Nasal irrigation is a simple and effective nasal care method increasingly used in daily life. It helps remove dirt, allergens, and excess secretions from the nasal cavity, relieving symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose, and improving nasal ventilation and cleanliness. However, many people are not fully aware of what comes out of their nasal cavity during nasal irrigation. Below is a detailed explanation of what substances come out during nasal irrigation.
Nasal Secretions
The nasal cavity continuously secretes mucus, which moistens the nasal cavity and traps dust and pathogens. During nasal irrigation, the flow of the irrigation fluid stimulates the nasal mucosa, causing secretions that were originally attached to the nasal cavity to loosen and be flushed out. These secretions may be clear, indicating mild nasal inflammation; or they may be yellow or green purulent secretions, which often indicate a nasal infection, such as sinusitis. Purulent discharge may contain a large number of white blood cells, necrotic tissue, and bacteria, representing the body's fight against infection.
Dust and Allergens
Our nasal cavity is the first line of defense for air entering the body, inhaling large amounts of allergens such as dust, pollen, and animal dander daily. These substances are intercepted by the cilia on the nasal mucosa and adhere to nasal secretions. When nasal irrigation is performed, the rinsing solution flushes out these adhered dust and allergens along with the nasal cavity. For example, during pollen season, a large number of pollen particles accumulate in the nasal cavity of people with allergies. Rinsing can effectively reduce the allergen content in the nasal cavity and relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal itching.
Dry Crusts and Blood Crusts
If the nasal mucosa is dry, damaged, or has previously experienced nosebleeds, dry crusts and blood crusts may form in the nasal cavity. These crusts and blood crusts adhere to the nasal mucosa, causing nasal discomfort and even affecting nasal ventilation. During nasal irrigation, the moistening and impact of the irrigation solution softens and removes dried crusts and blood clots, which then flow out of the nasal cavity with the solution. For example, in dry climates or when using heating in winter, the nasal mucosa is prone to dryness and crusting; nasal irrigation can promptly remove these crusts, keeping the nasal cavity moist and clean.
The Irrigation Solution Itself
During nasal irrigation, some of the solution may flow out of the other nostril, which is normal. Because the nasal cavity is a relatively closed space, the irrigation solution, after entering the nasal cavity, flows within and washes various areas before flowing out of the opposite nostril. The outflowing solution may also contain nasal secretions, dust, allergens, and other substances mentioned above. Furthermore, the flow rate and volume of the irrigation solution will vary depending on individual nasal structure and irrigation method. If the irrigation pressure is too high, more solution may flow out quickly; if the irrigation pressure is moderate, the flow will be relatively steady.
Drug Residue (If using nasal irrigation solution)
Some people use nasal irrigation solutions containing medication to treat specific nasal conditions, such as rhinitis and sinusitis. After the medication in these solutions has exerted its therapeutic effect, some of it may flow out of the nasal cavity with the irrigation fluid. However, this does not mean the medication was ineffective, because the medication has already remained in the nasal cavity for a period of time before irrigation, having made sufficient contact with the nasal mucosa and exerted a certain therapeutic effect. Moreover, the amount of residual medication flowing out is usually small and will not affect the overall treatment effect.
The substances that flow out during nasal irrigation are varied. Understanding the composition and characteristics of these discharges helps us better assess the health of the nasal cavity. If any abnormalities are found in the discharge during irrigation, such as large amounts of purulent secretions or frequent bleeding, medical attention should be sought promptly to determine the cause and take appropriate treatment measures. At the same time, the correct nasal irrigation method and the selection of a suitable irrigation solution are also very important to ensure the safety and effectiveness of nasal irrigation.
