Moisturizing nasal drops
Almost all moisturizing drops contain sea water. The saline solution clears mucus from the nose and eliminates inflammation.
In the pharmacy you can find sprays and drops with a moisturizing effect. The advantage of sprays is ease of dosage. How and with what to moisturize the nasal mucosa for adults and children?
This question worries many patients suffering from unpleasant symptoms.
The most popular moisturizers include:
- Aqua Maris;
- Aqualor;
- Marimer;
- Vivasan.
Aqua Maris
Aqua Maris is a solution that is intended for rinsing the nose. The product is used to cleanse the sinuses of pus.
Introducing drops into each nostril prevents the development of inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx. Experts prescribe Aqua Maris for rhinitis and sinusitis.
Aqualor
In the pharmacy you can find several varieties of Aqualor: soft, baby and forte. They differ only in the concentration of sea salt. Preparations with large amounts of sea salt are used to treat severe nasal congestion. Aqualor Baby in the form of drops is prescribed to children under 2 years of age.
Important! Spray for moisturizing mucous membranes is prohibited for use in treating children under 2 years of age. This can cause suffocation in babies.
Aqualor Forte is prescribed to adult patients for prolonged runny nose. This drug is the leader in sea salt content. Aqualor Forte is prescribed to patients with severe swelling of the nasopharynx .
Marimer
Marimer is designed to maintain the normal state of the mucous membrane. The drug moisturizes the mucous membrane and helps restore damaged nasal mucosa.
Vivasan
Vivasan contains various herbal extracts. To get rid of sinusitis, add mint and sage to the solution. The product is not recommended for use by children, as it contains a large amount of sea salt.
Moisturizing nasal drops are a simple and affordable way to eliminate dryness . However, before treatment, it is necessary to consider the possibility of an allergic reaction.
How do nasal moisturizers work?
To moisturize the nasal mucosa, hygiene products based on sea salt or physiological NaCl 0.9% solution are produced.
Available in the form of nasal drops or aerosols. The solutions have no restrictions on use, do not cause side effects, are not absorbed into the blood, and do not affect the functioning of internal organs. The drugs quickly and effectively moisturize the mucous membrane. They help clear the nasal passages of viscous pathological exudate, dried serous mucus, blood crusts, and pus.
Sea salt restores the functionality of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium and accelerates the removal of foreign particles from the nose (dust, allergens). Regular use of saline solution improves mucociliary clearance, strengthens local immunity, and increases resistance to infections.
The liquid stabilizes the biochemical composition and physiological processes of nasal exudate. Maintain pH levels at standard levels.
After using a moisturizing spray, nasal passage improves, breathing is restored, swelling decreases, and tissue regeneration (restoration) processes occur faster.
Daily use of saline solutions significantly reduces the risk of viral infection during periods of increased epidemiological conditions.
In what cases is it necessary to prescribe nasal moisturizing:
- inhalation of dust, gases, hot and dry air;
- as part of complex treatment for inflammatory processes in the nose;
- prevention of infections;
- treatment of the mucous membrane after removing a foreign body from the nasal passage;
- sanitation of the epithelium in young children.
Oil drops
Oil-based preparations not only moisturize mucous membranes. They soften the crusts and make them easier to remove from the nose. This helps patients avoid tissue damage when treating a runny nose.
To enhance the therapeutic effect, essential oils are added to the solutions. In some patients, such drugs can cause allergies. To get rid of dry nose, you can use the following types of drops.
Pinosol
The product contains eucalyptus, peppermint and pine oils. They have a bactericidal effect and help with various forms of runny nose. The drug can be used in the treatment of children over 2 years of age.
Sinusan
Sinusan is made from Japanese mint oil. Before administering the product, it is recommended to clear your nose of mucus.
Ectericide
A nasal moisturizer is prescribed for bacterial runny nose. It contains fish oil, which moisturizes the nasal mucosa.
The importance of moisturizing your nose when you have a runny nose
If a runny nose is observed, treatment must include a set of measures to moisturize the nose and the use of hygienic means to cleanse its cavity.
In particular, this is of great importance if there is a development of a runny nose, which is of a non-infectious nature. The importance of moisturizing the nose during a runny nose is determined by the fact that this thins the mucus accumulated in the nasal cavity, which is subsequently better eliminated from the nose.
If a runny nose is of an allergic nature, its treatment should certainly begin with eliminating the allergens present in the nasal cavity. They are significantly reduced if you instill your nose with a solution of sea salt or standard saline throughout the day. This moisturizes the nasal cavity. These remedies are considered standard in the treatment of a runny nose, which is of an allergic nature.
If there is a physiological runny nose in an infant, in such a case one should not talk about the disease. A runny nose is only the result of a small person’s adaptation to the new conditions of his environment. To help the child’s body with this, it is recommended to use special moisturizing preparations.
What ointments can be used to moisturize the mucous membranes
Excessive dryness causes crusts to form in the nose. When trying to remove them, bleeding may occur.
The patient is recommended to place cotton swabs with Oxolin or Bactroban into the nasal passages. The procedure must be repeated 3 times a day. Turundas should be in the nose for about 3 minutes. Read how to make turundas correctly here.
An ointment for moisturizing the nasal mucosa makes the process of removing crusts easier . To speed up the healing of damaged tissue, doctors prescribe Traumeel or Rescuer to patients.
Treatment of dry nasal mucosa - diagnosis
- Dry nose is treated by an otolaryngologist, an allergist, and a therapist. An individual consultation makes it possible to take a medical history and identify the cause of dry nasal mucosa.
- ENT doctors perform a visual examination of the respiratory organs using special mirrors. In some cases, an endoscopic examination is prescribed.
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How to moisturize the nasal mucosa at home
Salt water can be used as a moisturizer. A solution of table salt will relieve swelling and remove pus accumulated in the sinuses.
To moisturize the mucous membrane, you can use propolis . The aqueous solution should be instilled into the nose, 2 drops 3 times a day.
Important! It is prohibited to use alcohol tinctures of propolis in the treatment of a runny nose.
Dryness and irritation of the nasal mucous membranes are unpleasant symptoms that occur with chronic sinusitis. You can help the patient with aloe juice. The lower leaves of the plant are suitable for preparing a medicinal solution.
Wrap the picked leaves in a bag and put them in the refrigerator for 12 hours. After this, pass the raw materials through a blender. The plant juice should be instilled every 3 hours.
Peach oil is a natural product that can be used to moisturize mucous membranes.
A remedy for dry nose can be prepared at home. To obtain a medicinal infusion, you need to mix calendula, plantain and chamomile in equal proportions .
Add 2 tbsp. spoons of raw materials into a separate container and pour a glass of boiling water. After this, cover the container with a lid. Strain the healing infusion through a piece of gauze. The product should be instilled into the nose 3 times a day until the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
moisturize the nasal mucosa at home using glycerin. The product will help retain moisture in your nose throughout the working day. It is advisable to apply the drug in the morning.
Dry nasal mucosa: causes
- Prolonged dryness of the nasal passages injures the mucous membrane and increases the likelihood of infection. The pathological condition provokes headache and weakness. In young children, increased intracranial pressure may accompany dryness of the nasal mucosa.
- During the daytime, dry nasal mucosa can be moistened . But during sleep, the nasal mucosa is dry and crusty. Due to crusts in the nose, the body adapts to mouth breathing. As a result, snoring and thirst in the mouth prevent you from getting a full night's sleep.
This can even make your head hurt.
Causes of dry nose:
- Dry indoor air. During the heating season, it is necessary to humidify the air and ventilate the premises. Failure to meet one of the conditions leads to dry air. There are methods to eliminate this problem - an air humidifier, battery protection, water containers near the heat source.
- Inflammatory process in the paranasal sinuses. Natural protection of the nasal mucosa occurs through the transport of mucus secreted by the nasal cavity from the sinuses to the nasopharynx. With various diseases, the process of natural hydration slows down, which leads to dry mucous membranes. The problem must be resolved under the supervision of specialists.
- Excess blood sugar. Increased sugar levels lead to dry nasal mucosa. By controlling the first problem, we automatically get rid of the second.
- The body's response to external stimuli. When inhaling allergens, the body may react by drying out the nasal mucosa. An allergist will help identify the exact cause.
- Systemic diseases. Chronic rhinitis, inflammation of the respiratory tract, Sjogren's syndrome and other diseases cause a feeling of dryness in the nose.
- Irregular shape of the nasal septum. Injuries, surgeries, and birth defects lead to disruption of the protective functions of the mucous membrane.
- Daily contact with bulk materials. Daily work with bulk materials leads to dry respiratory organs.
- Use of toxic substances. Inhalation of tobacco smoke, abuse of toxic substances and alcohol.
- Pregnancy. During the period of bearing a child, hormonal levels change. As a result, thickening, swelling, drying of the nasal mucosa.
- Long-term use of medications. Vasoconstrictor and antiallergic drugs lead to swelling and dryness of the mucous membrane.
Maybe even due to long-term medication use
Inhalations with saline solution
Saline solution has no contraindications and can be used in the treatment of newborns.
The product contains 0.9% sodium chloride, which destroys pathogenic microorganisms.
The child can feel positive results after several sessions. The baby's nasal breathing improves and swelling decreases.
Unlike herbal infusions, saline solution does not have an unpleasant taste or odor.
When carrying out inhalations, experts recommend adhering to the following rules:
- Moisturizing the nasopharynx should be done every 4 hours. However, this procedure can only help with the initial stage of a runny nose.
- The optimal temperature of the solution should be about 37 degrees .
- To increase effectiveness , you can add a few drops of essential oil to the solution.
- Be sure to wipe all elements of the inhaler with soda solution before performing the procedure.
- The patient is allowed to inhale vapors only through the nose. You cannot talk during the procedure .
- You should not inhale immediately after eating. Wait at least 1.5 hours.
Important! After the treatment procedure, the patient is prohibited from leaving the house for 30 minutes.
Recovery after a burn
A slightly different approach to restoring the mucous membrane is needed when receiving a burn. Help must be provided on time. If time is lost, the injury is difficult to treat. First of all, you need to follow these rules:
- Stop exposure to the irritant.
- Immediately rinse your nose with cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. Burns caused by aluminum compounds or lime are lubricated with vegetable oil - it is prohibited to use water in such a situation.
- If the pain is severe, you should take an antispasmodic. But it is more effective to use it topically, for example, by inserting turundas soaked in lidocaine or novocaine into the nostrils.
Chemical burns are treated in a different way:
- acid burn - rinsing with water and dissolved soap or ammonia diluted to a concentration of 0.1%;
- alkali burn - rinsing with vinegar and citric acid;
- burn with alcohol - rinse with saline solution.
The recovery process will depend on the severity of the damage:
- If you have a 1st degree burn, you can treat it yourself. Washing with saline solution and using drops to relieve swelling is sufficient.
- In the 2nd degree, treatment of the nasal mucosa is also carried out on the recommendation of a doctor at home. These include rinsing with saline solution and using regenerating ointments for the nasal cavity.
- At grade 3, assistance in a medical facility is required. The therapy is complex - it includes antibiotics and special procedures.
How can you relieve dry nose in pregnant women?
Not all medications are suitable for pregnant women. If possible, it is better not to contact them at all, without serious reasons. The best effect will be provided by drops containing natural ingredients.
Also, a good way out of the situation could be to constantly humidify the air in the room - you can spray water from a spray bottle, ventilate. But wetting the nasal passages with plain water is not a solution to the situation. Evaporating from the surface of the mucous membrane, it will pull moisture from the tissues and dry out the nose even more.
It is important to know that there are many methods to combat this disease! The main thing is not to delay treatment. A seemingly mild discomfort in the nose can develop into a serious problem and reduce the body’s protective functions.
Moisturizers
Moisturizing preparations containing saline solutions are auxiliary products that help eliminate dry mucous membranes. They can be useful even for a healthy person to prevent disruption of filtration function when forced to stay in an unfavorable indoor microclimate (dry, hot air). However, in most cases, moisturizing drops and sprays are used for a runny nose (rhinitis). Their action is:
- in liquefying mucus;
- in softening crusts;
- in moisturizing the mucous membrane.
By using moisturizers, you can prepare the nasal cavity for the application of topical medications - for example, vasoconstrictor drops,
various ointments. They also make it easier to remove crusts and prevent the appearance of new ones - if a person breathes humidified cool air and drinks enough liquid.
How to moisturize the nasal mucosa? The simplest and most accessible method is to rinse the nose and introduce saline drops into the nasal cavity. For young children, rinsing is done by nasal drops. A saline solution can be prepared (by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of boiled water at a comfortable temperature) or purchased at a pharmacy. Washing is a simple procedure, which, however, requires control of all stages of manipulation. Do not apply too much force when pumping liquid, do not press sharply on the syringe plunger.
You should not rinse your nose if the patient can only breathe through the mouth.
An attempt to introduce liquid into a completely stuffy nose can lead to complications from the auditory tube and middle ear (eustachitis, tubo-otitis), so if rinsing is necessary, you should use vasoconstrictor drops. Sometimes it is better to choose moisturizing drops - they are easier and safer to use. How to moisturize your nose with their help? Drops are applied to the mucous membrane using a dispenser on a bottle or a separate clean pipette.
The moisturizer should be warm.
Any drops and solutions introduced into the nose should not be cold or hot. The optimal temperature is 36–37 °C. To moisturize the nasal mucosa effectively, you can use ready-made drops, sprays and nasal showers based on sea water (Otrivin More, Humer). Sprays for irrigation of the mucous membrane are suitable for daily nasal hygiene of children, adolescents and adults.
In addition to saline solutions, there are also products that help protect against drying out - oil nasal drops. Their action is to create a film on the surface of the mucous membrane. However, oil drops cannot be used for daily hygiene - they are indicated only for certain types of inflammatory processes.
The respiratory system is an important component of the human body. It supports the gas exchange process and supplies our body with oxygen. The human nose performs a protective function; it does not allow microorganisms and viruses to penetrate inside. But if this happens, the consequence of viral penetration is drying out of the nasal mucosa. And, as a rule, this leads to the appearance of sores in the nose. This annoying problem can be dealt with using natural and pharmaceutical nasal moisturizers.
How to moisturize the nasal mucosa at home
- Salt water rinsing
is the most famous natural remedy. The saline solution has an antiseptic effect, kills germs, reduces discomfort and moisturizes the nasal mucosa. It is better to use sea salt as it contains more minerals. - Steam inhalations
will not remove germs, but will perfectly warm and moisturize the nasal mucosa. The procedure is simple: you need to breathe over the hot steam, covering your head with a towel. For a better effect, you can add various essential oils or herbs - this will eliminate discomfort and promote the functioning of immune cells. - Natural essential oils
have antiviral, antibacterial properties and carefully restore the nasal mucosa. These are eucalyptus, pine and tea tree oils. Can be added to inhalations or used as nasal drops. - Propolis
is known for its medicinal bactericidal properties. It is effective against many diseases, and if combined with pharmaceutical medications, the effect is enhanced. It is important to use natural or diluted propolis in water. An alcohol tincture will not work, since alcohol does not moisturize, but rather irritates the nasal mucosa. - Aloe juice
helps eliminate dryness and irritation of the nasal cavity, soothe the mucous membranes and ease breathing. Aloe juice contains many beneficial substances and microelements. The nose must be instilled every 3 hours.
Pharmacies also offer a considerable selection of nasal products, most of which are made from natural ingredients. Let's take a closer look.
Preparations for moisturizing the nasal mucosa
- Aquamaris
- treats and moisturizes the nose in a safe and natural way. Consists of sea water saturated with microelements. The composition of aquamaris has a mild restorative effect on the nasal mucosa. It has no side effects, which is why it is used during pregnancy and prescribed to infants. - Water saturated with silver ions
is often used in medicine to treat dry nose. Use a cotton swab to moisten the nasal mucosa several times a day. Water also prevents the development of colds. - Aqualor
- has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect. Frees the mucous membrane from microorganisms and viruses, gently cleanses and moisturizes it. Used to prevent influenza and ARVI, relieves the symptoms of a runny nose. - Salin
is a solution of sodium chloride with the presence of buffer substances. Has a positive effect on pH balance and improves nasal breathing. Softens dry nasal crusts. - Pinosol product
consists entirely of natural essential oils. The composition includes vitamin E. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. - Fluimarin
- like other products, it contains purified sea water. Thanks to sea water, nasal secretions are liquefied, which helps the nasal crusts disappear and makes breathing easier. It is used for prevention in the autumn-winter period.
Using these remedies as a preventative measure, you can take care of your nasal mucosa and also prevent the onset of the disease. Does not forget about creating comfortable conditions in places of permanent residence, which is achieved through systematic ventilation of premises and the use of modern air humidifiers. And if your dry nose causes severe discomfort and does not go away, consult a doctor.
For various diseases of the nasal mucosa, hydration is necessary. For a long time, nasal moisturizers were ignored; it was believed that in case of rhinitis, the mucous membrane needed to be dried. But the benefits of such drugs have long been proven.
Moisturizing the nasal mucosa allows you not only to get rid of unpleasant sensations, but also to increase local immunity. The spray form allows you to dose the drug and distribute it evenly over the surface of the mucosa. Moisturizing sprays are considered the safest for children and pregnant women.
What types of nasal drops are there?
What nasal drops can be used for a runny nose?
There are different nasal drops with different compositions:
Vasoconstrictor drops, as the name suggests, constrict blood vessels when applied locally to the nasal mucosa, which helps reduce lymph flow. The nasal passages become less swollen, mucus is formed in a much smaller volume, and the patient can breathe freely for some time.
It should be noted that this is a temporary effect that does not help treat a runny nose, but only makes breathing easier during the duration of the drug’s effect.
Moisturizing drops are not a medicine and are used to rinse the nose. They operate on the principle of osmotic pressure: a drug containing some salts (mainly sodium salts, including sea salt) washes the nasopharynx cavity, removing excess mucus, but without drying out the mucous membrane.
Many of our readers actively use the Monastic Collection of Father George to treat a runny nose, sinusitis (sinusitis). It contains 16 medicinal plants that are extremely effective in the treatment of chronic COUGH, bronchitis and cough caused by smoking.
These nasal rinses by themselves do not fight either an allergic reaction or an infection, but with comprehensive treatment they can have a positive effect. In addition, they have no contraindications or toxic effects.
Antiviral drops - are used if the patient has an acute respiratory viral process that affects the nasopharyngeal cavity. This can happen both during a common cold and during various complications. They can be used only after deciphering the test results and confirming the presence of a viral disease. Uncontrolled use of antiviral drugs can cause serious consequences.
Combined action drops are drugs that combine several actions: basically this is a combination of a vasoconstrictor with an antibacterial, antiviral or antiallergic agent.
Such drugs simultaneously relieve symptoms and have a therapeutic effect. These are the most effective drops, because... they eliminate the cause of a runny nose, exerting a local effect on the mucous membrane, which allows minimizing the toxic effect on the body.
Phytodrops, or homeopathic drops, contain natural ingredients such as essential oils and plant extracts. Nasal drops with natural ingredients can somewhat alleviate the symptoms of a runny nose, but they are mainly used in the period between illnesses to increase local immunity during the cold season, or to moisturize the nasal mucosa in dry climates.
In those categories of nasal drops that were mentioned above, there are subgroups of drugs based on the main active ingredient. There are other categories of drugs, but we will consider their main groups.
In drops for constricting blood vessels, there are 4 main subgroups based on the active substance. This list includes drugs containing:
- naphazoline (Nazolin, Xylene);
- oxymetazoline (Nazol, Fervex spray, Nazivin);
- phenylephrine (Vibrocil);
- xylometazoline (Dlyanos, Rinostop, Otrivin).
The drugs vary in duration of action and in the main age groups (adults or children). It is worth knowing that nasal drops with xylometazoline (for example, Flixonase) greatly dry out the mucous membrane, but they can act for quite a long time - up to 10 hours. Drops of this group can be produced with menthol (Otrivin), which additionally acts on cold receptors.
All vasoconstrictor drugs cannot be instilled for more than 5-6 days, because further use causes dependence and a reverse reaction - increased secretion of snot from the nose.
Therapeutic drops used for allergies can be symptomatic (vasoconstrictor) or therapeutic (antihistamine). Anti-allergenic nasal drops affect receptors that cause the release of histamine, a hormone released by the body during inflammation, causing swelling, lacrimation and mucus from the nose. Effective ones not only make breathing easier, but also prevent lacrimation and itching.
List of main drugs of the group:
- Fenistil;
- Levocabastine;
- Cromohexal;
- Zyrtec.
The nasal mucosa is a barrier to infection. The stratified columnar epithelium lining the nasal cavity has numerous mobile processes resembling cilia. They trap solid particles (including dust) and various microorganisms. The activity of cilia movement largely depends on the characteristics of nasal mucus. If a person constantly inhales dry, overheated air, the mucus dries out - the level of protection is significantly reduced. Bacteria, viruses and dust particles easily penetrate the trachea, bronchi and lungs, which can cause the development of various diseases. To normalize the filtration function of the nasal mucosa, you need to have an idea of proper hydration.
Traditional methods
There are a large number of folk recipes that are designed to cope with the problem of dryness in the nasal cavity.
Using table or sea salt
What could be simpler and more accessible than table salt? It is in every kitchen, which means it is always at hand.
You can moisten the nasal mucosa with a saline solution. The fact is that by dissolving salt in water, we get a physiological solution.
Saline solution can be purchased ready-made at your nearest pharmacy. Just ask the seller for sodium chloride: solution for infusion 0.9%. Or you can prepare it yourself at home.
To prepare the necessary saline solution, we only need clean water and table (sea) salt. The water temperature should be 38-42 degrees Celsius.
Add one teaspoon of table (sea) salt to a liter of warm water. It is necessary to stir our product until the salt crystals are completely dissolved.
We can also combat dryness in the nasal cavity through salt inhalations. Simply dissolve pre-prepared salt in hot water and inhale the resulting steam.
Remember that you need to breathe carefully when inhaling. Sudden and deep breaths can cause serious burns to the upper respiratory tract.
Use of natural vegetable oils
To solve the problem of dry nose, we can use the healing properties of various vegetable oils. You can take the one that is most accessible to you:
- sunflower;
- sesame;
- olive;
- peach;
- pumpkin;
- sea buckthorn;
- linen;
- and many others.
We use any of the oils you have as nasal drops. You should drip 1-2 drops of oil into each nasal passage twice a day.
The thing is that when such drops are instilled, the oil covers the entire nasal cavity with a thin layer and promotes its restoration.
It must be remembered that this folk recipe should be handled with extreme caution. After all, if you exceed the recommended dosages, you can develop serious health problems (for example, lipoid pneumonia).