Instillation of drops in the nose: features of the procedure

Dripping nose drops is not at all as simple a thing as it might seem at first glance. If you do not follow the algorithm of the procedure, then the effectiveness of treatment is significantly reduced. As a result, the money spent on an expensive medicine can be spent in vain. Dripping nose drops is only a simple procedure at first glance. In fact, it has many subtleties and nuances.

The consequences of improper procedure

Improper execution of the procedure can provoke the following consequences:

• lack of therapeutic effect;
• irritation of the nasal mucosa and pharynx;
• an allergic reaction (in particular, this occurs when the recommended dosage of the drug is exceeded);
• the appearance of microcracks and inflammations.

Often patients neglect the basic rules of the procedure, as a result of which they fully reap all the unpleasant consequences of a violation of the algorithm. To avoid this, just remember a few simple points.

The basic rules of the procedure

Dripping drops into the nose should be done with clean hands with clipped nails. If germs or dirt from the skin surface of the person performing the procedure gets on the nasal mucosa along with the medicine, then the patient’s condition can not only not improve, but even worsen. Before starting the procedure, wash your hands with soap and cut your nails. Then prepare everything you need - medicine, a pipette, sterile cotton swabs or cotton wool, a tray for used tools.

The technique of nasal drops instillation is common to all. Regardless of which drops are used, whether they are self-made or pharmacy, they should be used equally.

Algorithm for instillation of drops in the nose

Step-by-step description of the procedure:

1. After the hands are washed and all the necessary tools are prepared, the patient’s head should be positioned so that the nostril into which the medicine should be instilled is higher than the other. In this case, the lower nostril can be slightly covered with a finger - this will facilitate the flow of medicinal fluid as deep as possible into the treated nasal passage.
2. To drip as many drops of medicinal fluid on the mucous membrane of the treated nostril as recommended by the instructions for use. This amount can not be changed, since if the recommended amount is exceeded, an allergic reaction may develop or even swelling will begin.
3. In order for the medicine to be absorbed as quickly as possible, you can gently massage the treated nostril with your finger and plug it with a sterile cotton swab. At the same time, one does not have to press hard or try to push the cotton wool or tampon as deep as possible - all actions should be as soft as possible and not provoke the appearance of pain in the patient.
4. After a minute, repeat all the manipulations with the other nostril. After a few hours, repeat instillation of the drops in the nose with another medicine or the same. The use of drops does not require knowledge of any special skills or secrets, the main thing is not to exceed the recommended dosage and not to damage the mucous membrane during the procedure.

Doctors advice: how not to damage the mucous membrane

In no case should you stick the pipette too deep into the treated nostril! This can trigger microcracks. As a result, inflammation penetrates even deeper into the tissue.

The algorithm for instilling drops in the nose of children is different in that you need to be even more careful. In addition, the use of cotton swabs is better to refuse altogether. Mucous nasopharynx in babies is even more sensitive than in adults. In no case should you stick the pipette deeply: when instilling drops in the nose of a child, it is enough to dip the tip of the pipette into the nostril for only a few millimeters.

Instillation of self-made drops

Separately, it should be mentioned the case when the patient does not instill factory drops from the spray bottle, but a self-made medicine. Effective anti-inflammatory or moisturizing drops (honey, aloe juice, herbal infusions, etc.) can be made from many ingredients at home.

What are the features of instillation of drops in the nose in this case?

1. It is necessary to purchase a pipette in a pharmacy. As a rule, they are made of glass, therefore, they require particularly sensitive use. If you do not follow the safety rules when instilling, then the pipette can crack directly in the nostril.
2. Dripping drops in the nose implies the same technology, regardless of whether drops were prepared on their own or bought at a pharmacy. The basic algorithm of the procedure was described above.
3. All ingredients for the preparation of drops at home should be carefully selected and prepared. Otherwise, when applied to the mucosa, they can not only not bring relief, but also cause deterioration.