Whether with pollen allergies, sinus infections or after operations – the nasal douche helps. It has not yet been scientifically proven that it could also be useful in the fight against the coronavirus.
But now US researchers at Oregon Health and Science University have evaluated existing studies with other nasal viruses.
And the conclusion of the scientists is positive. The nasal douche alleviates corona symptoms, and can even shorten the course.
Cilia can move better
According to the scientists, the saline solution liquefies the secretion in the nose, which makes it easier to rinse out viruses and the smallest particles, such as the «Daily indicator»Reported.
The nose is cleared of the mucus. This allows the cilia to move better and clean the nose naturally. In Corona times, a rinse with a salt content above 0.9 to a maximum of 5 percent is optimal, according to the researchers.
Does not protect against infection
However, the researchers’ analysis also shows: nasal showers only help in those cases against corona in which the virus has already broken out. Douching can probably not prevent infection.
This is not only the case with corona viruses, explains Zurich ear, nose and throat doctor Michael Soyka. “We also know that from the cold viruses – there is so far only insufficient evidence that you can actually prevent a cold with nasal showers,” said the doctor to the “Tages-Anzeiger”.
To protect yourself from infection, it is still better if you wash your hands regularly instead of your nose. (gin)