Proper nasal irrigation helps reduce uncomfortable symptoms of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

Reader Yen (female, 26 years old, HCMC): Doctor, can you tell me how many times a day I should use a nasal wash bottle to wash my nose? Does washing my nose every day cause any harm?

Reader Yen (female, 26 years old, HCMC) : Doctor, can you tell me how many times a day should I use a nasal wash bottle and does daily nasal wash cause any harm? I have sinusitis, recently the weather has changed, I often have headaches and green postnasal drip. After rinsing my nose, I feel better, but after 2-3 hours, I have a headache again, so I rinse my nose continuously. I'm just afraid that it will cause any damage to my nose. Also, what is the difference between using a nasal wash bottle and a nasal spray? Please guide me on how to properly clean my nose.

Doctor, can you tell me more? What is the dosage of dorithricin lozenges and should I take them every time my throat hurts?

MSc., MD., PhD. Le Nhat Vinh - Head of Interdisciplinary Department - Nam Saigon International General Hospital:

Hello, Dr. Vinh would like to answer your questions in turn as follows:

1) Does continuously rinsing the nose with saline solution, 2-3 times/day, cause damage to the nose?

Every day we are exposed to a lot of dust containing respiratory pathogens. Nasal irrigation with saline is an effective hygiene method to help remove bacteria, reduce mucus congestion and nasal discomfort for people with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

However, nasal irrigation needs to be done regularly and correctly to be effective and avoid unwanted situations.

Frequency of nasal irrigation:

• For patients with acute sinusitis or nasal congestion: Should wash nose 2-3 times/day and 1 time/day when symptoms have subsided.
• For people exposed to dusty environments: Should wash once a day after returning home to remove dirt, bacteria, and prevent the cause of disease.

Note: Washing your nose many times a day for a long time can dry out and damage the mucus layer that protects the nasal mucosa, causing the natural immune system of the nasal cavity to be lost, making it easier for bacteria or fungi from the outside to enter the nose. In addition, improper nasal washing can cause water to flow into the ear/eucalyptus or blowing your nose too hard can cause otitis media.

It is important to note that nasal irrigation is only a hygiene method, not a treatment for the underlying cause of the disease.

Advice from the doctor: Regarding Ms. Yen's condition after washing her nose but only 2-3 hours later, she had a headache again, showing that the current nasal washing only helps to temporarily relieve the symptoms but does not completely resolve the sinusitis. The recurrence after continuous nasal washing may be due to damage to her nasal mucosa or her sinusitis is getting worse. Therefore, she should visit an ENT specialist to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause and have an appropriate treatment method, instead of just temporarily treating the symptoms by continuously washing her nose as she is doing now.

Instructions for proper nasal irrigation:

To ensure the safety of the natural immune system of the nasal cavity, Dr. Vinh recommends performing nasal irrigation according to the following steps:

1. Prepare:

• Use sterile physiological saline (0.9% NaCl), warm temperature (30 - 37 degrees Celsius);

• Store the saline solution in a squeeze bottle or mist sprayer;

• Wash hands and clean bottle before use.

2. Implementation:

• Stand in front of the basin/sink, head slightly bowed, tilted 30 degrees, avoid tilting head back so water does not flow into ears or throat;

• Insert the spout of the bottle into one nostril, open your mouth and breathe through your mouth (not through your nose);

• With the irrigation bottle: Squeeze gently to let the saline flow from one nostril to the other, out;

• With spray: Spray slowly so that the solution adheres to the nasal mucosa.

3. After washing:

• Gently blow your nose one side at a time to clear out any remaining mucus;
• If the nose is not clear, repeat the process again;
• Clean the bottle, let it dry naturally to avoid infection.

2) The difference between a nasal wash bottle and a nasal spray:

Nasal irrigation bottle:

The nasal wash bottle uses a plastic bottle with a capacity of 240ml or more, designed with a large spout to create a strong flow. When used, the user gently squeezes the bottle, creating pressure to push the saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) into one nostril, washing away dirt, bacteria and mucus out through the other nostril. This method focuses on deep cleaning the nasal cavity, supporting clear airways, bringing a comfortable feeling. Users can use it daily to maintain nasal hygiene, but should use it as directed to avoid drying or damaging the nasal mucosa.

Nasal spray:

Users use a compact spray bottle, equipped with a mist nozzle. When sprayed, the solution particles are dispersed into the nasal cavity, adhere evenly to the mucosa, contributing to thinning the mucus in the nose, supporting the clearance process of the ciliated mucosa in the sinuses.

2) What is the dosage of dorithricin lozenges and should I take them every time my throat hurts?

For questions about Dorithricin lozenges, the doctor would like to answer about the uses and appropriate dosage as follows:

• About uses: Dorithricin lozenges contain antibacterial and mild anesthetic active ingredients, help relieve sore throat, disinfect the throat area, suitable for cases of mild sore throat, itchy throat.

• Dosage: For adults and children over 6 years old, take 1-2 tablets/time, no more than 8 tablets/day and the time between tablets is 2-3 hours. Note, do not chew or swallow.

However, if the sore throat lasts for more than 2-3 days or is accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, etc., the patient should go to the nearest medical facility for a specialist examination to avoid the disease progressing.

HELLO DOCTOR

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/rua-mui-dung-cach-giup-giam-cac-trieu-chung-kho-chiu-trong-viem-mui-di-ung-viem-xoang-post795017.html