It is estimated that people spend a huge amount of money on the treatment of sinusitis and sinusitis - more than $ 10 billion a year. The significant cost of medicines, poor health, temporary disability - all this makes us look for new methods of treatment for the common cold. In fact, everything is very simple. Even distant ancestors washed their nose with water daily along with the washing procedure. This simple action, performed regularly, can prevent many colds and relieve allergic rhinitis. And devices for washing the nose, which will be discussed in this article, will help ease it.
Why is nasal lavage useful?
As a result of washing, there is a mechanical release of the nose from mucus. During this procedure, the nasal mucosa is restored, its oxygen supply is improved, sinuses are removed from purulent secretions, intoxication is removed, and breathing is restored.
When washing, in contrast to the usual blowing, a more complete cleansing of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx from mucous formations is achieved. The use of devices for washing the nose helps prevent inflammation and reduce adenoids in children. In addition, in people prone to allergic reactions, with systematic washing of the nose, allergens are washed out, and the removal of puffiness promotes free breathing.
Indications and contraindications for rinsing the nose
In the nasal cavity is the mucous membrane, consisting of special cells that constantly produce mucus. Cilia hairs located in it, remove mucus to the outside and the person feels normal. After pathogenic microorganisms get on the nasal mucosa, it becomes inflamed and swells, congestion appears. Mucus begins to be secreted in large numbers, and cells cease to cope with it, and pathogens multiply rapidly in a favorable environment. Therefore, indications for using the device for washing the nose will be:
- sinus inflammation;
- epidemic during the period of viral diseases and flu;
- vasomotor and allergic rhinitis;
- ozena - fetid runny nose due to worsening atrophic process;
- for prevention.
Rinse your nose is not recommended in the following cases:
- with inflammation of the middle ear;
- nosebleeds;
- obstruction in the nasal passage;
- tumor formation;
- intolerance to drugs.
What are the devices for washing the nose
The physiotherapy rooms of hospitals and clinics have special equipment for nose washing. Often the patient is not very convenient to go to the clinic or there is no time. In this case, many people wash their nose at home. Moreover, this procedure can be carried out at home no less efficiently. To do this, use purified water, dissolve table or sea salt, baking soda in boiled water or purchase ready-made solutions in the pharmacy: physiological, Chlorhexidine, Furacilin, you can also use decoctions of herbs from chamomile and sage.
With any washing, the head leans forward and slightly to one side. The solution is first poured into the nostril that is higher. The mouth is ajar during the procedure. The following devices are used to rinse the nose:
- Syringe - the solution is typed into the syringe and carefully introduced first into one and then into the other nostril. Water pours out through the mouth or other nostril. Effectively leached mucus and the resulting crusts.
- Medical syringe - a large volume syringe without a needle is taken, the prepared solution is drawn into it and injected into each nostril in turn.
In addition, for washing from improvised means, you can use a teapot or a small watering can for watering flowers.
The use of various medical devices for washing the nose
For home use, in addition to improvised drugs used to treat the common cold, you can buy special ENT devices for washing the nose at the pharmacy, which greatly simplify this procedure.
Their choice is very diverse, here are some of them:
- "Rinolife" - consists of a bottle and a nozzle. It is used for adults and children from the age of four. A washing solution is purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently. Effectively eliminates dry nose and fights swelling.
- Nasal shower "Microlife" - used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. It helps with sinusitis, adenoids, rhinitis. When washing, blood vessels strengthen, the number of bacteria and viruses in the nasopharynx decreases, and the number of allergens decreases.
- NetiPot Maker - Yoga often uses it. Used for the prevention and treatment of respiratory organs. Used for the procedure for children and adults. Washed with saline, as usual, tilting and turning his head to the side. The neck of the kettle is firmly inserted into the nostril, water slowly pours into one and pours out from the other. The nostrils are washed alternately.
It should be recalled that after use, all devices must be thoroughly washed and dried. Each device is intended for individual use.
To purchase a device you need to know the name of the device for washing the nose. And for this it is necessary to familiarize yourself with what devices exist and for whom they are intended: for adults or children of a certain age.
Treatment of a common cold in children
Particularly carefully, one must approach the choice of medications for the treatment of the common cold in babies. A Canadian company based on sea water has developed the Aqualor Baby product, which is used for quick and painless treatment of rhinitis in infants. It is used:
- dry nose;
- to facilitate breathing during feeding;
- with daily hygiene of the nasal cavity;
- prevention and treatment of colds;
- acute and chronic rhinitis;
- allergic rhinitis;
- various inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx from the first days of a child’s life.
To wash the nose of the children with the Aqualor device, it is necessary:
- to lay the baby on one side;
- introduce the tip of the balloon into the nostril closest to you, gently pressing on it for several seconds, rinse the nasal cavity;
- raise the child’s head and remove the contents with a pear or aspirator;
- repeat the action with the other nostril.
Sea water helps relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and facilitates breathing, has a calming effect and strengthens the immune system. Several modifications of "Aqualor" for the nose and throat have been developed for children and adults with different shapes, composition and method of use.
Prosetz sinus flushing device
The method of washing the nose was developed at the beginning of the XX century by one of the American doctors A. Proetz and was widely used in Europe and Russia.
Rinsing of the nose and paranasal sinuses is carried out using a special apparatus, based on negative pressure. A vacuum-drainage method is called "moving fluid along the nasal passages along the Proetz." This procedure is often included in the complex treatment of many ailments associated with the nose and sinuses. It is carried out by a doctor or a procedural nurse on a device for washing the nose in a hospital or clinic.
The essence of the method
The method of washing the nose according to Proetz consists in the directional movement of fluid along the nasal passages. This is carried out using one-sided negative pressure created using a special apparatus. The fluid, which is administered in one nasal passage, circulates to the nasopharynx, and then passes to the other half of the nose. At the same time, she washes all the accumulated secretions and displays them out. As a result, the procedures are cleared of mucus and pus of the maxillary sinuses and the area of proliferation of adenoid tissue.
When performing washing, it is necessary to isolate the oral cavity, larynx and trachea from the ingress of the solution, so that a closed system is formed. For this purpose, the patient must constantly repeat the same syllable “ku”. When pronounced, the soft palate and epiglottis form a natural fluid shutter. That is why the Russian-speaking population has the name of the device for washing the nose - "Cuckoo."
Carrying out the Cuckoo procedure
For treatment, the following actions must be performed:
- The patient blows his nose, freeing his nose from mucus.
- An instillation of vasoconstrictor drops is performed to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa and improve the circulation of the solution.
- The patient lies with his back on the couch, his head thrown back, about 45 degrees.
- A special catheter is inserted into one nostril, through which a liquid antiseptic will continuously flow.
- In the second, an elastic suction is introduced, which is connected to a device that generates negative pressure.
- The continuous flow of fluid into one nostril and its suction from another effectively flushes the maxillary sinuses.
- During the procedure, the patient constantly says “cuckoo” so that the liquid does not get into the ears, mouth and throat.
- Breathing is done by mouth.
For washing, various solutions are used: “Chlorophyllipt”, “Miramistin”, “Furacilin”, “Chlorhexidine”. Sometimes antibacterial drugs, herbal infusions and saline solutions are used. After the end of the procedure, it is recommended not to go outside for a half hour in the cold season. In private medical centers, the price for washing the nose on the Kukushka apparatus is approximately 1 thousand rubles.
"Aqua Maris Home"
This device is specially designed for the prevention and treatment of colds, and can also be successfully used in the complex treatment of sinusitis and all types of rhinitis at home. The kit includes not only the device itself, but also thirty sachets of sea salt, which contain essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
The device can be used for all family members, both adults and children. When washing, the sea salt solution enters the nasal passages without pressure, so there is no danger of it entering the middle ear.
To wash your nose with the Aqua Marie home appliance, you must:
- With a stuffy nose, use vasoconstrictors before the procedure.
- Cut a bag of sea salt and pour into the device.
- Pour the contents with boiled water 37 degrees to the mark and mix.
- Lean over the sink by turning its head to one side.
- Take a deep breath and do not breathe. Attach the nose of the device to the nostril located on top.
- Pour the solution into the upper nasal passage so that it flows from the lower nostril.
- Without changing the position of the head, blow your nose.
- Turn your head straight and blow your nose again so that there is no fluid left in the nose.
- Repeat all actions from the second nostril.
The device for washing the nose cannot be used with its full nasal congestion, nosebleeds and inflammation of the middle ear.
The use of "Dolphin" for adults
Before using the vial with the solution, vasoconstrictor drops should be instilled into the nose so that breathing becomes free. The salt bag attached to the device is dissolved in 240 g of warm boiled water. Pose for washing standing or sitting, bending forward with his head slightly tilted to one side. Instructions for washing the nose with the Dolphin device are as follows:
- take a breath and hold your breath;
- open your mouth;
- lean the cylinder against the nostril located on top;
- continuously squeeze the device to the end so that the fluid flows freely and pours out from the other nostril;
- remove the balloon from the nose without opening your hand;
- exhale through the nose, getting rid of mucus and solution;
- normalize breathing;
- open your hand so that the balloon takes its original shape;
- repeat the procedure from the second nostril.
One bottle is enough to complete four flushing cycles.
Using Dolphin for Kids
For young children, the children's Dolphin is produced. It is much smaller in volume than for adults, so it is convenient for the child to use it. The salt concentration is calculated on the appropriate volume.
The child should learn to wash his nose himself in order to control his breathing and simultaneously press the bottle. It is the adult's responsibility to explain to the child how to hold his breath, how to squeeze the vial strongly, where the solution should pour, what to do when water enters the mouth.
According to the attached instructions, the child can use the device from the age of four. Toddlers often call this nasal lavage device "dolphin."
The procedure for washing is the same as in adults. You can’t leave the child alone, it is necessary to manage his actions and all the time to prompt what and how to perform:
- recommend that he breathe in and not breathe;
- advise to open your mouth;
- check that the device is pressed tightly to the nostril;
- remind that he himself tightly squeezed the bottle and monitor the movement of the liquid;
- let him, without unclenching his hand, remove the device from his nose;
- tell him to relax his hand and exhale through his nose;
- ask the child to snort without pinching his nostril;
- watch your pose;
- make sure breathing is normal;
- ask him to repeat all over again for the other nostril.
Try to turn this procedure into a game with a "dolphin" so that the child does not lose the desire to do it.
Conclusion
The principle of operation of all devices used to flush the nasal passages is one and the same. Antiseptic fluid pours into one and pours out from the other nostril. As a result, all pathogenic microorganisms are washed out of the nasal cavity, which significantly speeds up the treatment of diseases. Daily washing of the nose both with the help of improvised means and with the use of devices is a good prevention of many diseases.