Although sometimes we do not usually pay much attention to the matter, it is normal that we breathe through the nose, that the air runs through the entire structure that is around the nostrils. This is an indication that you are healthy. Since the nose is the one in charge of humidifying, filtering and heating the air that enters our body, it is normal that, when inhaling, allergic particles enter that unleash asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions. When secretions are present, we are likely to stay sick for much longer and take longer to get healthy, as the lungs will also function inefficiently. At this point, the solution is to perform a good nasal wash. However, the idea of relating water to the nose does not seem very attractive to most people, but the truth is that it is a necessary procedure. Have you ever had a nasal wash? Don’t you have the slightest idea how to make one? Don’t let the parrot go away! If you want to learn how to do nasal washes, you have come to the right place.
Throughout this article we will be sharing with your different techniques to perform an efficient nasal wash, regardless of whether it is for an adult or a child. Also, you will know its importance, its benefits and what you need, so that you have the ability to make one today, if necessary. This practice will help you reduce the effects produced by pollen and other substances that are imperceptible to the eyes, but that the nose manages to capture very well and that cause sneezing, profusion of secretions, obstruction in the bronchi and even asthma. Let’s see how to do it without dying trying.
Instructions for doing a nasal wash
There are several ways to do a nasal wash, some of them are the following:
Lying on your back with your head to the side
This is one of the most common ways, but it is not the most efficient. Being in this position, with the help of a syringe, forcefully introduce the serum into the nostrils. In this way you will be able to clean the most anterior area of the nose. However, the serum is not able to reach the posterior area where there is a lot of accumulation of mucus. This technique is quick and easy to perform. Especially useful in cases where the mucus becomes thick and thick, as the serum bounces back against the obstruction they have made.
Sitting with head forward
The serum must be introduced in the same way as in the previous case. After administering the serum, take a deep breath so that the serum can take effect. For this reason, this technique is not recommended for young children. On the other hand, as in the previous case, this washing technique does not allow the cleaning of the posterior area of the nose, nor is it effective when the mucus is very dense.
Lying with your head on your back or sitting with your head back
This is the most effective nasal lavage technique. Being in this position, administer the serum slowly and without pressure. In this way, the serum will reach the rear of the nose and slide down to the throat, taking with it part of the mucus. In the case of secretions that are more adherent, they will be hydrated and easier to expel. These techniques are very useful in the case of older children. But, for adults, there are techniques that are more effective. For example:
Heat the solution a little so that it is lukewarm. Sit down with your head tilted. Introduce the liquid through the nostril that is higher up while you breathe through your mouth, so that the liquid can pass through the other nostril and not go to the throat. The next step is to blow your nose on the side where the serum came out. You do this by covering your nostril where you inserted it and expelling the air forcefully, thus expelling all the secretions. Finally, repeat the entire procedure with the other nostril.
What do you need to do a nasal wash?
To make a homemade nasal wash, you will need the following elements: 100 ml of water. 1 small teaspoon of table salt. In case it is sea salt, you must dilute it in 250 ml of water. This is the one that is usually more beneficial thanks to the large amount of minerals it has. A syringe to slowly introduce the liquid into the nostrils. In case you want to make a more conventional one, locate the following elements: A nasal spray of isotonic or hypertonic physiological solution. This is responsible for keeping the nose moist so that it is easier to expel secretions naturally. Physiological solution ampoules, ideal for children since they are usually administered drop by drop, but they are not the most effective. The net jars. They are a kind of kettle that are used to administer the solution and that it goes from one nostril to another. This is the most useful tool for adults who want to do a nasal wash. But how much solution should be used? For children, 1 to 10 ml of solution in each nostril will suffice, depending on their age, and for adults, use 50 to 150 ml in each nostril.
Tips for doing a nasal wash
After analyzing this information, the question arises: how often is it convenient to perform a nasal wash? That will depend on how severe the obstruction is and the amount of discharge present. In general, it can be done whenever there is mucus in the nostrils, as long as this process is not overdone, since doing many washes can result in irritation of the mucosa of the nose and even end up damaging it. In the case of children, it is best to do it before eating or going to sleep, since these are the moments when the secretions are usually most annoying. You can also do it when they return from school, as they bring with them undesirable particles that could end up making them sick. Some professionals state that it is possible to do a maximum of 5 nasal washes. The truth is that it must be a daily practice, as common as brushing your teeth or washing your face, since through these secretions toxins and waste enter the body, which hinder the work of the sense of smell and the breathing process. It is also recommended that you do it before administering medications through nasal spray, since this is responsible for preparing the nostrils to receive it and thus prevent the presence of mucus from disturbing the expected effect.
Its benefits
Among the benefits of this practice, we find the following: It keeps the nostrils moist, which makes it possible for it to have a better response to the attack of different infectious agents that cause infections in the respiratory tract. It reduces the symptoms caused by respiratory allergies, which makes it possible to have a better quality of life. Reduces symptoms caused by asthma. Prevents against sleep apnea syndrome, as it decreases obstructions. Reduces the effects produced by sinusitis. It acts in the prevention of colds. Helps to breathe better through the nose, etc.