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Nasal Washing Works During The Allergy Season
By Hana R. Solomon, MD - May 10, 2005
My patients often say “you want me to do what?” when they come to see me for nasal congestion, itch, sneezing and other allergy complaints. I explain to them why nasal washing makes sense, why it is safe, and why it is effective in reducing both the symptoms and the use of medications during the allergy season. I demonstrate the simple technique to patients as young as 3 years of age and as old as 90 and they are ready to try it. In this way I have found that educating people about nasal health has resulted in my services being required less and less during the allergy season. You may think I am trying to put myself out of business but since my job is keeping people healthy and helping them feel better, I love teaching people how to wash their nose.
With allergy season here, this is a wonderful time to share basic preventive health care. It has been clearly demonstrated that regular nasal washing will remove 80% of the irritants and pollen, called ‘inflammatory mediators’ and thus reduce the allergy symptoms. Exposure to such irritants can cause swelling of the mucus membranes, an increase in mucus production, creates thicker and stickier mucus, and generally impends the normal flow of mucus drainage. A buffered hypertonic salt solution WILL wash particles out, shrink nasal membranes, increase the efficiency of the nose hairs, thin secretions, and allow the tiny sinus openings to drain effectively.
Allergy sufferers will benefit from Nasal washes just as firefighters, factory workers, farmers, gardeners, painters and others who frequently encounter pollutants for the nose. Washing the body’s filter makes as much sense as cleaning the clothes dryer filter. If the nose is kept clean, it can function. Exercise enthusiasts also benefit from nasal irrigation by simply breathing easier through the nose rather than the mouth.
It is clear that antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays with steroids, leukotriene inhibitors and antibiotics have a place in our health, and can help with symptoms. These medications DO NOT prevent the symptoms as simple nasal washing can. There is a great concern regarding overuse of medications. These issues relate to the medications’ side effects, their expense, the potential drug interactions AND most concerning, the development of bacterial resistance. I tell my patients when discussing any recommended treatment option, “You should look at the pros and cons of each option offered to you prior to making your decision.” How can washing with salt water hurt?
Nasal cleanliness is central to good health and is effective for anyone that wishes to prevent nasal woes or wishes to reduce their use of medications. It is important to have a system that makes washing easy, safe and effective. There are several methods currently available. The Nasopure Nasal Wash is a system I personally developed after years of teaching this practice to my patients. By listening to my patients I was able to create a unique bottle with premixed salt packets that enhance convenience and compliance while being cost effective. . Nasopure makes it easy.
People are more likely to wash their nasal passages if it is incorporated into their daily routine - like brushing teeth, washing hands, shampooing hair, and YES: Nasal Washing!
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