Nasal douches are becoming increasingly popular and are now part of normal personal hygiene for many people. Allergy sufferers in particular can benefit from their use. But the right nasal irrigation and its correct use is what matters.
What is a nasal douche?
A nasal irrigation or nasal douche is most commonly used as a home remedy for the common cold. It involves the use of an isotonic saline solution. In yoga, it serves as a ritual cleansing technique. A nasal douche is simply a small device that is used to deliver liquid into the nasal cavity. Usually an isotonic saline solution is used for this purpose. A nasal douche and the necessary solution can be easily purchased in stores, such as pharmacies. So there is nothing to stop you from cleaning your nose at home on your own. The nasal douche is considered a home remedy that is supposed to help with infections by eliminating pathogens. In addition, the nasal douche is said to have a positive effect on the condition of pollen allergy sufferers, who can use a nasal douche to flush out pollen and dirt.
Shapes, types and types
Anyone looking to buy a nasal irrigation device should know that they come in a variety of designs. The simplest version is the rinsing jug made of glass, but there are also, for example, plastic nasal douches, which consist of a plastic bottle with a nose cap. In the pharmacy, you can get detailed advice on the differences and thus find out your personal preferences. As cheap and practical as the variants made of plastic may be, it should be remembered that plastic wears out quickly and then becomes a little rough and porous. Such surfaces are difficult to keep clean and are more likely to allow germs and pathogens to take up residence than a smooth surface made of glass, for example. So when buying a nasal douche, keep in mind that it should be easy to clean in order to keep your nose really clean. However, nasal douches are all filled in the same way. Using a physiological saline solution is essential to avoid unnecessarily irritating the nasal mucosa. Ideally, 0.9 grams of common salt per 100 milliliters of water. Solutions that are too high or too low in concentration irritate the mucous membrane just as much as plain water. However, if you stick to the dosage, which is most easily done by buying ready-made preparations, nasal irrigation is simple and pleasant.
Structure, function and application
Regardless of which preparation you choose – a nasal douche basically works quite simply. The simplest version, which is also used, for example, by yoga practitioners who believe in the healing and cleansing effects of ritual cleansing of the nose, is a simple small jug shaped so that you can easily guide it to a nostril and introduce water. However, the most conventional nasal douche is also only slightly more complicated. It is usually made of plastic, consists of a cavity that can be filled with the solution and a small device that allows the solution to shoot out. Nasal douches are usually ergonomically designed so that their use is intuitive and easy. The saline solution shoots as into one nostril and flows out through the other. In the process, it dissolves everything that is unwanted in the nose and can lead to symptoms: tough mucus, dirt, pollen, pathogens.
Medical and health benefits
Nasal douches enjoy great popularity and are at home in many bathrooms. The medical benefits seem clear: a clean nose means fewer potential pathogens. Nasal irrigation can also help relieve the symptoms of a persistent cold. Allergy sufferers turn to nasal irrigation to clear their noses of pollen. However, people with irritated nasal mucous membranes should be careful not to aggravate their situation. Whether one should use nasal irrigation permanently, however, is controversial. A nasal douche carries fluid into the nasal cavity. Thus, many doctors believe that a healthy, symptom-free person does not need to use nasal irrigation and should avoid it. This is because constant rinsing can damage the nasal mucosa and thus cause the very infections that one actually wants to avoid. Used in moderation, whenever it really makes sense, nasal irrigation can be very useful. Then the nasal douche actually helps to stay healthy for a long time.
