Treatment of pathologies of the otorhinolaryngological nature requires an integrated approach. Currently, one of the most effective ways to cleanse the nose and sinuses from exudate is the method of moving around Proets. The treatment procedure is non-invasive and has a minimum of contraindications. At the same time, according to doctors' reviews, rinsing by the Proetz method of moving is a highly effective way to clear cavities from pathological contents. Not so long ago, with sinusitis, in order to pump out pus, they made a sinus puncture. Now they resort to such a radical measure much less often, preferring washing.
The essence of the method
The method was invented by an American doctor Arthur Proetz. The method is named after him.
In practice, another name for the procedure is more often used - “cuckoo”. Traveling along the Proetz implies the introduction of rubber tubes into the nasal passages. One of them is supplied with a liquid containing a drug. The same medication leaves from another tube, but along with the pathological contents of the sinuses. This is due to the difference in pressure.
During the washing procedure, in no case should the pathological exudate get into the throat, mouth, bronchi and trachea. To avoid this, during the session, the patient must constantly utter the sounds: "Ku-ku." That is why washing by moving along the Proetz is more often called a “cuckoo”.
Indications
Doctors prescribe a procedure in the presence of many ENT diseases. But moving along the Proets is permissible only if there is patency of the anastomosis of the maxillary sinus. This is an important condition that must be taken into account when evaluating the advisability of washing.
Indications:
- Sinusitis
- Ethmoiditis.
- Frontite.
- Adenoiditis
- Sphenoiditis.
- Rhinitis of bacterial, viral, and allergic etiology.
- The presence of changes in the mucous membrane of a hyperplastic nature.
After washing the sinuses by moving the liquid along the Proetz in a short time, the following symptoms stop:
- Itching
- Mucosal edema.
- Sneezing.
- Excessive secretion of liquid secretion from the nose.
After the first procedure, the severity of the inflammatory process is significantly weakened and the sense of smell is restored.
Contraindications
Like any other treatment method, this method has several limitations. It is not prescribed if the patient suffers from:
- Frequent episodes of nosebleeds.
- Epilepsy
- Mental disorders.
- Allergies to medications that the doctor plans to use during the procedure.
In addition, nasal lavage by Proetz movement is prescribed with caution to pregnant and lactating women. This is due to the fact that drugs can penetrate the bloodstream and provoke the development of an undesirable reaction.
A contraindication is children's age up to 5 years. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the sinuses. In addition, often babies do not fulfill the doctor’s commands in a timely manner, and therefore the procedure becomes dangerous.
During treatment, the patient should be stationary for several minutes with his head thrown back. In this regard, the procedure is not prescribed to persons suffering from pathologies of the cervical spine and circulatory disorders in arteries passing through the spine.
Clinic technique
The method does not require any preparation. It is enough to appear at a medical institution at a strictly scheduled time.
Algorithm for flushing by moving along Proets:
- The patient is placed on the couch. After that, a vasoconstrictor (“Naphthyzine” or “Sanorin”) is instilled into each of its nasal passages. In some clinics, at this stage, turundas, pre-soaked in adrenaline solution, are inserted into the nasal passages. If necessary, local anesthesia can be additionally performed.
- After about a minute, the patient is helped to sit on the couch so that his head is at an angle of 45 degrees to his body. If the procedure is necessary for the child, one of the parents can hold it.
- The doctor heats the treatment solution to a comfortable temperature. A special catheter or syringe without a needle is inserted into one nostril of the patient, and a vacuum suction is inserted into the other.
- The doctor or nurse turns on the device. After that, a drug begins to flow into the sinus with constant pressure. At this time, the patient should constantly say: "Ku-ku." Suction also removes the medication from the sinuses along with pathological contents.
- The procedure is repeated for the other nasal passage.
Immediately after the session, the patient is offered to blow his nose well in order to remove the remains of the solution and pathological secretion. After that, an antibacterial agent is instilled into each nasal passage.
On average, washing takes 10 minutes. If the treatment solution or pus enters the mouth, a reflex cough occurs. At the same time, the doctor interrupts the procedure and conducts it again. This significantly increases the duration of the session. That is why you need to strictly follow all the doctor’s commands.
Medicines Used
The choice of medication directly depends on the pathology. The following medicines can be used during rinsing by Proetz movement:
- Antiseptics. As a rule, doctors use Chlorhexidine and Miramistin.
- Proteolytic enzymes. The active components of the drugs contribute to thinning thick mucus in rhinitis. Most often, doctors use Chymotrypsin and Trypsin.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Antibiotics.
Before prescribing a particular drug, the doctor should ask the patient about whether he has a tendency to allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to any medications.
The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor in each case. The treatment regimen may include from 2 to 10 procedures.
Home wash
For independent use, the method of moving drugs along the Proets is not suitable. Rinsing should be performed only by specialists who exclude the injection of pathological contents into the cavity of the oropharynx or middle ear. Doctors advise at home to restrict the use of an irrigator. A striking example is the Dolphin device.
It is allowed to resort to the cuckoo only if there are no alternatives. But the technique must be followed strictly. Instead of vacuum suction, a large volume syringe can be used. Syringes must be sterile.
During the procedure it is necessary to create the same pressure. In other words, you need to act slowly and carefully. The solution used must be preheated to 35 degrees. For its preparation, you can use sterile or boiled water.
Up to 20 ml of solution can be pumped into one nostril. Then, be sure to repeat the procedure for the second nasal passage.
Important Nuances
According to the reviews of doctors and their patients, an improvement in overall well-being occurs after the first session. However, in order not to provoke the development of complications, the following rules must be observed:
- During washing, do not make sudden movements.
- Immediately after completing the procedure, you do not need to get up. It is necessary to remain in a horizontal position for at least 10-20 minutes. If you immediately get up, you can provoke a sharp increase in blood pressure. In addition, it is fraught with fainting and nosebleeds.
- You need to go out no earlier than 30 minutes after the completion of the procedure.
Compliance with these rules prevents the development of complications and significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
“Cuckoo” is a well-known and widely used method. Proponents of the method claim that it has a number of undeniable advantages:
- After removal of the pathological secretion, the focus of infection decreases, and the patient's condition improves.
- Rinsing avoids a puncture, which means that patients psychologically tolerate this procedure.
- During treatment, nasal breathing improves significantly. As a result, the need to use vasoconstrictor drops, which often lead to atrophy of the mucous membrane, disappears.
- The method can be used even at high body temperature.
Cons of the method:
- Efficiency is lower than that of a puncture. In addition, it directly depends on the skills of the doctor. The work of an inexperienced specialist can also lead to complications.
- There is a likelihood of a malfunction of the mucous membrane.
In addition, some patients claim that after the procedure they are concerned about nausea and dizziness.
Finally
Rinsing by the Proetz movement method, better known as the “cuckoo”, is often prescribed to patients suffering from ENT diseases. According to the reviews of doctors and their patients, after the first procedure, the general condition improves. Nasal breathing is restored, which eliminates the need for vasoconstrictor drops.