healthy nose

Healthy Nose

11. Nasal hygiene and allergies
Your nose constantly comes into contact with allergens (mites, pollen and mould). Some people develop allergic reactions accompanied by nasal congestion and sneezing. Using saline water to clean your nose will help reduce your symptoms and eliminate allergens found in mucous.
12. Dry nose
Dry nose is a common problem whose typical symptoms include a tingling or burning sensation in the nose, dried-up mucous and crusting. It is very uncomfortable and makes us vulnerable to infection. There are several causes of dry nose. Here are a few examples Low humidity levels; Heating systems used in homes in the winter time; Aging; The use of nasal sprays to administer certain medications; Radiation treatments on the head or neck.To relieve dry nose, it is important to start with proper nose hygiene each day. Next, a nasal lubricant such as RhinarisTM NozoilTM is a good way of hydrating dry or irritated nasal passages.
13. The protective role of the mucous membrane
The mucous membrane protects us from external threats with its mucous, which blends with impurities. Then, the small nose hairs on the mucous membrane direct these impurities toward the throat and then the stomach. Stomach acids permanently eliminate these impurities. Sneezing is also a way of getting rid of impurities. Proper nose hygiene helps the mucous membrane pro?tect the body.
14. Soothing Your Nose Hydrate the Skin
A red, rough nose is the hallmark of an allergy sufferer. But it doesnt have to be. Pampering the skin on and around your nose can help keep it feeling and looking healthy. When your skin gets rough and dry, what it really needs is water, says Nia Terezakis, MD, a dermatologist in New Orleans. She recommends applying a little corn oil to the area. To help add moisture, she suggests applying the oil to wet skin with wet hands.The key is to make sure both your hands and face are wet first, Terezakis says. Afterward, blot it very gently with a soft towel. When you pat dry, youre actually helping to push moisture into your skin, she explains. Terezakis recommends using corn oil because it has less odor than other oils, though she says any type of vegetable oil will work.
15. Nasal Allergies and Your Nose More on Moisturizing
You can also apply a moisturizer to your nose any time your skin is feeling rough or dry. Ointments or oils seal in moisture best. Creams are generally a bit lighter, while lotions moisturize the least. A hypoallergenic moisturizer will be less likely to cause irritation. You dont have to spend a lot of money to give your nose top treatment. Petroleum jelly works very well as a moisturizer.Beware of using an antibacterial or pain relief ointment on your nose. Some people use these products thinking that theyll help, but they can actually make the irritation worse, Terezakis says. Its important to remember that youre treating a skin irritation, not an infection, which is what these products are for.
16. Tips for Gentle Nose Blowing
If youre spending a lot of time sneezing or wiping your nose, the type of tissue you use can also make a difference. Choosing a soft tissue can really help, Terezakis tells WebMD. You can experiment with different kinds to see what feels best to you. Try to avoid using rough paper towels or other scratchy types of paper on your skin, since these can be irritating.While blowing your nose is a good way to get rid of extra mucus, take care not to blow too hard. Instead, blow gently, first through one nostril and then the other.
17. Try a Saline Nasal Rinse
One way to remove excess mucus without blowing is to use a saline (salt water) nasal rinse. A nasal rinse can also help remove allergens and germs from your nose. To make the rinse, add one teaspoon of uniodized salt and a pinch of baking soda to 16 ounces of warm distilled or previously boiled water. Then, pour the salt water into a Neti pot or draw it up into an infant nasal bulb or rubber ear bulb syringe. You can also purchase a nasal irrigation kit. Standing over a sink or in the shower, tilt your head to the left and pour or gently squirt the liquid into your right nostril. The liquid should drain out of your left nostril. It may feel awkward at first, but it should become easier with a little practice. Repeat this process with the other nostril. Its important to note that, according to the CDC, if you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution. Its also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry. Draw some alcohol into the syringe and swish it around inside the bulb, then empty it. Let it dry completely before using it again.An over-the-counter (OTC) saline spray may also help thin mucus and provide relief from a stuffy or runny nose. Saline sprays are safe to use several times throughout the day to relieve symptoms. Read and follow the label for proper dosing.
18. Keep Your Allergies Under Control
Of course, the best way to keep your nose feeling good is to avoid your allergy triggers and treat the underlying problem your allergies when you have symptoms.These days we have lots of options for treating allergies from over-the counter medications to allergy shots, so theres no reason for anyone to suffer with allergy symptoms, says Marshall Plaut, MD, chief of the allergic mechanisms section at the Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation branch of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Even if youve tried OTC or prescription medications before without success, its likely you can find something to relieve your symptoms.
19. Humidity in the Air
Keeping your homes air a bit more humid can help improve nose health as well. Humidity helps prevent things like waking in the middle of the night with nasal problems and can increase the ease of breathing. In some cases it can also help cut down on snoring because the nasal passages are not clogged. Using a simple humidifier will allow you to control the level of moisture in the homes air. It is not necessary to add medications to the humidifier because all youre seeking is relief from the dry air. Dry air is especially common in the winter time and if you have forced hot air heat this may be the only time that you experience discomfort. Humidity can be helpful regardless of whether you suffer from asthma, allergies, or tend not to suffer from any breathing problems.
20. Allergens
Allergens are a common problem. When youre taking good care of your nose you want to relieve allergies as quickly and easily as possible while minimizing the need for medications. Allergy medications tend to dry the nasal passages too much, make one sleepy, or keep one awake at night. Thus, the more you can do to eliminate household allergens and other triggers the better off you are. Air filtration can be beneficial for helping your nose stay happy and healthy. Nasal allergies can be very difficult to live with and keeping a filtration system in top working order can help improve the situation. You also want to make sure that you clean or replace the air filter in your heating and cooling units regularly. Vacuum cleaners with filters should be kept at top filtration capacity. Many people with allergies do better in homes with hard floors instead of carpeting because there are fewer fibers to trap dander, mites, and dust.If you need help controlling allergies see your physician and ask about alternatives to medication. The severity of your nasal allergies will determine how many natural options you might have.