Air pollution and smog conditions have been on the rise in the country for the past five years. After Diwali, the smog blanket hovering over Delhi is a major concern. The recently-identified Covid-19 variant, Omicron, has yet again posed a threat across the globe with a rise in cases. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an unprecedented rise in respiratory issues. Hence, it’s a prerequisite to maintain nasal hygiene and good lung health.
The air we breathe has a mix of pollutants, bacteria, and viruses. The medium they enter our body is through the mouth and nose. Hence, it’s imperative to take care of our nasal hygiene.
Why does nasal hygiene matter?
The nose is the first-line defence organ and protects us from all kinds of threats. Dust, allergens, heat, cold, bacteria- (no comma) the nose filters them and prevents them from entering our body to keep us safe and healthy.
Ways To Maintain Nasal Hygiene
Here are a few ways to take good care of your nose:
Go For Regular Nasal Washing
Cleansing the nose regularly with saline spray is a good practice. The use of saline spray helps wash away mucus, crusts and germs, and debris. The ingredients in most nasal sprays- isotonic sea salt and glycerin-moisturise the nose.
Practising nasal massage any time of the day is a good hygiene practice to strengthen the immunological defence mechanism.
Minimise Your Exposure To Air Impurities
Taking good care of the nose also requires you to be extra careful about exposure to air pollutants. Here are a few ways to consider:
- Stay aware of the air quality in your surroundings and places of visit
- Limit your outdoor exercise activity in case of high levels of air pollution
- Ensure proper ventilation in your home, office, and cooking room
Blow Your Nose Gently
Get rid of congestion, excess mucus, or any irritants by gently blowing the nose.
Manage Your Diet
Make sure to maintain a balanced diet. Include foods rich in antioxidants, fibre, protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as these will help you fight off the impact of air pollutants.
Plant-Based Oils
The foremost way to eliminate nasal dryness is by using natural oils and moisturisers that aid in improving nasal health. One of the best oils to use is coconut which is an excellent option to rehydrate the nose and sinuses.
How to do it?
Warm a small amount of coconut oil and then apply it to the nose using a Q-tip.
Use A Humidifier Or A Vaporiser
The nose performs various functions. It filters, moistens and warms the air we breathe. Whenever the mucous membranes are dry, it isn’t as effective to trap the germs. The best way to ensure the nasal passage is working is by running a humidifier at home or any place you are spending most of your time. You can also opt for the portable vaporiser to ensure the mucous membrane is moist.
Quick Ways To Treat Dry Nose
- One of the best to treat a dry nose is by applying petroleum jelly. Take the Q-tip or dab a small amount of petroleum jelly and apply it to the lining of the nose. Using a lip balm can work well too.
- Make sure to use a damp wipe to wipe the inside lining of the nostrils. It prevents dryness and irritation.
The views and opinions expressed, and assumptions & analysis presented in this content piece are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
