The Science Daily reports on how a saline nasal wash solution made from processed seawater appears to improve nasal symptoms and may help prevent the recurrence of respiratory infections when used by children with the common cold, according to a new report.
Ivo Šlapak, M.D., of Teaching Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic, and colleagues randomly assigned 401 children age 6 to 10 with cold or flu to two treatment groups, one receiving standard medication and the other also receiving a nasal wash with a modified processed seawater solution. This practice was observed for 12 weeks. By the second visit, the noses of patients using saline were less stuffy and runny. During the prevention phase, eight weeks after the study began, those in the saline group had significantly less severe sore throats, coughs, nasal obstructions and secretions than those in the standard treatment group.
This is interesting for divers as common colds are factors that generally upset dive plans and holidays. Some freedivers are known for using a neti pot, which is the practice of nasal cleansing – known as Neti – has been used by practitioners of Ayurveda and Yoga in India for thousands of years. Alternative health practitioners throughout the world recommend the regular practice of nasal cleansing using a saline solution as part of a regular regimen of health and wellness, a basic health-maintenance activity equal to flossing your teeth. Neti is a gentle, safe, efficient way to deliver a good cleansing dose of saline to the nose.
