Nasal Washing Works During The Cold and Flu Season!
Hana Solomon, M.D.
November 27, 2007
My patients often say “you want me to do what” for nasal congestion from colds and other infections. I explain why nasal washing makes so much sense, why it is safe, and why it is effective in reducing both the symptoms and the use of medications. I then demonstrate the simple technique to little ones as young as 2 and to folks up to age 90, they are then ready to try it. This is the way my patients required my services less often during the winter cold and flu 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 noses, I have been doing just his for more than 20 years.
With cold and flu season here, this is a wonderful time to share basic preventive health care. It has been clearly shown that daily nasal washing will reduce the number of infections a person experiences. Exposure to irritants such as bacteria and viruses causes swelling of the mucus membranes, causes an increase in mucus production, creates thicker and stickier mucus, and generally prevents the normal flow. A buffered salt solution washes particles out, shrinks nasal membranes, increases the efficiency of the nose hairs, thins secretions, and allows the tiny sinus openings to drain. Makes sense to wash!
Nasal washes are also useful for those who frequently encounter pollutants: allergy sufferers, firefighters, factory workers, farmers, gardeners, painters and exercise enthusiasts. People who are fed up with using too many medications sincerely appreciate the benefits of cleaning their nose. Almost daily, we are hearing and reading in the news that a medication is recalled, the potential side effects are too great to warrant its continued use and most recently, children should NOT be given cold remedies. We have known for some time that over the counter cold remedies do not shorten the course of the cold. It is clear that antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines as well as nasal steroids are over prescribed and overused. However, the side effects, the expense, the potential drug interactions AND the development of bacterial resistance is a concerning issue for our modern society. 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 buffered salt water cause any harm?
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. My Nasopure is the modern Neti Pot. The Nasopure Nasal Wash is a system I personally developed after 20 plus years of teaching the art of nasal washing practice to my patients. 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! Visit www.nasopure.com to see a video feed of real nose washers!!
With cold and flu season here, this is a wonderful time to share basic preventive health care. It has been clearly shown that daily nasal washing will reduce the number of infections a person experiences. Exposure to irritants such as bacteria and viruses causes swelling of the mucus membranes, causes an increase in mucus production, creates thicker and stickier mucus, and generally prevents the normal flow. A buffered salt solution washes particles out, shrinks nasal membranes, increases the efficiency of the nose hairs, thins secretions, and allows the tiny sinus openings to drain. Makes sense to wash!
Nasal washes are also useful for those who frequently encounter pollutants: allergy sufferers, firefighters, factory workers, farmers, gardeners, painters and exercise enthusiasts. People who are fed up with using too many medications sincerely appreciate the benefits of cleaning their nose. Almost daily, we are hearing and reading in the news that a medication is recalled, the potential side effects are too great to warrant its continued use and most recently, children should NOT be given cold remedies. We have known for some time that over the counter cold remedies do not shorten the course of the cold. It is clear that antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines as well as nasal steroids are over prescribed and overused. However, the side effects, the expense, the potential drug interactions AND the development of bacterial resistance is a concerning issue for our modern society. 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 buffered salt water cause any harm?
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. My Nasopure is the modern Neti Pot. The Nasopure Nasal Wash is a system I personally developed after 20 plus years of teaching the art of nasal washing practice to my patients. 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! Visit www.nasopure.com to see a video feed of real nose washers!!
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