Is it really helpful to wash your nose with saline every day? How to make? – 2022/07/26

Yes, it is recommended to wash your nose with the serum once or twice a day. Washing the nose with saline will prevent colds, flu, sinusitis and control attacks rhinitis. It mechanically removes the secretions in the nose, thereby removing the infectious and inflammatory agents such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, which we often inhale daily.

In addition, the procedure reduces the concentration of mites and hairs in the nostril in a microscopic way, and can also remove irritating agents, such as smoke, kerosene, fuel and cigarette particles. And all of these elements can cause various infections and inflammations in the nose.

Of course, winter is the most likely time to wash your nose. After all, it is during this period that the incidence of viruses and cases of allergies increases, due to the lower humidity of the air and also because we are in greater contact with people in closed environments.

Cold also reduces some of the nose’s defense mechanisms and immune system, which leads to infections. At this time, woolen coats and blankets are also more commonly used, causing the appearance of mites and fungi, which cause these infectious conditions. In addition, pets can spend more time without bathing, shedding their fur and preferring fits. That is why it is important to increase the frequency of the procedure at this station.

How does a nasal wash work?

The first step is to wash your hands and blow your nose. Then, with the help of a syringe, withdraw the serum – at room temperature – and remove the needle, if you used it to draw out the fluid. Then open your mouth, tilt your head to the other side of the washed nostril and stop breathing for a moment (this tip avoids the sinking sensation that serum in the nose can cause).

Once this is done, place the syringe in the nose towards the back of the neck, without touching the nasal septum, which is the cartilage that separates the nose from the sides. Begin by inserting the serum that will come out of the other nostril.

If the fluid doesn’t come out from the other side of the nose where you applied the serum, that’s fine. This can and should be related to some factors, such as how you do your laundry; You may not use the right amount of saline; due to the position of the syringe or the head; Due to something blocking this passage, such as a deviated or adenoid nasal septum or inflammation. In these cases, you can blow your nose to get the serum out.

Finally, do not use water to wash the area, even the potable area. This type of liquid does not have the correct pH for the nose, in addition to containing impurities and minerals that can do the opposite, that is, they harm the nostrils and your breathing. Therefore, always use a saline solution.

Sources: Mariana Pereira Rocotolaryngologist and professor at the Unipê Medical School (Centro Universitário de João Pessoa); Jose Nettoan ear, nose and throat specialist at the Serra Talhada Clinic, Pernambuco, and a specialist in sleep medicine.