The nose plays a significant role in conditioning¹ the air we breathe and maintaining a disease-free body. Apart from filtering dust, pollution and allergens out of your system, it’s also the first line of defence when the body exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.

Practising proper nasal hygiene helps to keep the inside of your nose clean and adequately moisturised¹.

Below are 5 ways for you to maintain proper nasal hygiene

1. Practise Good Hygiene

Good nasal hygiene begins with excellent full-body hygiene. Bacteria and viruses are found all over surfaces that we touch daily. This results in our hands being a typical home to various bacteria and viruses, the most common causes of sinus infections².

Washing your hands regularly helps reduce the number of bacteria and viruses on your hands when you touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. After all, fewer bacteria mean a lesser chance of a sinus infection.³

2. Stay Hydrated

The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead. The mucus produced by your sinuses drains into your nose through these small channels. Thick mucus retained for long periods in the sinuses and lungs may create an environment for bacteria to flourish. This leads to a sinus infection, bronchitis or pneumonia.  

To decrease the chances of developing these symptoms, it’s essential to be able to drain your nasal passages. Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps keep the mucus thin⁴. It helps prevent thick mucus, which is harder to remove when cleaning with a saline solution.

3. Avoid Air Pollutants

Irritation of the nose and sinus from pollutants like open burning to tobacco smoke⁵ may result in inflammation and blocked sinuses to eventually acute and chronic issues⁶.

To achieve better sinus relief, be aware of these airborne substances and try not to be in places with high pollution. Avoid burning wood or trash and smoking areas. You can also support local efforts to clean up sources of pollution in a location near you. Your life and the life of someone you love may depend on it.⁷

4. Dehumidify Your Home

A dry nose causes discomfort and interferes with the nose’s primary functions of smelling and filtering impurities.⁸ A humidifier in your home, especially in the bedroom, can help maintain moisture in the sinuses and help you get the best results while enjoying a good night’s rest.

Regular cleaning of the humidifier is also crucial, as an unhygienic one may begin to infect than help. Gently vacuum off the top layer of dust or scrape it with your hand. You can also use a soft brush or cloth to clean the coils with a spray detergent or a mixture of vinegar and water. Lastly, rinse off any residue and let the coils dry before using again.⁹

5. Consider A Nasal Spray

Nasal sprays target inflammation in your nasal passages, which reduces swelling and helps clear up the feeling of stuffiness.¹⁰

They deliver a small amount of medication directly to the nose lining, are typically used daily, and can relieve mild-to-moderate symptoms. For severe cases of blocked noses, a preservative-free nasal spray with advice from your health professional can be used daily.¹¹. It’s also handy when running errands or spending quality time with the family.

As pioneers in natural nasal care solutions, Stérimar has over 40+ years of experience and clinically proven efficiency for its products. Free from drugs, steroids and preservatives and made from 100% Natural Seawater, Stérimar’s original isotonic formula, Breathe Easy Daily helps cleanse the nose and eliminate impurities from the nasal passages. You can also use it daily to improve breathing and achieve an irritant-free night’s sleep!

Conclusion

Your nose is a passage to various air impurities; hence, taking care of it is essential. 

Maintaining proper nasal hygiene will reduce the chances of colds and other nasal allergies for a happier life. Consider the above pointers for better nasal hygiene, and you’ll be able to breathe easily to enjoy life’s beautiful moments.

References 

1. Nasal hygiene is an important part of your daily wellness routine. (n.d.). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.nasoneb.com/blogs/healthtalk/what-is-nasal-hygiene

2. Friedman, J. D., & Stahlman, MD, J. E. (2022, December 22). 7 Steps to Keep Your Sinuses Healthy. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine-photos/steps-to-keep-sinuses-healthy.daspx

3. 5 Sinus Relief Tips | Ear, Nose, and Throat Orlando. (2015, June 17). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://entorlando.com/5-sinus-relief-tips/

4. Dr. Rehl’s 10 TIPS for Sinus and Respiratory Health This Fall and Winter * Phoenix Scottsdale Arizona ENT Sinus Surgeons. (n.d.). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from http://www.arizonasinus.com/dr-rehls-10-tips-for-sinus-and-respiratory-health.html

5. Worried about air pollution. (n.d.). Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.otrivine.co.uk/nasal-health/worried-about-air-pollution.html

6. Trevino R. J. (1996). Air pollution and its effect on the upper respiratory tract and on allergic rhinosinusitis. Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 114(2), 239–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0194-59989670174-2

7. American Lung Association. (n.d.). 10 Tips to Protect Yourself from Unhealthy Air. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/10-tips-to-protect-yourself

8. Nasal Congestion (Causes and Treatment). (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.rhinaris.com/all-about-nasal-care

9. Lafreniere, L. (2021, October 14). How to clean a dehumidifier. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.livescience.com/how-to-clean-a-dehumidifier

10. The Only Right Way to Use Your Nasal Spray. (2022, August 17). Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-use-nasal-spray/

11. Nasal Spray For Allergies: Everything You Need To Know. (2022, April 26). Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/health/body/nasal-sprays-for-allergies/