Rinse the nose | Nose

Rinse the nose

Nasal rinsing (also possible with specially developed nasal showers) means the introduction of large quantities of liquid into the nose, which then drains off again without delay. Usually the aqueous fluid used for this is an isotonic saline solution, i.e. water to which salt has been added in the body’s natural ratio. Nasal rinsing is used in so-called rhinitis, i.e. inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes with rhinitis and increased mucus production, but also prophylactically as a preventive measure against precisely those symptoms as well as against sinusitis and other diseases of the mouth, nose and throat.

To rinse the nose, tilt the head to one side and let isotonic saline solution (ready to buy or to make yourself by dissolving 9 grams of salt in one liter of water) flow in and out of one nostril. It is best to stand bent over a sink. Afterwards the same procedure follows on the other side.

You should take care to breathe through your mouth as calmly and normally as possible so that the water is not inhaled but can flow passively through. During a nasal rinsing, the inside of the nose, especially the mucous membranes in the nose, which is covered with fine hairs, should be cleaned mechanically. In addition, the natural cleansing function should be stimulated and thus the defense against pathogens improved.

There are several studies that could prove significant prophylactic results. However, studies are also known in which the condition of asthma patients with recurrent sinusitis even worsened when using nasal rinses.