The nasal cavity, as the first barrier of the human respiratory system, performs important functions such as filtering, humidifying, and regulating air temperature. However, modern air pollution, allergen exposure, and unhealthy lifestyles are causing more and more people to face nasal health issues. Nasal irrigation, as a safe, non-invasive adjunctive treatment, has been widely used for nasal disease management and daily health maintenance.
Patients with Nasal Diseases
Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
People with allergic rhinitis (such as hay fever and dust mite allergy) are primarily suitable for nasal irrigation. When allergens (such as pollen and animal dander) enter the nasal cavity, they stimulate the mucosa to release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, triggering symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itching. Nasal irrigation physically removes allergen particles, reducing the contact time between inflammatory mediators and the mucosa, thereby reducing the intensity of the allergic reaction. For example, during the spring pollen season, nasal irrigation once or twice daily can significantly relieve symptoms and reduce medication dependence.
Patients with Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is caused by narrow sinus openings, which allow secretions to accumulate and breed bacteria, creating a vicious cycle of infection, inflammation, and secretion retention. Nasal irrigation uses high-pressure water (such as a pulsed nasal irrigation device) to penetrate deep into the sinuses, diluting purulent secretions and facilitating their drainage. It also reduces mucosal edema and widens the sinus openings. Clinical studies have shown that irrigating two to three times daily during acute episodes, combined with antibiotics or nasal steroids, can increase symptom relief rates by over 40%.
Patients with Nasal Polyps and Deviated Septum
Patients with nasal polyps often experience severe nasal congestion and anosmia due to nasal obstruction, while deviated septums can cause airway obstruction due to structural abnormalities. Both types of patients require nasal irrigation after surgery to remove wound exudate and blood crusts and prevent adhesions and infection. For example, continued irrigating for two to four weeks after endoscopic sinus surgery can shorten recovery time and reduce recurrence rates.
Atrophic Rhinitis and Post-Radiotherapy Patients
Atrophic rhinitis, caused by mucosal atrophy, leads to nasal dryness, crusting, and foul odor. Patients undergoing radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma often experience symptoms such as nasal dryness, nasal congestion, and purulent rhinorrhea. Nasal irrigation can replenish moisture, soften dry crusts, and promote drainage, while also repairing damaged mucosa. Studies have shown that rinsing with warm saline solution can increase nasal moisture by 60% and significantly reduce foul odor.
Workers in Special Environments
Dust-Prone Environments
People who are chronically exposed to dust, such as teachers, sanitation workers, and coal miners, are susceptible to damage to the nasal mucosa and inflammation. Nasal irrigation can immediately remove harmful particles trapped in the nose and throat, reducing the risk of inhalation into the lower respiratory tract.
Chemical Exposures
People who frequently come into contact with disinfectants or chemical reagents, such as medical staff and laboratory researchers, are susceptible to nasal mucosal irritation and dry rhinitis. Nasal irrigation can form a protective barrier, reducing damage to the mucosa caused by chemicals. Clinical recommendations include immediate nasal irrigation after exposure to high concentrations of pollutants and wearing a mask.
People Adapted to Extreme Climates
People who spend extended periods in dry areas (such as deserts) or air-conditioned rooms are susceptible to decreased nasal mucosal function due to dehydration. Nasal irrigation can replenish moisture and enhance ciliary movement, improving the nasal cavity's self-cleaning ability.
People with Respiratory Symptoms
Colds and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
In the early stages of a cold, nasal irrigation can reduce mucosal edema and promote nasal function recovery. Studies have shown that nasal irrigation twice daily can shorten the duration of nasal congestion relief by one to two days and reduce viral colonization in the nasal cavity.
Chronic Cough and Asthma
Nasal irrigation can clear nasal secretions and reduce the irritating cough caused by backflow into the throat. For asthma patients, nasal irrigation can also reduce the accumulation of allergens in the respiratory tract and reduce the frequency of attacks. For example, asthma patients who use nasal irrigation experience a 30% reduction in acute attacks.
Nasal Congestion and Sleep Apnea
Nasal congestion is a major contributing factor to sleep apnea. Nasal irrigation can improve airflow, relieve nasal congestion symptoms, and thus enhance sleep quality. Clinical observations have shown that patients with chronic nasal congestion experience a reduction of over 50% in nocturnal apnea episodes after irrigation.
Children and the Elderly
Children (ages 3 and up)
Children's nasal mucosa is delicate and their immune systems are underdeveloped, making them susceptible to colds, allergens, and environmental pollution. Nasal irrigation can aid in the treatment of colds, allergic rhinitis, and adenoid hypertrophy, reducing medication use. For example, using a nasal spray once daily in children aged 3-6 can reduce the risk of otitis media.
The Elderly
Older adults often experience nasal congestion, runny nose, and decreased sense of smell due to mucosal atrophy and decreased ciliary function. Nasal irrigation can improve airflow, prevent aspiration pneumonia (especially in bedridden patients), and enhance resistance to respiratory infections. Clinically, it is recommended that elderly individuals use warm saline for irrigation, keeping the water temperature close to body temperature (35-37°C) to avoid cold stimulation that can trigger vasospasm.
Daily Health Care for Healthy Individuals
Even if you do not have nasal disease, regular nasal irrigation can be a daily health measure:
Removes pollutants: Reduces the retention of PM2.5, pollen, and bacteria in the nasal cavity;
Enhances mucosal function: A moist environment promotes ciliary movement, improving the nasal cavity's self-cleaning ability;
Relieves dryness and discomfort: For those who spend extended periods in air-conditioned rooms or dry areas, daily nasal irrigation can prevent dry rhinitis.
Contraindications and Precautions
Although nasal irrigation is widely applicable, caution should be exercised in the following individuals:
Severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease: Irrigation may cause blood pressure fluctuations;
Acute otitis media: Irrigation pressure may spread the ear infection;
Fresh nasal wounds, such as those who have not healed after nasal surgery;
Individuals with coagulation disorders: Irrigation may cause nasal bleeding. Additionally, please note the following when rinsing:
Water temperature should be kept close to human body temperature (32-37°C), avoiding excessive cold or heat.
Nasal irrigation device: Children should use a spray nasal irrigation device, while adults can choose a squeeze or pulse nasal irrigation device.
Nasal irrigation posture: Stand and lean forward, breathing with your mouth open to avoid choking.
Nasal irrigation is a scientific care method suitable for all ages. From allergy sufferers to those exposed to occupational hazards, from those recovering from surgery to those seeking healthcare, proper use of nasal irrigation can improve breathing quality. If you fall into any of these categories, why not try this simple yet effective nasal irrigation method today to restore freshness and health to your nasal cavity?
