The nose is each person's "air filtration system"; it aims to protect the lungs by retaining the microparticles present in the air and to keep the airways moist so that they do not dry out. In order for this filtration system to work properly, the mucus produced in the nose must maintain a perfect balance between viscosity and fluidity. When you suffer from allergies, colds, or when debris and dust build up, your nose becomes congested or blocked and it can become difficult to breathe properly through it. You can clean your nostrils properly by using a nasal spray or by doing a wash to keep them clear and facilitate their functions.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Nasal Wash
Step 1. Purchase a saline-based nasal wash kit or make your own
These blends are great for relieving symptoms related to chronic conditions or sinus problems. By washing the inside of your nostrils with a saline solution, you can reduce swelling, improve air circulation, and open sinus passages. You can also clear the mucus and thus relieve congestion or airway obstruction. Look for a cleaning product at the pharmacy or make a salt-based one using the products already in the house.
- If you want to make the solution yourself, dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt and a pinch of baking soda in one liter of distilled water in a clean glass container. Mix the solution and store it at room temperature; replace it after a week with more clean water, salt and baking soda.
- Do not use tap water. If you don't have distilled water, you can sterilize the water from the aqueduct by boiling it for at least a minute and letting it cool back to room temperature. This process allows you to kill harmful contaminants.
Step 2. Use a bulb syringe or a neti pot
To be able to effectively rinse your nose with saline, you can use either of these two tools. The neti lota is a container with a long spout, similar to a small teapot, but which is used for the nose. You can find both tools in the pharmacy or parapharmacy.
Wash your hands thoroughly before doing the nasal wash to avoid spreading germs and bacteria. Then, fill the bulb syringe or neti pot with the saline solution
Step 3. Stay with your torso over the sink or bathtub
When doing the nasal wash, you need to stay over a container that can collect the water or mucus that will come out of the nostrils or the bulb syringe.
- Place the device in the left nostril and gently spray the mixture inside. Direct the flow towards the back of the head, not upwards. Also be careful not to inhale through your nose as you splash the liquid. You should be able to fill the nostril with the solution without having to breathe.
- If you use the neti pot instead, put the nozzle in the left nostril and point the tool so that the solution enters the nose. If the liquid does not come out of the device properly, tilt it so that it is a little higher than your head, but don't lean your head over your shoulder. Make your forehead higher than your chin.
Step 4. Tilt your head forward with your chin facing your chest
This way excess fluid can escape from the nose and fall into the sink or tub. You can hold a towel under your chin to catch any excess fluid. Make sure you don't swallow the solution if it gets into your mouth; in this case, spit it into the sink.
- Once your left nostril is clean, turn your head so that you are directly above the sink or tub and blow violently through both nostrils. By doing this you should be able to expel any residual mucus or water. If necessary, also use a handkerchief to blow your nose. However, do not close one nostril as you blow through the other, as this may apply pressure to the internal auditory canal.
- Repeat the same process with the right nostril using the bulb syringe or neti pot and saline solution.
Step 5. Wash your nostrils alternately several times until you have finished the solution
On the first few attempts, you may experience a slight burning sensation in the nose. This is a normal reaction to the salt in the liquid, but you should experience it less and less as you repeat the wash more frequently.
- If you continue to feel irritation, the solution may not be salty enough or, conversely, too much. Taste the mixture as soon as possible to see if it is too savory (the taste of the salt is too intense) or if it is not enough (you can barely taste the salt) and adjust the salt concentration accordingly, without exaggerating.
- If you have a headache after washing, you may have kept your forehead lower than your chin and allowed some water to enter your sinuses. don't worry, because after some time the water comes out spontaneously.
Step 6. Do the nasal wash once a day, in the morning or in the evening
If your symptoms get worse or you develop a severe infection, do the procedure twice a day.
Children may have difficulty using these devices. Help your child do the nasal wash and make sure they don't lie down during the procedure. The process is most effective when standing or sitting
Method 2 of 2: Nasal Spray
Step 1. Get an over-the-counter nasal spray from a pharmacy
If you are battling a stuffy, itchy or runny nose due to hay fever or allergies to pollen, dust or animals, the nasal spray is a great solution to relieve your symptoms. You shouldn't use it to treat cold or sore throat symptoms though, as it only provides temporary relief. If you have nasal problems due to these ailments, you should contact your doctor for other, more effective medications.
- The most popular over-the-counter nasal spray is fluticasone, which belongs to the class of drugs called corticosteroids. These relieve nose discomfort by preventing the release of the natural substances responsible for allergic symptoms and should only be used in case of chronic allergies.
- You can also take one that contains xylitol, purified water, salt, and grapefruit seed extract. This product does not create side effects and does not contain pharmacological active ingredients; it is safe for people of all ages.
Step 2. Use the recommended dosage on the package
If you are an adult and need to use this nasal spray, start with a higher dose and gradually reduce it as your symptoms improve. A spray in each nostril is usually recommended once or twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening), depending on the dosage your doctor deems appropriate for your symptoms. If you have to use the spray on a child, start treatment with a low dose and increase it if symptoms do not improve.
- Always follow the directions on the package regarding dosage and ask your pharmacist or doctor for more details if there are any instructions you do not understand. Never use an amount greater or even less than that specified in the leaflet or recommended by the pharmacist. If you miss a dose, don't double the next one; just wait for the next dose and continue to stick to the schedule.
- Children under the age of 4 should not use nasal sprays. Those over the age of 12 can use them, but only if assisted by an adult.
- The nasal spray should only be used for the nose, do not spray it in the eyes or mouth. Likewise, you must never share it with other people, otherwise you could spread germs and bacteria.
Step 3. Wash your hands thoroughly before administering the product and shake the vial before using it
Then, take off the top dust cap. If you are using the spray for the first time, you need to charge the delivery system to use it properly.
- Hold the pump so that your index and middle fingers grasp the applicator while your thumb remains stationary at the bottom of the bottle. Point the applicator so that it faces away from your face.
- Press and release the pump six times. If you have used the spray before, but not in the last week, keep pressing and releasing the pump until a vaporized spray comes out.
Step 4. Blow your nose until you free it completely
If the nose is very clogged, it may be difficult to do so. However, do your best to clear the mucus before using the spray and then make sure you spray the solution properly into your nostrils.
Step 5. Close one nostril with your fingers
Tilt your head forward and put the spray applicator inside the other nostril. Keep the bottle upright so that the spray comes out properly. The applicator must be between the index and middle fingers.
- Inhale through the nose. As you inhale, use these two fingers to press the applicator to release the spray into your nose.
- Once the substance has entered the nostril, exhale through the mouth.
- If your doctor told you to do two sprays in each nostril, repeat these steps again for a second time in the same nostril. If one spray is enough for each, repeat the procedure in the other.
Step 6. Rub the applicator with a clean tissue
It is important that the applicator is clean at the end of the procedure, to avoid spreading germs and bacteria when you use the spray again. Also make sure to close it with the cap to protect it from dust and prevent microparticles from entering the solution.
Store the product in a dry place at room temperature, not in the bathroom because the air in this room is often humid. If the applicator starts to clog, you can soak it in hot water or rinse it with cold water. When finished, dry it thoroughly and store it properly. Do not use pins or sharp objects to free it from clogging, as this could contaminate the spray
Step 7. Be aware of the potential side effects
Always read the label to check the substances contained inside. If you think you are allergic to fluticasone or other ingredients, talk to your doctor or pharmacist; you should consult them even if you are taking antifungal drugs or steroids at the same time. In this case it is necessary to adjust the dosage or pay special attention to the side effects of the spray. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should stop using them and see your doctor immediately:
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting;
- Dry, tingling, burning or irritation in the nose
- Presence of blood in the mucus, nosebleeds or discharge of thick nasal secretions;
- Problems with vision or severe pain in the face
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or other signs that indicate an infection
- Hives, rash or severe itching
- Noise similar to a whistle coming out of the nose;
- Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, tongue, hands, feet, ankles or lower leg area
- Hoarseness, wheezing, difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
- If you have had nose surgery in the previous month or have suffered an injury, you must see your doctor before using the nasal spray. Also, if you have sores inside your nostrils or eye problems, you should consult your doctor before taking any nose medication.
