Anti-inflammatory effect. The removal of nasal secretions of rhinitis patients, which contain large amounts of inflammatory cells and mediators, produces an anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammatory cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) in the mucus perpetuate the inflammation and are directly responsible for epithelial damage. Nasal irrigation is supplementary to the use of nasal corticoids as these reduce the capacity of epithelial cells to attract inflammatory cells, whereas irrigation eliminates them when located over the epithelium.
Improves nasal ventilation. Asthma and other respiratory diseases frequently involve sinus pathologies and nasal obstruction. Congestion due to accumulated mucus worsens breathing difficulties and lung symptoms. Nasal irrigation helps to maintain the high airways clean, enhancing breathing and nasal ventilation.
Restores mucociliary clearing. The removal and elimination of pus and thick secretions from the nasal and paranasal fossa improves the mucociliary function. Most of the high airways conditions, including sinus infections, allergies and environmental contamination, alter said function by modifying the rheological properties of the mucus or directly affecting ciliary function. Poor mucociliary clearing entails a reduction in the self-cleaning capacity of the nasal fossa and sinus, facilitating bacterial growth and accumulation of contaminants and allergens in the mucosa.
