What is nasal irrigation?
Nasal irrigation or nasal douching involves introducing liquid into the nasal cavity to clear it of germs, mucus and other nasal secretions. The recommended fluid is generally a saline solution, which has a concentration that is natural (physiological) for the body. This does not irritate the nasal mucosa.
Plain tap water is not suitable for nasal irrigation. The same applies to mineral water.
When to perform nasal irrigation?
Nasal irrigation for a cold provides relief by flushing mucus, other secretions and pathogens out of the nasal cavity. However, nasal irrigation for a cold is only helpful if your mucous membranes are not too swollen – otherwise the irrigation fluid cannot drain off well. In this case, you should apply a decongestant nasal spray to both nostrils before rinsing and wait for it to take effect.
As a home remedy, nasal irrigation has its limitations. If your symptoms persist over a longer period of time, do not improve or even get worse, you should always consult a doctor.
When is nasal irrigation not recommended?
You should not perform nasal irrigation or nasal irrigation if you have a severe nosebleed or if you have injured the nasal roof or sinus walls.
Whether nasal irrigation is advisable before or after a surgical intervention in the nasopharynx depends on the planned operation. Therefore, ask your attending physician first.
You should also consult with a doctor before nasal irrigation if you have severely inflamed or ulcerated sinuses.
What do you do during nasal irrigation?
However, you can also make the natural (physiological) salt solution for the body all by yourself. You do not need a special “nasal douche salt” for this. Instead, simply dissolve 0.9 grams of pure table salt (without additives) in 100 milliliters of fresh, lukewarm water. You can then pour this solution into the plastic nasal douche you bought.
Adhere exactly to the specified amounts (0.9 grams of salt per 100 ml of water) – otherwise the solution could irritate and even damage the nasal mucous membranes.
Commercially available nasal irrigation systems have a nasal attachment that is just large enough to be easily placed against the nostril. You then bend forward over a sink or tub with your mouth wide open and tilt your head to the side. Now the saline rinsing solution can be filled into the upper nostril via the nasal attachment and flow out again via the other nostril.
Although the basic principle of all nasal douches is the same, some systems of nasal irrigation differ. The instructions in the package insert should therefore be read carefully in advance.
Nasal rinsing as a quick home remedy
Nasal rinsing is also possible without a commercially available plastic nasal douche: To do this, you can simply pour the mixed saline solution into your cupped hand and pull it up through one nostril.
Nasal irrigation: Children
Because nasal irrigation feels somewhat unfamiliar, children are often difficult to motivate to use it. In this case, it can help if mom or dad performs nasal rinsing on themselves first and lets their offspring watch. The child can then imitate the procedure.
Smaller children cannot yet perform nasal rinsing on their own. Parents should provide assistance here.
Nasal rinsing: How often?
Hay fever patients can take a nasal shower every evening during the “critical” season to flush out pollen and relieve allergic symptoms. For people with house dust allergies, nasal irrigation in the morning can be helpful. Again, if unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist!
Nasal irrigation for prevention?
Some people consider nasal irrigation, like brushing their teeth, a regular hygiene measure to stay healthy. But how useful is daily nasal rinsing to prevent sinusitis, for example?
According to the German Lung Foundation, not at all. The nasal mucosa contains immune cells that produce important antibodies. These can be washed out by regular nasal irrigation, which weakens the natural defenses of the nasal mucosa. Recurrent infections are thus favored.
What are the risks of nasal irrigation?
If used improperly, the nasal mucosa can be injured by the nasal attachment of the nasal douche and start to bleed.
Nosebleeds as well as burning and pain in the nose can also occur if the mixing ratio of the rinsing solution is not correct, so that the mucous membrane becomes irritated or dries out.
What should I pay attention to after nasal irrigation?
After nasal irrigation, you should rinse the nasal irrigation system thoroughly under warm running water. Then allow it to dry completely.
