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Nasal rinses
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Indications
Usually, nasal lavage products are necessary for sinusitis. They help wash away mucus from the maxillary sinuses. This is especially important in cases of mucus evacuation disorders and inflammation with the formation of pus. Only with the help of lavage can you get rid of this unpleasant problem. Rinsing products help relieve swelling on the mucous surface, tone the capillary system, and improve the local immunity of the epithelium itself. The main task of lavage is not so much to reduce the amount of mucus, but to restore the natural path of its removal.
In addition, nasal lavage products are used for:
- Adenoiditis.
- Vasomotor and allergic rhinitis.
- Other inflammations of the paranasal sinuses.
Preparations based on sea salt can be used to prevent infectious diseases. In winter, they are simply irreplaceable, especially if the air in the house is too dry. People who have to work in a polluted atmosphere often use nasal rinsing products to keep their sinuses healthy.
Ciliated epithelium of the sinus. Goblet cells produce mucus that captures external particles. In the case of chronic sinusitis, the movement of the cilia of the epithelium is disrupted, the mucus stagnates in the mucous membrane and thickens.
Names of nasal lavage products
Today, you can find various names of nasal rinsing products in pharmacies. Therefore, it is difficult for a buyer to navigate such a huge number. Which of them are considered the most popular?
Physiomer. The main active component of this nasal spray is an isotonic sterile solution of sea salt. It is thanks to it that you can easily remove mucus from the sinuses, protect yourself from infections and become healthier in the winter. The drug has an anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effect. It is indicated for use in the treatment of acute respiratory infections, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, for hygiene of the nasal cavity. The drug can be used from the age of two. The dosage is usually as follows: two to four washes per day. Can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Quix. Based on water from the Atlantic Ocean, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. The product also has a mucolytic effect, which helps to increase the solution's output from the nasal sinus. The product also contains minerals and microelements, which help to strengthen the body's defense systems. The product is used to rinse the nose for rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, allergies, and seasonal infectious diseases. After the first use of the spray, a slight burning sensation may be felt on the mucous membrane. The product can be used for quite a long time, as it does not cause side effects. It can be used starting from three months. Children should use it once or twice a day, adults - two or three times a day.
Dolphin
This nasal lavage product consists of a special mixture from which a solution is made. The product contains sea salt, plant components, iodine, sodium chloride, trace elements, magnesium ions. Due to this, Dolphin has an antiseptic, regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. Among the main plant components, it is worth highlighting: rosehip extract, licorice root. Using this product helps to remove pathogenic elements that can cause inflammation of the nasal mucosa, reduce swelling, improve the release of pus, and prevent otitis.
Dolphin is used for rhinitis, allergies, rhinosinusitis, dry sinuses, sinusitis, irritation of the nasal mucosa, adenoitis. To use the drug, pour boiled water (35 degrees) into the bottle and pour the contents from the bag into it. Screw the cap of the bottle, shake thoroughly so that the powder is completely dissolved in the liquid. If breathing is difficult, you should first drip any vasodilator into the nose (for example, Naphazoline). Bend over the sink, put the cap of the bottle to the nostril and spray the liquid, holding your breath. After the procedure, blow your nose and raise your head. Instill up to two times a day. Therapy can last up to two weeks.
Among the main side effects from using Dolphin are:
- Nosebleed.
- Eustachitis.
Contraindications to the use of the drug:
- Children under four years of age.
- Tumors in the nasal sinuses.
- Bleeding.
- Deformed nasal septum.
- Allergy to the components of the drug.
Use nasal rinses with extreme caution during pregnancy.
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Aquamaris
It is part of the line of preparations from the famous Croatian company "Jadran". Here you can find remedies for the treatment of various diseases. They are distinguished by a good price. Among the most popular preparations from this line are:
- Aquamaris Plus. An isotonic solution that is perfect for treating nasal congestion even in infants. It contains sea water, so the drug has a healing and reparative effect. Also, the active component of the product is dexpanthenol, which, when it gets on the nasal mucosa, helps restore it, reduce inflammation, and improve the membrane.
Usually this nasal lavage is used for sinusitis, when the mucous membrane of the nose is damaged. It can be used for the prevention of rhinitis and sinusitis, for the health of the nose even in pregnant women.
The drug should not be used more than eight times a day. The duration of treatment is four weeks. After a month's break, you can start the course again.
- Aqualor Sens. The product contains sea salt, which interacts with another component – ectoine. This is a biologically active substance produced by some microorganisms. The main feature of ectoine is that it helps protect cells from damage. Aqualor Sens is usually used for sinusitis with progressive allergic reactions. Children from two years old can use the product no more than four times a day. In this case, the course of treatment can be continued until the allergy season ends.
- Aquamaris Strong. The drug is based on a hypertonic saline solution, which helps to get rid of severe runny nose in rhinitis, sinusitis, rhinosinusitis. Can be used from the first year of life. Apply the drug to each nasal passage separately three to four times a day. Duration of therapy is two weeks.
Aqualor
This brand, under which various nasal rinsing products are created, is known to everyone who often suffers from rhinitis, sinusitis and sinusitis. The main component of these products is water from the Atlantic Ocean.
The most popular nasal rinses of this brand are:
- Aqualor Baby. The drug is specially adapted for use in the treatment of babies. It is available in the form of drops or spray and is completely sterile.
- Aqualor Soft. This is an aerosol based on isotonic sea water. It is used for allergies or allergic rhinitis, and also to improve the condition of the nasal sinuses if they are too dry.
- Aqualor Forte. The drug contains a hypertonic solution of sea water, so it is usually used to treat serious diseases and nasal congestion. The drug can be used from the age of two.
- Aqualor Extra Forte. Also consists of a hypertonic sea solution, but is used by those who suffer from inflammation in the paranasal sinuses or acute rhinitis. The drug also contains additional components: Roman chamomile extract, aloe vera extract. They have an immunostimulating and antiseptic effect.
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Folk remedy for washing the nose
In folk medicine, you can find a huge number of different recipes that help get rid of nasal congestion by rinsing it.
Chamomile decoctions are the best folk remedy for rinsing the nose. Even if you take just a few flowers of this medicinal plant and pour a glass of boiled water, you can easily get rid of a runny nose. Chamomile contains flavonoids and essential oils, which have an anti-allergenic, analgesic, and soothing effect.
Propolis is quite popular for early sinusitis. It should be brewed in 250 ml of water. Up to 15 drops of propolis tincture and one teaspoon of salt should be added to the liquid. This folk remedy for rinsing the nose should be used two to three times a day.
Sometimes celandine infusion is used to rinse the nose, but it is worth remembering that this plant is poisonous in large quantities. To prepare the correct solution, you need to take two drops of juice from a fresh plant (using a pipette) in a glass of water. Celandine helps to liquefy mucus, remove it and pus from the sinuses, and fight polyps.
Nasal lavage products for children
There are several effective means for washing the nose of children, but the most popular is Dolphin for children. It can be used from the age of four. It is used for allergies, rhinitis, colds and flu, for the prevention of infectious diseases. Dolphin should not be used if the child is sick with otitis, if he is allergic to the components of the drug or if there are nosebleeds.
Humer is another popular and effective product that can be used even for infants. The product can be used from the first month of life. The product is quite expensive, but it has a special children's tip, with which you can easily and without problems spray the liquid.
Nasal lavage technique
Babies under two years of age need to have their noses washed while lying on their backs. The head should be tilted to the side. First, you need to irrigate the nasal passage that is on top. After the procedure, sit the baby up and ask him to blow his nose. Repeat all steps with the other nasal passage.
Adults and older children can perform the procedure standing or sitting. To get the maximum effect from irrigation, you need to turn your head slightly to the side. Then press the sprayer. When the liquid gets into the nasal sinuses, try to blow your nose thoroughly. Nasal lavage should only be performed if you can breathe freely. Otherwise, you need to first instill a vasoconstrictor drug.
Contraindications
As a rule, the main contraindications for using nasal lavage products include:
- Allergic reactions to the main components of the drugs.
- Some products should not be used by children under four years of age.
- Malignant and benign tumors of the nose.
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Complete congestion of the nasal sinuses.
- Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum.
Complications
Complications after using nasal irrigation products usually occur if the procedure is performed incorrectly. What are the rules for nasal irrigation?
- Blow your nose thoroughly before the procedure.
- After spraying, completely remove the solution from the nasal passages.
- You shouldn't do this before going to bed.
The most common complications after improper rinsing are: eustachitis and sinusitis. The fact is that the solution can get into the eustachian tubes or nasal sinuses, which leads to the development of inflammation.
Do not overuse rinses, as they can wash out positive microflora, which leads to a decrease in immunity.
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Inexpensive nasal wash
Furacilin is an inexpensive and fairly accessible drug that is often used to rinse the nose during infectious diseases. It has an antimicrobial and antiparasitic effect. This remedy is a powerful weapon against many known microbes.
There are almost no side effects, except for allergic reactions to some components of the drug. But it cannot be used by people with kidney disease. The active substance of the drug is nitrofuran. To use, take half a tablet and dilute it in 500 ml of water (it is better to use boiled and warm).
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Nasal rinses" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.