucosa. “The latter, which is covered with microcilia, naturally retains the microparticles that we inhale, preventing these substances from reaching the bronchi and lungs,” says ENT doctor Georges Dib.
However, the air we breathe is not always as clean as it seems. So, if you live in the countryside, near a field, you will inhale a large amount of pollen, which can cause allergies. A dusty or polluted environment also brings its share of aerosols and other harmful particles. And when they build up in the nose, the natural filter mechanism works less well.
“In this sense, regular nasal washing can be a good preventive gesture against this accumulation of substances in our nostrils, especially if you are prone to allergies or live in a big city. But it is far from mandatory,” said Georges Dib. “If you ignore this cleanse, you’re not increasing your risk of health complications.”
Recommended for ENT infections
On the other hand, when a person comes down with an ENT infection, such as a cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis, or angina, rinsing the nasal passages is no longer an option. “This cleansing offers both a decongestant, which improves respiratory comfort, and an antimicrobial, as it allows the elimination of germs and bacterial secretions,” explains Dr. Georges Dieb. “At the first sign of a cold, particularly a runny nose, it’s a reflex to start washing your nose,” says Dr.
Which product to choose?
It is important to choose the right product before cleaning. For preventive and regular cleaning, medical professionals recommend so-called “isotonic” washing. “It is a mixture of mineral salts for dilution, the composition of which is similar to the composition of our nasal mucus. Unlike pure water, which can irritate the mucous membrane, isotonic water is softer and absolutely painless,” assures Lea Vacquier. In practice, this diluted mixture, sold by brands such as Rhinicur©, Respimer© or Rhino Horn©, is introduced into the nose using a “nasal douche”, a pipette or even a horn-shaped nasal irrigation kit, which is also available in Armenia. pharmacies.
Nasal congestion due to an ENT infection will be treated with a “hypertonic” solution enriched with more mineral salts. “The more salts there are, the more effective the cleaning will be. On the other hand, its use should be short-lived because it can weaken the mucous membrane and cause bleeding,” warns otolaryngologist Georges Deeb. This solution, which is mostly sold in pharmacies as a nasal spray, is also available as needed. “Some hypertensive solutions are enriched with aloe vera, a diluent, and others contain copper with anti-infective benefits,” reports Lea Vacquier.
Manual
Nothing could be simpler to wash. Whether you use a nasal spray, a pipette or a “horn”, the instructions are the same. If you have secretions, start by blowing your nose first. Stand on the sink, turn your head to the left, squeeze the left nostril and inject the solution into the right. Release the left nostril and let the water flow out. Repeat the same gesture on the other side. Wait a few moments before blowing your nose again.
“One cleaning per day is enough for preventive washing, which should be done before going to bed, so that the particles do not flow into the bronchi during the night,” advises Dr. Georges Dib. If the rinse is for treating an ENT infection, do it twice a day, morning and evening, for a week until the symptoms disappear. And if the nose continues to be blocked after this time, then we consult with our general physician.
(1) Lea’s Pharmaceutical CouncilBy Léa Vaquière, published by Marabout, 312 pages, €22.90.
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Source: Le Figaro
