Why seawater is so good against mucus, rhinitis and sinusitis

How many times have they not advised us when we were small, we went to the beach and put our heads under the sea water in order to improve ourselves and eliminate the mucus.

And, indeed, if at some point you did (or have even done so nowadays) you will probably have noticed that it is a very simple but tremendously effective natural remedy.

For this reason today you can find different saltwater sprayers in the pharmacies with the aim of cleaning the nasal passages and helping in the elimination of the possible existence of mucus in them. But, as it is logical to think, it is not the same to opt directly for pure sea water than by sprayers that contain seawater.

The benefits of pure sea water against rhinitis and sinusitis

The rhinitis is a condition or disorder that affects the nasal mucosa, and that among other related symptoms produces An uncomfortable itching of the nose, sneezing, obstruction and nasal secretions.

The most common is allergic rhinitis, given that the main factor that causes its appearance are those known as aeroallergens, especially dust mites present in our house.

While, the sinusitis, Consists of the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are the hollow cavities that we find in the bones that surround the nose. It is usually caused by a viral, bacterial, fungal or simply an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of sinusitis are equally characteristic, since it is common to see a pain in the maxillary sinus that is felt mostly in the cheekbone or produce tooth pain when felt in the upper dental arch.

As we see, these two disorders have something in common: they affect our upper respiratory tract (especially the nose), causing related discomfort such as the presence of mucus and therefore nasal congestion, problems breathing properly, nasal itching ...

Precisely pure sea water is very useful in the treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis, given that in its composition we find different elements that act on the waterproofing of the mucosa, have an antiallergic action and stimulating phagocytosis, and also tend to act directly on the immune function of our body.

But these qualities are not the only ones, given that in addition to reinforce the natural immunity of our body is completely capable of help us eliminate mucus effectively thanks to that it exerts an interesting mechanism of dragging of the secretions, fluidifying in turn the viscous mucus.

Pure sea water is an excellent natural and bactericidal antibiotic, quality that translates into being able to eliminate those bacteria that are harmful to our body, but respecting those bacteria that are good.

Further, It is a wonderful antiallergic, so that its application is useful in allergic people because it helps reduce hypersensitivity to different allergens. In this sense, seawater becomes an excellent natural option, because it helps to reduce the consumption of related medications such as, for example, antihistamines.

In case of runny nose and nasal bleeding seawater is also indicated, since decreases tissue irritation, helping in turn to regenerate the cells and to rehydrate the different tissues of the nose.

On the other hand, in case of rhinitis is a useful option because reduces excessive dryness that can cause the appearance of scabs, acting as analgesic and anti-inflammatory reducing inflammation and the pain associated with them.

How to wash your nose with pure sea water

If for example you have an excess of mucus and you are lucky enough to be able to go to the beach, enjoying the therapeutic qualities of pure sea water is extremely simple, since you only have to immerse yourself in it and put your head in the water for a few seconds. , trying to repeat this operation several times.

But if you're at home, you can not go to the beach (because you do not have it close to living in a city or you just do not have time) so you can do it nasal washes at home. How?.

First of all you must choose nasal washes of sea water, which you can find in pharmacies. In case there is no other solution in the pharmacy, it is to opt for nasal washes with saline, equally useful and effective.

Once you have the nasal wash product at home, we will proceed to follow the necessary steps for its application. You just have to wash your hands and lean over the sink with your head down.Then insert the sprayer on one side of the nose and squeeze the other side of the nose with your fingers to prevent the solution from coming out.

Now gently squeeze the sprayer. Follow the same steps to repeat the process on the other side of the nose. Finally let it act for 1 or 2 minutes and blow your nose gently. Ready!. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.

Nasal Cleansing - Mayo Clinic (April 2024)