The nose is the respiratory system's first line of defense, fulfilling crucial functions such as air filtration, heating and humidification, and immune defense. However, modern life often involves air pollution, pollen, dust mites, and the accumulation of nasal secretions, often leading to nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and even infections. Daily, scientific nasal cleaning not only maintains nasal health but also prevents recurrence of rhinitis, sinusitis, and other conditions.
Basic Care
Daily nasal cleaning requires no complex tools; simple movements can maintain nasal moisture and patency, making it suitable for everyone (including children, pregnant women, and the elderly).
Saline nasal spray: Gently moisturizes and softens secretions
Commercially available saline spray (0.9% sodium chloride solution) is the preferred tool for daily nasal care. Its osmotic pressure matches that of human body fluids, preventing irritation to the mucous membranes and making it easy to use:
Steps: Tilt your head slightly and insert the spray tip into one nostril. Press the nozzle 2-3 times to evenly coat the front of the nasal cavity with saline.
Frequency: Use 2-3 times daily, especially when the air is dry, after exposure to allergens, or after blowing your nose.
Benefit: Moisturizes dry nasal mucosa, softens crusts and thick secretions, and prepares for subsequent cleaning.
Caution: Avoid using sprays containing preservatives or medications; long-term use may cause drug-induced rhinitis.
Blow your nose correctly: Avoid pressure damage and prevent the spread of infection
Blowing your nose is a common daily hygiene procedure, but incorrect techniques (such as applying force to both nostrils simultaneously) can lead to otitis media or sinusitis:
Steps: Lean forward, press one nostril with your fingers, and gently exhale to blow out mucus from the other nostril, alternating between the two.
Force: Aim for a slight exhalation sound, avoiding excessive force.
Tools: Use disposable tissues and discard immediately after blowing to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Contraindications: Avoid forceful nose blowing during a cold or acute rhinitis to prevent secretions from flowing back into the middle ear or sinuses.
Cotton Swab Cleaning: Precise Removal to Protect the Mucosa
For dry crusts or secretions in the nasal vestibule, sterile cotton swabs can be used as an auxiliary cleaning aid, but strict attention to the details of the procedure is required:
Tools: Choose medical-grade cotton swabs (with small tips and dense cotton wool) and avoid using regular cosmetic cotton swabs.
Steps: Dip the cotton swab in a small amount of saline or olive oil and gently wipe the inside of the nostril in a circular motion, avoiding deep penetration into the nasal cavity.
Frequency: Use once daily, only when dry crusts are evident. Excessive cleaning may damage the mucosa.
Warning: Children or those with nasal allergies should be handled by their parents to prevent the cotton swab from breaking or causing injury.
Deep Cleaning: A Scientific Guide to Nasal Irrigation
When nasal secretions are heavy (such as during a cold or allergic rhinitis) or to prevent postoperative infection, nasal irrigation is a more thorough cleansing method. The flushing action of water can remove allergens, bacteria, and pus from deeper within the sinuses.
Choose the right irrigating solution: Isotonic saline is the preferred solution
Isotonic saline (0.9%): Its osmotic pressure matches the human body's, making it gentle and non-irritating, suitable for daily and postoperative care.
Hypertonic saline (1.5%-3%): It can quickly shrink swollen mucosa and relieve acute nasal congestion, but continuous use should not exceed 7 days.
Sea salt water: Contains minerals and trace elements, making it suitable for those with allergic rhinitis or sensitive mucosa.
Contraindications: Avoid using tap water (which contains chlorine and microorganisms) or mixing your own saline solution (incorrect concentration can damage the mucosa).
Master the correct irrigating technique to prevent choking and ear infections
Equipment: Use a squeeze nasal rinser or an electric spray nasal rinser (optional for children).
Position: Lean forward 30°, lower your head slightly, and breathe through your mouth slightly open to avoid swallowing or choking.
How to use: Place the irrigator firmly against one nostril and gently squeeze the bottle to allow the saline to flow out of the other nostril, rather than into the back of the nose and into the mouth. Common Mistakes: Tilt your head back or stand upright when rinsing, which can cause saline solution to enter the ear canal and trigger otitis media.
Control Frequency and Temperature: Avoid over-cleansing and mucosal damage
Frequency: 1-2 times per week for healthy individuals; 1-2 times daily during acute rhinitis; adjust according to doctor's advice for postoperative patients.
Temperature: 32-38°C (close to body temperature), measured with a thermometer or tested by dropping drops on the back of your hand.
Follow-up Care: Moisten your nasal cavity with saline spray after rinsing to prevent dryness.
Signal Signs: If you experience ear pain, headache, or nasal bleeding after rinsing, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Specific Scenario Response: Targeted Cleansing Strategies
Nasal cleaning methods may need to be adjusted to suit specific needs in different environments or health conditions.
Severe Air Pollution: Increase Cleansing and Protection
After going out: Immediately rinse your nasal cavity with saline spray to reduce PM2.5 and allergen buildup.
Indoors: Use an air purifier and regularly clean the air conditioner filter to reduce indoor dust concentrations.
Protection: Wear an N95 respirator, which blocks over 95% of particulate matter from entering your nasal cavity.
During an allergic rhinitis episode: Reduce allergen exposure
Cleaning priorities: After rinsing, use a cotton swab to remove pollen or dust mites from the nasal vestibule.
Environmental control: Regularly wash bedding, carpets, and curtains, and use dust mite repellents.
Avoid irritation: Avoid strong irritants such as perfume and smoke to prevent aggravation of symptoms.
After nasal surgery: Prevent infection and promote healing
24 hours after surgery: Avoid rinsing; use only saline spray for moistening.
3-7 days after surgery: Use a low-pressure irrigator under your doctor's guidance to remove blood crusts and secretions.
Long-term care: Avoid forceful nose blowing or picking for one month after surgery to prevent wound damage.
Nasal hygiene is not a temporary fix; it's a long-term investment in maintaining respiratory health. Maintaining daily cleansing through basic care (nasal sprays, nasal blowing, and cotton swabs), deep rinsing when needed, and tailoring your approach to specific situations can effectively prevent rhinitis, sinusitis, and respiratory infections.
