Nasal washes: what they are and how they are performed

inside the cavities of the nose, for hygienic or therapeutic purposes.
This natural remedy can be useful in association with medical therapy, to soothe the symptoms due to infectious or chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such as colds, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.
The passage of the liquid in the nasal cavities thins the excess secretions, allowing a better drainage, as well as removing the impurities of the inhaled air, such as dust, allergens and pathogens. The saline solutions also have the power to humidify the interior. of the nostrils, giving relief in case of respiratory discomfort.
Nasal washes can be carried out with a syringe without a needle or with ready-to-use packs, available in pharmacies.

, pollutants, bacteria and viruses.

Furthermore, the passage of saline solutions favors a greater patency of the nostrils, improving breathing and increasing the humidity of the mucous membranes.
Nasal washes are indicated for daily hygiene in children, especially in children who have not fully mastered blowing their nose. The practice can be useful for those who work indoors, especially in the presence of dust or dry climate.
In addition to contributing to normal daily hygiene, nasal washes are a natural remedy useful in the active prevention and treatment of:

• Rhinosinusitis;
• Cold;
• Respiratory allergies;
• Bronchitis;
• Asthma.

In this sense, this practice assists or represents an effective alternative to decongestant drugs for typical use, used to reduce the obstruction of the nasal airways.
Nasal washes are also indicated to relieve the following symptoms:

• Stuffy nose
• Sense of pressure on the sinuses;
• Halitosis;
• Cough;
• Itchy and itchy nose
• Crusting;
• Rhinorrhea;
• Sore throat;
• Tendency to snore (snoring).

In addition, nasal washes help prevent respiratory complications and secondary ear infections (such as ear infections) from occurring.

in excess, especially in the course of respiratory tract infections. This promotes and accelerates the healing of inflammatory processes.

Nasal washes help to restore the defensive function of the mucous membrane of the nose, compensating or favoring muco-ciliary transport. Through this physiological mechanism, the secretions produced daily by the nose and paranasal sinuses are conveyed to the throat and eliminated through the digestive tract.
During inflammations and allergic reactions, the mucociliary transport is significantly reduced, thus favoring the stagnation of mucus and the development of an "infection. In this case, nasal washes are useful, as they reduce congestion. draining excess fluids from the mucous membranes and preserving the natural functioning of the nasal cavities.

Nasal washes also have an eutrophic effect, as they promote the natural regeneration of the cells of the mucous membrane of the nose.

on the same side;

Close the same nostril with a finger and irrigate with the solution (empty the syringe inside the nasal cavity, exerting continuous and slow pressure on the piston or dispense the spray through the special nozzle for 1 or 2 seconds);

The solution will usually come out of the opposite nostril, dragging the secretions with it; if the position is correct, the liquid does not reach the throat and does not cause discomfort;

After washing, tilt your head forward for a few seconds and let the residues of the washing solution drip from your nose;

Repeat the same operation for the opposite nostril;

Gently blow your nose (one nostril at a time), keeping your mouth closed.