The first barrier for harmful substances, allergens, viruses, bacteria, and fungi entering the body is the nose. In the conditions of modern metropolises, the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity of a person is subjected to excessive antigenic load due to the influence of aggressive factors. This leads to immune system disturbances, decreased mucous membrane resistance to infectious agents, and the development of allergic rhinitis.

Some facts:

• Approximately 17,000 liters of air pass through the nasal cavity in a day.
  
• The nasal cavity traps virtually all particles larger than 8 micrometers, with half of them being larger than 2 micrometers.
• About 60% of microorganisms in inhaled air are trapped in the nasal cavity.
• The level of air pollution significantly affects the development of respiratory diseases, with more than 30% of pneumonia cases, one-third of acute respiratory infections, and over 20% of cases of bronchial asthma attributed to it. The impact of air pollution as a factor contributing to respiratory organ pathologies accounts for 50%.

Even inside a car, there's no escape. Air pollution in a residential area averages 1 milligram per cubic meter, while inside a car, it can reach up to 100 milligrams per cubic meter. The air in an office may contain around a hundred different chemical compounds, some of which are hazardous to health, such as aerosols of phenol, formaldehyde, lead, and mercury, in concentrations significantly exceeding the permissible limits. Carpeting fosters the growth of microorganisms, bacteria, and mold fungi. In an office environment, the nasal mucosa is subjected to a "chemical" assault, aggravated by mechanical damage from dust, especially from copiers and printers, in the presence of low humidity.

In this context, maintaining nasal cavity hygiene becomes crucial. Simply rinsing the nose can significantly reduce the adverse effects of the surrounding environment on the nasal mucosa. Bacteria and viruses need 4-8 hours to penetrate the body, but by physically removing them through nasal irrigation, the disease may not progress further.

Nasal irrigation is an excellent preventive measure during flu and respiratory disease seasons. Just as daily teeth cleaning is considered necessary, nasal irrigation should be equally important in the daily hygiene routine, according to leading experts in the fields of allergology and otolaryngology.

The objectives of nasal cavity hygiene include:

• Mechanical removal of bacteria, viruses, allergens, and harmful substances from the mucous membrane's surface, preventing their entry into the body.
  
• Normalization of the protective function of the mucous membrane.
• Several methods can be used for nasal irrigation. However, experts emphasize that full-volume nasal irrigation is the most effective one. It is called so because, during this procedure, the solution completely fills the entire nasal cavity, washing all folds of the mucous membrane along its entire length. The methods are simple, accessible to everyone, and, importantly, nasal irrigation does not lead to habituation.

Indications for nasal irrigation:

• Epidemics of flu and acute respiratory infections
  
• Chronic, occupational, and allergic rhinitis
• Sinusitis
• Adenoids in children
• "Dry nose" syndrome
• Working in hazardous conditions
• Living in cities with poor environmental conditions

Contraindications:

• Complete nasal blockage (nasal polyps)
  
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Benign and malignant neoplasms in the nasal cavity and accessory sinuses
• Acute otitis media and exacerbations of chronic otitis media

As for the solution used for nasal irrigation, its composition may vary depending on an individual's clinical conditions. For hygiene purposes, the most favorable solution closely resembles human blood plasma in composition. Such a solution can be prepared at home, but it's essential to maintain the correct proportions to avoid drying out the mucous membrane. Therefore, it's often recommended to use ready-made solutions available at pharmacies.

In-home conditions, it's recommended to perform nasal irrigation using a specially designed nasal spray developed by otolaryngologists. These sprays have the necessary concentration, pH, sterility, and the design of the bottle that allows for even distribution of the solution without causing trauma. In contrast, syringes, squeeze bottles, and teapots may mechanically damage the nasal mucosa.

Based on materials from lor.net.