Nasal cleansers or washes: Know about the benefits and risks

Every few minutes, the sinuses get cleared by the cilia and the new mucous blanket covers it up. The isotonic saline helps in maintaining the mucociliary clearance as it’s normal physiology of the sinuses, she explained.

Nasal wash helps make the dry nose moist and allows the regeneration of cilia. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Effectiveness and benefits of nasal wash

It helps clear off the dust particles, the bacteria, the muco-pus hidden within the confines or clefts or the meatus of the nose. It also helps make the dry nose moist and allows regeneration of cilia. “In post-operative conditions, it is useful to prevent crusting and adhesions in the nose whether after FESS (Functional endoscopic sinus surgery), septoplasty, polypectomy, turbinateplasty etc. So, the use of saline sprays becomes useful as it is now available in fixed metered doses containers which force the saline into the clefts of the nose at an angulation which is parallel to the nasal planes,” said Dr Divya.

Risks

While you can create your own isotonic saline solution at home, which is done by mixing warm, sterile water with pure salt, known as sodium chloride, it is recommended that one uses over-the-counter premixed saline containers; as the perfect salinity is a must for the mucous clearance from the nose.

“It’s crucial to use sterile water for this process if prepared at home. If not, it can introduce infections into the sinuses which were otherwise sterile,” she warned.

Should it be used?

There is not yet definitive proof that nasal irrigation works for all respiratory problems. “However, there is evidence to suggest that it can be helpful in most of the cases of upper respiratory issues. Regular nasal irrigation reduced infections,” she said. Although there is broad support in the medical community for using nasal irrigation as a therapy, it has more of a prophylactic use than therapeutic usage for the various nasal and paranasal sinus conditions, she added.

For more lifestyle news, follow us: Twitter: lifestyle_ie | Facebook: IE Lifestyle | Instagram: ie_lifestyle