Healthy humans are predominantly nose breathing at rest. The nasal mucosa plays an essential role in maintaining healthy airways by entrapping inhaled airborne aggressors (pollutants, pollen, infectious viruses, heating and humidifying inhaled air).
The rise in the levels of airborne pollutants, pollen and infectious viruses around the world requires more attention to daily hygiene to maintain a healthy nasal mucosa capable of playing its first defense function.
Otomar benefits
Saline spray, by flushing out thick mucus, crust, debris and airborne aggressors, by washing away inflammatory mediators and by improving ciliary function, will help nasal mucosa play its first defense role.
Evidence suggests that nasal sprays effectively reach the nasal cavity which is important when targeting the nasal mucosa.
Other benefits of daily nasal hygiene:
Helps cleanse and hydrate nasal tissues, to prevent nasal dryness.
Improves the effectiveness of the medicated nasal sprays when nasal saline is used first.
National guidelines recommend the regular use of saline nasal sprays for daily nasal hygiene to support optimal nasal function.
In the same way that people brush their teeth every day to maintain their oral hygiene, encouraging regular, daily use of a saline nasal spray is a logical step to support optimal nasal function. This may be especially important for patients who present with nasal symptoms when air pollution or pollen levels are elevated, or during the winter months.
Source:
E. Santoro et al. The role of saline nasal sprays or drops in nasal hygiene: a review of the evidence and clinical perspectives. Rhinology online, Vol.4: 1-16,2021.