The Potential Benefits of Nasal Rinse to COVID-19 Patients
By Stephen Chandler, MD |15 NOV 2020|
In a year of uncertainty and new medical challenges we fall at the mercy of our wonderful doctors and medical practitioners. One of the most searched topics of 2020 is COVID-19 and while many things are left to be discovered, Dr. Stephen W. Chandler, an ear nose and throat specialist, has a helpful solution.
Dr. Stephen writes:
“The use of Nasal Rinse has proven beneficial in the treatment of viral upper respiratory infections; like the ones caused by COVID-19. Recent studies suggest that there are potential health benefits of Nasal Rinse in infected patients.” In other words, there is a simple solution to a difficult problem. While a Nasal Rinse can’t cure COVID-19, it can aid in treatment, comfort, and recovery for suffering patients.
How the Nasal Rinse Works:
Nasal Rinse has a healing effect on the lining of the Nose. The use of salt water (saline) Nasal Rinse helps to heal the nasal lining after a viral infection. Similar to how rinsing is beneficial in bacterial sinus infections, saline Nasal Rinse improves recovery of nasal lining and self-cleaning. When combined, these effects reduce recovery time and decrease both nasal drainage and congestion.
Nasal Rinse with saline and other additives can kill viruses. The presence of saline in Nasal Rinse has been shown to decrease virus reproduction and decrease overall virus population in the nose. Several non-toxic Nasal Rinse additives have been shown to decrease virus replication and spread, while others kill the virus directly. When performed properly, Nasal Rinse has been shown to be safe, comfortable and effective.
In COVID-19, infection often begins when the virus attacks the cells lining the nose. The nose and throat can be considered sites of viral infection, multiplication, and the entry site for infecting the rest of the body. Since Saline Nasal Rinse has proven beneficial in the treatment of other respiratory infections, it may enhance recovery in patients infected with COVID-19.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Nasal Rinse to Personal Contacts and Healthcare Workers Caring for COVID-19 Patients?
When properly performed, Saline Nasal Rinse has been shown to decrease the spread of viral disease by decreasing virus population. Therefore, the use of a Saline Nasal Rinse by COVID-19 patients may help to reduce the spread to hospital workers. Not only that, but there is an opportunity for caregivers to rinse before and after patient contact to decrease viral load exposure.
In Conclusion:
Taken together, the information above suggests that Saline Nasal Rinse, with or without additives, is helpful during a viral upper respiratory infection and when properly performed could limit viral infection and spread of COVID-19. Studies are currently underway to further confirm this effect.
Dr. Stephen Chandler is a practicing Otolaryngologist in Montgomery, Alabama and owner of Sandler Scientific, LLC makers of Complete Rinse ®. To schedule a visit with Dr. Chandler call 334-834-7221. Learn more at https://www.jacksonclinicent.org/