Nose Washing For the Seasoned Nose
Hana Solomon, M.D.
October 17, 2007
My patients often say, “You want me to do what?” when they complain to me about their dry, crusted or drippy nose. I suggest washing because it just makes sense to begin with washing before offering medications. Nasal washing makes sense because it is safe, effective and economical. I have found that educating people about nasal health has resulted in fewer doctor visits and appreciative people. Seniors have more reasons than most to wash, keeping the body’s filter clean and in good working order is a common sense approach.
As we age, several factors result in more nasal and respiratory issues. First, the mucus we produce becomes thicker and stickier, thus making it more difficult to expel. The passages are plugged and secretions back up causing congestion, infections, bad breath, mouth breathing, cough and other maladies. A buffered hypertonic salt solution WILL thin those secretions instantly and without the use of drugs! The wash will flush irritants out, shrink any swelling by naturally decongesting and actually improve the ability to smell, taste and even sleep.
Another factor to consider as we age is the common situation of requiring several maintenance medications and thus drug-drug interactions. Any drug can have side effects but seniors are even more sensitive to those effects. There is a complicated and complex reaction when medications interact with each other, especially in light of the factor of decreased liver or kidney clearance in older people. The monthly expenses of medications AND most concerning, the development of bacterial resistance are all factors, which need to be considered before one takes a medication. Studies support that nasal washing will reduce medication use, prevent nasal and respiratory symptoms and is safe for all ages. 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 washes will also benefit anyone using CPAP for sleep apnea, a common senior condition well as allergy and sinus sufferers, firefighters, factory workers, farmers, gardeners, painters and others who frequently encounter pollutants. Washing the body’s filter makes as much sense as cleaning the any filter for improved function, much like cleaning the clothes dryer filter. If the nose is kept clean, it can function as intended.
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 for more than 20 years. Nasopure makes it easy.
People are more likely to wash their nasal passages if incorporated into their daily routine - like brushing teeth, washing hands, shampooing hair, and YES: Nasal Washing!
Be Well, Dr Hana
As we age, several factors result in more nasal and respiratory issues. First, the mucus we produce becomes thicker and stickier, thus making it more difficult to expel. The passages are plugged and secretions back up causing congestion, infections, bad breath, mouth breathing, cough and other maladies. A buffered hypertonic salt solution WILL thin those secretions instantly and without the use of drugs! The wash will flush irritants out, shrink any swelling by naturally decongesting and actually improve the ability to smell, taste and even sleep.
Another factor to consider as we age is the common situation of requiring several maintenance medications and thus drug-drug interactions. Any drug can have side effects but seniors are even more sensitive to those effects. There is a complicated and complex reaction when medications interact with each other, especially in light of the factor of decreased liver or kidney clearance in older people. The monthly expenses of medications AND most concerning, the development of bacterial resistance are all factors, which need to be considered before one takes a medication. Studies support that nasal washing will reduce medication use, prevent nasal and respiratory symptoms and is safe for all ages. 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 washes will also benefit anyone using CPAP for sleep apnea, a common senior condition well as allergy and sinus sufferers, firefighters, factory workers, farmers, gardeners, painters and others who frequently encounter pollutants. Washing the body’s filter makes as much sense as cleaning the any filter for improved function, much like cleaning the clothes dryer filter. If the nose is kept clean, it can function as intended.
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 for more than 20 years. Nasopure makes it easy.
People are more likely to wash their nasal passages if incorporated into their daily routine - like brushing teeth, washing hands, shampooing hair, and YES: Nasal Washing!
Be Well, Dr Hana
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