How to prepare hypertonic saline solution at home? Indications for use

Rinsing your child's nose with saline solution is the most effective and harmless way to get rid of a runny nose at home. Unlike an adult, it is usually difficult for a child to determine what exactly is bothering him and why water is flowing from his nose or, conversely, it is very blocked. Difficulty breathing is the first sign of a viral infection or a common cold. But there are other reasons: for example, allergies.

The appearance of mucus indicates that there is a problem, and the body is actively fighting it. Transparent liquid secretions delay the passage of germs, allergens and viruses. Their transformation into thick green snot is dangerous - at this stage, mucus, as an immune barrier, no longer works.

A runny nose cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, it will not go away on its own. It has plenty of side effects: moodiness, headache, general malaise, etc. You can't do without quick and effective help.

When does a child need to rinse his nose?

A saline solution used to rinse a child's nose moisturizes and cleanses the mucous membrane. The procedure is indicated not only for the active treatment of a runny nose, but also as a means of regular hygiene. This is the easiest and most affordable way to help your child cope with a runny nose or nasal congestion.

To fully restore respiratory function, it is necessary to determine the exact cause of the runny nose and carry out a course of treatment under the supervision of a doctor. Proper rinsing of a child’s nose is just one of the procedures. Unlike medications, it can be carried out independently, without a doctor’s prescription, from infancy.

Salt solution for gargling - proportions

As a rule, adults are recommended to use 1 teaspoon of salt per 200 ml of boiled water. If there are no contraindications, take iodized salt.

In order not to harm your health, it is better to use medications with proven effects. A salt concentration of more than 10% can damage the mucous membrane of the throat, and undissolved crystals can cause soreness and soreness in the throat, scratching the epithelium and delaying recovery.

We recommend certified pharmacy products for treatment, as they have undergone clinical trials and are safe and effective medicines.

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Solution for rinsing a child’s nose at home

A saline solution is recommended as a nasal rinse for children. It is better to purchase it at the pharmacy: special preparations based on sea water have a balanced composition. There are a number of nuances associated with this:

• Ready-made preparations based on sea water. Preparations such as Sialor Aqua do not require preparation. Washing can be done immediately after opening the ampoule. The salt concentration in it is approximately 6.5 g of salt per 1 liter of water. This saturation allows you to avoid unpleasant sensations in the form of burning. Children's noses are very sensitive to excess salt. If you overdo it once and cause discomfort, it will be difficult to rinse later. With the ready-made solution "Sialor Aqua" such a situation is excluded. The concentration is optimal even for rinsing the nose of an infant. The package contains 10 anatomical ampoules with sea water - each contains a single dose. One is enough for one-time use.

Sea water for rinsing the nose Sialor Aqua

• Homemade solution of table or sea salt for rinsing the nose of children. For 1 liter of warm (not hot!) boiled water, 1 tsp is required. salt (table or sea salt without additives). This corresponds to 9 g of salt per 1 liter of water. The composition is saturated with sodium and chlorine salts, enriched with magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium and normalizes the natural functioning of cells. When the salt concentration is exceeded, a burning sensation is felt. This is extremely unpleasant for the baby, so you should not increase the amount of salt when preparing the solution. It won't make him any more effective.

Neither one nor the other composition has side effects, overdose is excluded. At the same time, you can quickly use the ready-made product without doubting how balanced its composition is. It is conveniently and economically packaged - no pipette or syringe is needed for irrigation.

Price issue

Hypertonic solution can be purchased at a pharmacy.
The price largely depends on the popularity of a particular pharmaceutical brand. So Aquamaris costs about 200 rubles. Quicks costs respectively from 260 rubles. The compositions of such products differ in small details, but the main effect is the same. Making a hypertonic solution at home for rinsing is correspondingly easier and cheaper, although it is quite difficult to maintain the exact proportions. When it comes to treating children, we still recommend purchasing a special product that will not harm the child’s body.

How to rinse a child's nose at home?

The easiest way to explain to a child how to rinse the nose and why this procedure is needed in general is to show it to yourself. Attempts to rinse your nose quickly, strictly and without explanation will not work. As soon as he suspects the possibility of pain, and the syringe and douche are associated with it, all mother’s efforts will be nullified.

The technology of introduction and irrigation is simple, but requires strict consistency. You need to do the following:

1. Place the child facing the sink.
2. Tilt his head over it, slightly moving it forward and to the side, without placing it on his shoulder.
3. Inject the sea salt solution into the child's upper nostril. When using a pipette, insert the whole one into one nostril; syringe - up to 2 ml. Using ready-made Sialor Aqua bufus, count 2 drops for each nostril
4. If the head is positioned correctly, water with residual mucus, crusts, pus, etc. will flow out of the lower nostril.

Scheme for rinsing the nose with saline solution

To rinse a child’s nose with a runny nose, a single injection of the solution is sufficient. There is no need to repeat several times in a row to enhance the effect. It is better to carry out the procedure several times during the day. Following the recommendations for the ratio of water and salt guarantees painlessness. Having tried it once, the baby will not be afraid to rinse his nose, especially when he feels that breathing has become easier.

Is it possible to gargle with salt?

Rinse is used for sore throat, runny nose, otitis, various pathologies of the ENT organs: acute and chronic tonsillitis, purulent processes in the tonsils, pharyngitis.

At certain concentrations, the salt solution has different therapeutic effects.

Hypertonic dilution of sodium chloride (osmotic pressure is greater than that in the tissues) relieves swelling, reducing sore throat, has antimicrobial activity, thins thick mucus, pus, and helps restore the draining function of the tonsils.

A saline solution with a salt concentration of 0.9% mechanically cleanses the walls of the pharynx from bacteria, viruses, dead cells, and moisturizes the mucous membrane of the oropharynx1.

To reduce the risk of infection, it is advisable to irrigate the nasal cavity and oropharynx after visiting crowded places or communicating with a sick person.

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Features of nasal rinsing for children under one year old

It is more difficult to rinse the nose of a very young child than for someone older in age. It will not be possible to explain how to behave. Show too. Everything needs to be done gently, quietly, without sudden movements. Many mothers are afraid to carry out any medical procedures on their own at first, for fear of harming or causing pain to the baby, so in this situation we recommend not to worry and adhere to the following rules:

1. Buy a saline solution for rinsing the child’s nose marked 0+.
2. Place the child on his back.
3. Turn the head to the side.
4. Place 2 drops into the upper nostril.
5. Lift the head so that the residue flows out through the lower nostril.
6. Repeat with the other nostril.

At the end of the procedure, you can clean the nose with a cotton swab soaked in baby oil. It will soften the mucous membrane, eliminate discomfort and allow you to remove dried crusts. Children under one year old do not need to frequently drip the solution to rinse the nose - 2-3 times a day is quite enough. As soon as the nose breathes normally and the discharge is noticeably reduced, rinsing can be left only as a morning hygiene procedure.

How to gargle with salt correctly?

We recommend using only certified solutions that are medicinal, such as Hexoral ®, chlorhexidine, and other antiseptics.

To treat a sore throat safely and effectively, you need to follow some rinsing rules:

• The procedure is carried out after eating.
• Any rinse solution must be fresh every time.
• The patient takes a sip into his mouth and rinses his tonsils for 10 seconds. The duration of the procedure is 3-5 minutes. Such approaches are required 4-5 daily.
• You should tilt your head back for more effective treatment of the tonsils.
• Try to avoid swallowing the product.
• Rinsing as a method of treatment is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age, since due to their age, they will not perform the required actions and may choke or drink the solution.
• You should not drink or eat for an hour after completing the procedure.

Many sources recommend rinsing with salt and soda, iodine, etc. You should not do this for safety reasons, as you can get a burn to the soft tissue of the throat.

Currently, more effective drugs are available for the treatment of tonsillitis, one of which is Hexoral ® rinse solution, as well as other agents for local therapy. When using medications, the likelihood of recovery increases.

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Contraindications for nasal rinsing

Before starting the procedure, objectively assess the child’s condition. It cannot be carried out categorically in the following cases:

• Severe swelling that interferes with breathing.

In this case, there is a risk of saline solution getting into the middle ear and causing an infection. First you need to eliminate the swelling.

• Otitis.

You should not rinse your nose if you have otitis media. We only recommend that you carefully instill the drops.

• Allergy.

The manifestation and development of an allergic reaction in children is unpredictable.

• Fragile blood vessels and, as a result, frequent nosebleeds.
• Formations in the nasal cavity.
• Deviation of the nasal septum.

You can go outside no earlier than 30 minutes after the end of the procedure. Water remaining in the sinuses can cause a cold or inflammation.

Having perfected the technique, mothers often include rinsing the nose with saline solution for children over one year old who have a runny nose in their list of daily hygiene procedures. You can maintain the working condition of the mucous membrane by other methods. For example, additional air humidification during the heating season, regular walks outside, and compliance with the drinking regime.

Differentiated approach to the use of irrigation-elimination therapy

G.D. TARASOVA

, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor,
E.V.
MIRZABEKYAN ,
T.I.
GARASCHENKO , Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor,
Federal State Budgetary Institution Scientific and Clinical Center of Otorhinolaryngology FMBA of Russia
Normal functioning of the protective and other mechanisms of the nasal cavity is possible only with sufficient cleanliness of the environment and, above all, the air. Deviation from the normal level of air components necessarily entails the development of disturbances in the functioning of the nasal cavity as an organ. Long-term exposure to pathological components of atmospheric air leads to organic disorders, in particular, to the development of inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. These diseases not only affect the quality of life of patients, but often require surgical interventions to resolve them or prevent complications. The group of such diseases includes infectious rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, adenoiditis and allergic rhinitis (AR) [1, 2, 4, 5, 31, 33].

It should be noted that with the development of AR, researchers have identified significant damage to the nasal mucosa, especially mucociliary clearance. In the epithelium of the nasal cavity the following is found: the absence of mobile cilia in more than 50% of visual fields; a large amount of desquamated and partially or completely “bare” epithelium without cilia (“balding” epithelium); the relatively synchronous movement of cilia in a layer of cells is preserved only in certain areas, no more than 10% of them; often the pathological nature, amplitude and rhythm of the movement of the cilia (pendulum-shaped, spastic or pulsating) [9]. This disrupts the process of adhesion of microorganisms and, consequently, leads to the destruction of the biocenosis.

In order to avoid the development of environmentally dependent diseases of the ENT organs, it is necessary to pay attention to measures that help preserve health. One of these measures is cleansing the nasal cavity by rinsing it, which is currently called irrigation-elimination therapy. The purpose of this type of treatment is aimed at washing out mucus, dust particles, plant pollen, bacteria, viruses, molds and yeasts, biologically active products of inflammation (histamine, leukotrienes, eosinophilic cationic protein, toxins, etc.), resins coming from the nasal cavity from the nasal cavity. inhaled air, as well as stimulation of blood circulation, mucociliary transport and the activity of mucous glands [3]. At the same time, the effect on the vascular system helps reduce edema, restoration of mucociliary transport leads to better cleansing of the nasal cavity, and the effect on the mucous glands leads to dilution of secretions. In addition, under the action of a jet of saline solution, mechanical removal of biofilms occurs, destruction of their channels and matrix [7]. The effect of rinsing promotes better absorption of prescribed topical agents. Often, diseases of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx cause various disturbances of the sense of smell. Removing pathological discharge and crusts from the olfactory areas by washing restores the ability to smell.

If earlier in medicine, rinsing of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx was carried out only using the Proetz movement method, and rinsing solutions had to be pre-prepared, now we have access to ready-made products created on the basis of saline solutions, sea and ocean water, enclosed in special cylinders that produce a shower or stream. Their significant advantage is that the procedure does not require the participation of a doctor and the patient can perform it independently and regularly at home.

Due to the large arsenal of means for rinsing the nasal cavity, the doctor is faced with the problem of choosing when prescribing the form that is most rational for a particular patient. In addition, the effectiveness of the technique and its safety remain the primary issues for doctors and patients. The preventive and therapeutic effect of the nasal rinsing technique directly depends on its ability to most completely remove aggressive organic and inorganic elements of inhaled atmospheric air from the nasal cavity. But it is necessary to take into account the possible negative effects of such procedures on the nasal mucosa.

Recommendations for choosing such a remedy are always personalized and are carried out only by an otolaryngologist based on medical history and examination of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. It should be remembered that there are only local contraindications to the use of irrigation-elimination therapy, which include: complete obstruction of nasal breathing, the presence of acute inflammation in the ENT organs, recurrent nosebleeds and negativism of the patient, often a child. Based on the many studies we have performed, we have established some features that should be taken into account when prescribing this type of therapy. Thus, depending on the location of the inflammatory process and the age of the patient, it is necessary to select the type of lavage: irrigation, shower, jet or full volumetric lavage [11, 12, 32].

Neurological pathology among children is becoming increasingly common, especially due to a decrease in body weight standards at birth. A child with a pathology of the nervous system or simply with a negative reaction to treatment may during the procedure inhale rinsing water through the nose, which can enter the lower respiratory tract or the middle ear cavity. The child's unconsciousness and unpredictable behavioral reactions require irrigation-elimination therapy for young children only under the supervision of adults or a doctor. The immaturity of the autonomic nervous system causes the possibility of pathological rhinovisceral reflexes.

The feasibility of using irrigation-elimination therapy in the complex treatment of many diseases of the ENT organs has long been justified and its therapeutic effectiveness has been proven. It is included in the international recommendations for the treatment of sinusitis - EPOS-12 [19, 33, 34] and AR - ARIA-2008 [8, 15].

When choosing a product for irrigation-elimination therapy, it is necessary to know not only the salt concentration, but the composition of its constituent electrolytes. Their composition should have minimal antigenic burden, the absence of a pungent odor and irritation [6].

Thus, in infancy, it is advisable to use only rinsing using drops of an isotonic saline solution and a nasal aspirator to prevent the child from choking and fluid getting into the cavity of the auditory tube and middle ear. In addition, non-compliance with recommended rinsing techniques by parents can also lead to negative events such as acute otitis media and laryngospasm. Considering these features of rinsing products and, contrary to the instructions for some balloon products that produce a spray or shower, which can be used from infancy, we recommend at this age prescribing products containing a hypotonic or isotonic saline solution and available only in the form of drops. However, they must be used simultaneously with the use of a nasal aspirator. Isotonic saline solutions do not violate the integrity of the delicate mucous membrane of the nasal cavity of young children ( Table 1

) [12, 16, 24, 30]. Saline solutions intended for rinsing the nasal cavity, as a rule, contain antiseptic substances, which gives reason to use them when treating the nasal cavity of newborns in order to cleanse it of amniotic fluid.

From the age of 1 year, some children can use washing products that form a shower and a spray, with a special design of nozzles that prevent deep penetration of the water jet into the respiratory tract. There are also age restrictions for these products ( Table 1

). It is worth noting that during preschool age it is preferable to use only isotonic saline solutions (Table 1).

Irrigation of the nasal cavity with isotonic saline solutions is necessary in the presence of a subatrophic and atrophic process, in the postoperative period, with nasal injuries and when people spend a long time in an atmosphere of dry air (for example, with low humidity in heated rooms).

Only in cases of pronounced swelling of the mucous membrane during exacerbation of AR and the presence of viscous and thick pathological discharge is it possible to use hypertonic saline solutions ( Table 2
).

Their use quickly eliminates swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, preventing its complications (rhinosinusitis, tubootitis, otitis media) [14, 20, 21, 23, 29, 32]. Hypertonic saline solutions, which have a stimulating effect on local circulation, are advisable to prescribe when vasomotor form of rhinitis and at the first stage of therapy for atrophic rhinitis. For these forms of rhinitis, such solutions are prescribed for a short course, followed by a transition to isotonic solutions as maintenance therapy. Age restrictions for these solutions are reflected in Table 2

.

If irritation of the nasal mucosa is detected, hypotonic saline solutions should be recommended, which will help restore not only the integrity of the nasal mucosa, but also its functioning. Irritation of the mucous membrane often occurs in the long-term period of a viral infection or surgical intervention, as well as with long-term use of topical decongestants, oil-based products and topical glucocorticosteroids [25, 26, 27]. Hypotonic solutions can serve as the best means for hygiene of infants. These funds also have age characteristics, which are reflected in Table 3

.

When detecting thick purulent discharge in the nasal cavity and, especially when identifying an inflammatory process in the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoiditis), a strong rinse in the form of a jet is necessary (Table 1-3) [13].

Patients taking inhaled corticosteroids and/or decongestants for a long time should use saline solutions containing dexpanthenol (Aqua Maris plus, Vibrolor) as an accompanying therapy to prevent the development of dystrophic changes in the nasal mucosa. Dexpanthenol - a derivative of pantothenic acid - a water-soluble B complex vitamin - is an integral part of coenzyme A. Dexpanthenol stimulates the regeneration of the mucous membrane, normalizes cellular metabolism, and has a regenerative and weak anti-inflammatory effect. Features characteristic of these funds are reflected in Table 4

.

In order to free the posterior sections of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx from thick, viscous discharge, we obtained the best effect when using the domestic Dolphin device, which allows for complete volumetric rinsing of these sections. The position of the patient's head when using balloon forms is important: it should be slightly tilted forward so that the chin makes a right or acute angle with the horizon, and not another, as indicated in some instructions ( Fig.

). In addition, the patient should not inhale during the procedure and should not talk, much less scream, which we often observe when parents perform such procedures. Violation of these conditions leads to the entry of lavage fluid into the cavity of the auditory tube and the development of otitis media. Children who cannot meet these conditions are not indicated for this type of therapy.

Of particular interest is the composition of saline solutions, which are used in the previously mentioned ready-made forms of agents for the implementation of irrigation-elimination therapy. Most of these products contain specially prepared sea water, which contains many microelements that have a beneficial effect on the trophism and functioning of the nasal mucosa [18, 22]. It is known that Na+ and K+ cations have a positive effect on the function of mucociliary transport, and Ca+ and Mg+ slow down the motility of epithelial cilia. In sea and ocean water, Na+ cations always prevail, which fully satisfies the requirements for drugs applied to the mucous membrane.

The composition of sea and ocean water, which includes a large number of microelements in microdoses, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the endocrine and immune systems.

At the same time, pharmacies offer products for irrigation-elimination therapy containing salt solutions of various compositions (Morenazal, Rizosin, Salin, Nazol aqua, Aquamaster). Thus, in the drug Morenasal, Ca+ cations prevail over Na+ cations, which can adversely affect the condition of the nasal mucosa. In addition, in order to preserve the composition for a long time, substances are added to these products, most often benzyl alcohol; purified water; sodium hydrogen phosphate; sodium dihydrogen phosphate; benzalkonium chloride. It should be noted that benzyl alcohol, acting as a preservative, is toxic and mutagenic at certain concentrations. Therefore, the US Pharmacopoeia requires that the label of such drugs indicate “not for use in newborns.” Benzyl alcohol also causes hypersensitivity reactions. In this regard, such drugs cannot be recommended for long courses [17, 28].

It is not recommended to use one bottle in different people due to the risk of spreading infection.

conclusions

1. The choice of means for irrigation-elimination therapy should be made by an otorhinolaryngologist, since only he is able to assess the presence of topical contraindications for rhinoscopy.

2. Some instructions for balloon rinsing products should not always be considered as a guide to action, but should be approached individually after collecting a detailed history and examining the nasal cavity by an otolaryngologist.

3. When selecting a remedy for irrigation-elimination therapy, preference should be given to preparations based on sea or ocean water.

4. When irrigation-elimination therapy is included in the treatment complex, the need and duration for using medications, in particular antibiotics, topical glucocorticosteroids, and vasoconstrictors, is reduced, which reduces the overall cost of course therapy, especially for AR.

Literature

1. Baranov A.A., Bogomilsky M.R., Revyakina V.A. Allergic rhinitis in children: a manual for doctors. – M., 2002. 80.p. 2. Bogomilsky M.R., Garashchenko T.I., Shishmareva E.V. Elimination therapy in the treatment of adenoiditis in children with acute sinusitis / Russian Otorhinolaryngology. 2004. - No. 6. 13- P. 3. Zheltikova T.M., Tarasova G.D., Mokronosova M.A. Elimination of household allergens as the prevention of allergic rhinitis // Russian Otorhinolary, 2003, No. 2(5). 221-225. 4. Karpova E.P., Sokolova M.V. Irrigation therapy of allergic rhinitis in children // Bulletin of Otorhinolaryngology. – 2007. – No. 5. – P. 23-24. 5. Karpova E.P., Vagina E.E. Elimination-irrigation therapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children. // Consilium Medicum Ukraina. – 2012. – No. 5. – P. 6. Kiselev A.B., Chaukina V.A. Elimination therapy for diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Methodological recommendations / - Novosibirsk, 2007. - 24 p. 7. Kryukov A.I., Khamzalieva R.B., Turovsky A.B. Recurrent bacterial sinusitis: Methodological recommendations/– M., 2006. – 18 p. 8. Mokronosova M.A. Irrigation therapy of the nasal cavity from the position of evidence-based medicine // Bulletin of Otorhinolaryngology. – 2009. – No. 1 – P. 51-53. 9. Ozerskaya I.V., Geppe N.A., Malyavina U.S. Mucociliary system of the respiratory tract in bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis // Attending physician. 2011. No. 9. pp. 17–20. 10. Polunina T.A. Irrigation therapy in children. Pharmateka. 2013, no. 15. pp. 97-98. 11. Tarasova G.D. Irrigation therapy of intermittent allergic rhinitis // Pediatric otorhinolaryngology. – 2012. – No. 2. – P. 51-53. 12. Tarasova G.D., Yunusov A.S., Mokronosova M.A., Vasilyeva G.V. Irrigation method of therapy for allergic rhinitis // Russian Otorhinolaryngology. 2002. No. 2 (2), p. 105-108. 13. Shishmareva E.V., Garashchenko T.I. Elimination therapy in the treatment and prevention of adenoiditis and ARVI in children.// Consilium medicum. - 2004. - No. 2. - P.46-48. 14. Adam P, Stiffman M, Blake RL, Jr. A clinical trial of hypertonic saline nasal spray in subjects with the common cold or rhinosinusitis.Arch Fam Med 1998;7(1):39-43. 15. ARIA 2008 (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma WHO initiative) 16. Bachmann G, Hommel G, Michel Ol. Effect of irrigation of the nose with isotonic salt solution on adult patients with chronic paranasal sinus disease. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2000;257(10):537-41. 17. Esref Demir et al. Assessment of genotoxic effects of benzyl derivatives by the comet assay. Food and Chemical Toxicology 48 (2010) 1239–1242). 18. Friedman M, Vidyasagar R, Joseph N. A randomized, prospective, double-blind study on the efficacy of dead sea salt nasal irrigations. Laryngoscope 2006;116(6):878–82. 19. Fokkens WJ1, Lund VJ, Mullol J, et al. EPOS 2012: European position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2012. A summary for otorhinolaryngologists // Rhinology. 2012 Mar;50(1):1-12. 20. Garavello W, Romagnoli M, Sordo L, Gaini RM, Di Berardino C, Angrisano A. Hypersaline nasal irrigation in children with symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized study. PediatrAllergyImmunol 2003:14:140–143. 21. Harvey R., Hannan SA, Badia L., Scadding G. Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(3):CD006394 22. Ottaviano G, Marioni G, Staffieri C, Giacomelli L, Marchese-Ragona R, Bertolin A, et al. Effects of sulfurous, salty, bromic, iodic thermal water nasal irrigations in nonallergic chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical, and cytological study. American Journal of Otolaryngology 2011;32(3):235–9. 23. Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R. Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial. J Fam Pract 2002;51(12):1049-55. 24. Slapak I, Skoupa J, Strnad P, Hornik P; Efficacy of isotonic nasal wash (seawater) in the treatment and prevention of rhinitis in children; 2008; Archives Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery ; vol 134; n° 1; pp 67-74 25. Shaikh N, Wald ER, Pi M. Decongestants, antihistamines and nasal irrigation for acute sinusitis in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 12. [DOI:10.1002/ 14651858.CD007909.pub2] 26. Shaikh N, Wald ER, Pi M. Decongestants, antihistamines and nasal irrigation for acute sinusitis in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 9. [DOI:10.1002/ 14651858.CD007909.pub3] 27. Shaikh N, Wald ER. Decongestants, antihistamines and nasal irrigation for acute sinusitis in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD007909. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007909.pub4. 28. Swarupa G Kulkarni and Harihara M Mehendale. Benzyl Alcohol. Encyclopedia of Toxicology. 2005). 29. Talbot AR, Herr TM, Parsons DS. Mucociliary clearance and buffered hypertonic saline solution. Laryngoscope 1997;107(4):500-3. 30. Tano L, Tano K; A daily nasal spray with saline prevents symptoms of rhinitis; 2004; Acta Otolaryngology; vol 124; pp. 1-4. 31. Tomooka L, Murphy C, Davidson TM. Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation. Laryngoscope 2000;110(7):1189-93. 32. Ural A., Oktemer TK, Kizil Y. et al. Impact of isotonic and hypertonic saline solutions on mucociliary activity in various nasal pathologies: clinical study // J. Laryngol. Otol. 2009. Vol. 123. N 5. P. 517–521. 33. Wang YH, Yang CP, Ku MS, Sun HL, Lue KH. Efficacy of nasal irrigation in the treatment of acute sinusitis in children. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 2009; 73(12):1696–701. 34. Wei JL, Sykes KJ, Johnson P, He J, Mayo MS. Safety and efficacy of once-daily nasal irrigation for the treatment of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis. Laryngoscope 2011;121(9): 1989–2000.

Source:

Medical Council, No. 3, 2015

Saline dressing

For maximum effect, saline solution is applied to the wound as a dressing. The procedure is performed in the following sequence:

1. The solution itself is prepared - the salt is poured with warm water and thoroughly mixed until completely dissolved.
2. Preparation of a piece of bandage - a bandage or gauze (depending on the size of the wound) is folded into 8-9 layers, and then immersed in saline until completely saturated.
3. Preparing the wound - While the salt dressing is soaking in the solution, carefully remove the old dressing from the wound. If the bandage has dried out, it should be moistened with warm water or the same saline solution, generously moistening the entire surface to be glued.

Salt dressing

Saline dressings can be combined

Apply a bandage soaked in saline solution to the open wound. Its edges are carefully straightened and smoothed to ensure maximum contact with the surface of the wound. In this position, you need to let the solution drain well, and then apply a bandage to it.

The wound site may remain wet for a while and then dry out. At this time, it is advisable to leave the wound alone and move less.

The duration of the procedure is selected individually and averages 5-6 hours. This is enough to remove all pathogens, dead cells and pus from the wound.

Saline dressings can be combined with drugs that promote wound healing. Thus, the effect of treatment will be several times greater. The choice of a particular drug depends on the type of wound, depth and individual characteristics of the body.

For convenience, the dressing should be applied by a medical professional or family member, as this is not always convenient when the wounds are in hard-to-reach places.

Saline solution can be used

Saline solution can be used not only in the form of compresses. Use it to rinse the wound well, especially if there is a bandage on it. It is better to carry out manipulations with a syringe, since a stream of solution will be able to penetrate deeper layers and speed up the process of soaking the fabric.

It is not recommended to use saline solution prepared 3-5 hours before use. The maximum effectiveness of treatment is achieved when using the product immediately after its preparation.

With treatment after burns, minimal concentrations of salt are used, which are sufficient. A small swab of sterile dressing soaked in solution must be inserted into deep wounds. The drug can also be injected into the wound under pressure using a regular syringe without a needle. The effectiveness of using the solution for applying postoperative sutures is insignificant. The absence of an open wound allows the use of herbs and iodine, as well as alcohol tinctures, for disinfection. The greatest effect is obtained when treating open wounds that take a long time to get wet and do not heal.

If the saline solution is prepared incorrectly or used too frequently, side effects may occur in the form of pressure on the wound, skin itching, increased swelling and congestion. In this case, consult your doctor to receive appropriate treatment.

What are the properties of a hypertonic solution based on table salt?

Surprisingly, regular rock salt has a number of beneficial properties. In addition to its beneficial effect on the formation of acid-base balance in the gastrointestinal tract, salt has wound healing and stretching properties. Often, a hypertonic solution is used to remove purulent formations from wounds.

The healing properties of a hypertonic solution allow you to instantly act on the pathological area to which the compress is applied. In the superficial layers of the epidermis, such a solution destroys all pathogens and bacteria. Using a hypertonic saline solution, fungal and viral infections can be eliminated.

Indications for use

Saline solution is prescribed for use in the following cases:

• ARVI.
• Purulent wounds and burns.
• Insect bites.
• Frostbite.
• Inflammatory processes of the oral and nasal cavities, as well as internal organs.
• Profuse internal and external bleeding.
• Gynecological diseases.
• Severe headaches (including migraines).
• Constipation.
• Severe dehydration.
• Thyroid gland dysfunction.
• Joint diseases.
• Kidney failure and problems with urine excretion.
• Conditions in which a deficiency of chlorine and sodium ions occurs (poisoning, swelling of brain cells, etc.).
• Diseases of the respiratory system.

Saline solution is also used in cosmetology. It shows high effectiveness for problems with hair loss and skin rashes.

Before using the product, regardless of the purpose, it is recommended to consult your doctor or cosmetologist to avoid negative effects on health.

Gargling with salt for a sore throat

Its purpose is to mechanically clean the pharynx and tonsils of pathogenic microorganisms, pus, dead epithelial cells and mucus. Salt rinsing is most effective for bacterial forms of sore throat. It must be remembered that treatment with home remedies alone may not be enough. You should not delay visiting a doctor, as it is important to correctly determine the diagnosis and begin complex therapy.

Even with regular gargling with salt, it is not possible to eliminate all pathogenic microorganisms. To eradicate (completely destroy) pathogenic microbes, one should resort to drugs that act on the cause of the disease and break the chain of disease development, i.e. medications that can destroy infectious agents - antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and others5.

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Rinse during pregnancy

The expectant mother's body is quite vulnerable to various types of infections. Some immunosuppression occurs to ensure that the fetus has the opportunity to develop normally in the mother's body. However, recently there has been evidence that during the gravidar period, some parts of the immune system, on the contrary, are strengthened. There is an “Immunological paradox” of pregnancy. In response to the action of endotoxins from various bacteria, a woman’s body releases a large number of pro-inflammatory cytokines (a class of substances involved in the implementation of the most important physiological reactions of the body).

Based on this, we can conclude that the specific immune response is suppressed, and the nonspecific, on the contrary, is enhanced.

If you feel a sore throat, you should immediately seek medical help. The doctor will be able to choose effective, and most importantly safe, treatment.

Gargling during pregnancy will not harm2. The liquid promotes mechanical cleansing of the tonsils from dead cells, bacteria, and pus. But remember that rinsing is only part of the therapy. Comprehensive and complete treatment should be prescribed by a doctor, because the expectant mother must take care not only of her health, but also of the condition of her child.

Note!

If the condition remains unchanged during the day or the sore throat intensifies, you should consult a specialist.

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