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Go-to Remedies to Relieve Baby’s Blocked Nose

Babies have tiny nostrils and in their first few months, they can only breathe through their noses. Nasal congestion is a frequently cumbersome problem among babies who experience the common cold and who are exposed to air pollutants and allergens and are suffering from viral and bacterial respiratory infections.

Even older babies cannot completely breathe well through their mouths. A blocked or stuffy nose in infants and toddlers may cause disruption in sleep and feeding. This could be worrisome for mothers and this could also impact the whole family.

Here are some easy- to- do tips to help maintain healthy nasal airways and promote natural nasal immune defense in babies and toddlers:

     1. Keep the baby’s room properly ventilated. Ensure that the environment where the baby stays is always kept clean and dust-free. Wash the baby’s blanket, linen and toys regularly.


     2. Use mild colognes, lotions and fragrances for the baby. Mothers and other members of the household taking care of the baby must avoid wearing strong smelling perfumes, colognes and deodorants that can trigger allergic reactions in babies.


     3. To avoid nasal dryness, blocked or congested nose, try a chemical-free and preservative-free nasal saline spray. A nasal saline spray provides a cleansing action and can help wash away excess mucus, germs and other irritants in the baby’s nose.


     4. In choosing a nasal saline preparation for the baby, it is important to consider a gentle isotonic formulation that closely resembles or mimics the body’s own fluids and is not harmful to the delicate nasal tissues.


     5. For easy dosing and administration, opt for saline sprays that can be conveniently sprayed at any angle, even upside down. This allows parents to place the baby in the most comfortable position making the administration of nasal saline spray quick and convenient.


     6. Administer the nasal saline spray 10-15 minutes before the baby’s feeding or sleeping time so that the baby can sleep well.

If the baby has fever or persisting symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor.

Reference:

Roberts G, Xatzipsalti M, Borrego LM, et al. Paediatric rhinitis: position paper of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Allergy.

Common Ears, Nose, and Throat Problems and Some Helpful Ways to Treat Them

Conditions of the ears, nose and throat are commonly experienced. Just like any condition in our body, they require care and attention to prevent them from getting worse and affecting our daily lives. In this blog, let’s examine some of the most common ear, nose and throat problems among both adults and children.

Middle Ear Infection

Middle ear infections or Otitis Media affects more than 80% of kids around 3 years old, according to Stanford Children’s Health. While this can also affect adults, it is more prevalent among children because of their still developing immune system and other factors such as being fed from a bottle while laying on their backs. 

When you have cold or allergies, you may also experience swelling and congestion of the lining of the nose, throat, and a connection between the middle ear and the nose. This can encourage the growth of viruses and bacteria in the ear, leading to middle ear infections.

The symptoms of this common ear conditions include but not limited to fever, hearing difficulties and pain. These are often treated with PAIN MEDICATIONS AND PRESCRIPTION ANTIBIOTICS. Antibiotics can have some side-effects when improperly used so be sure to consult with your doctor.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal CONGESTION is characterized by the blockage of nasal passages, resulting in difficulty breathing from the nose. This may be a result of cold, flu, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, infections and more. Patients with these conditions may experience stuffiness in the nose, difficulty breathing, facial pain, and loss or weakened sense of smell. 

DEPENDING ON THE CAUSE, THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESOLVE ON ITS OWN OR REQUIRE MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Non-medicated saline sprays and decongestant drops may be helpful in unblocking the nose and to restore comfortable breathing. Don’t forget to consult with your doctor especially if symptoms persist.

Sinusitis 

Sinusitis is an infection or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. It is commonly caused by a number of conditions such as common cold, nasal polyps, and allergies. Sinusitis among children may also be brought about by use of pacifiers, drinking from a bottle while lying on their backs, and second-hand smoking.

People with sinusitis may experience headache, stuffy nose, postnasal drip, teeth pain, cough, fever, bad breath and loss of smell. Similar to ear infections, sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Sinunasal irrigations also help gently wash the nasal passages and the sinus cavities to remove bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

Tonsillitis 

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of your tonsils which are the two masses of tissue at the back of your throat. Almost every child around the world has experienced tonsillitis. Adults may experience tonsillitis too but not as frequent.

Tonsillitis is more than that as those who suffer from it may also have sore throat, fever, headache, ear pain, loss of appetite, muffled voice, and bad breath. Tonsillitis among children may also include vomiting and stomach pain.

Treatments for tonsillitis vary based on its cause. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, and there are also some home remedies that you can do to ease your condition. These include getting lots of rest, drinking warm fluids, gargling with warm salt water, USE OF SOOTHING THROAT SPRAYS SUCH AS THOSE CONTAINING PROPOLIS, AND over-the-counter pain medications.

A Word of Caution 

It is still best to consult your doctor before taking any medicines related to these common ear, nose and throat problems. When buying your prescriptions, nasal spray, sinunasal irrigations, and other medical supplies, make sure to get them from an ethical pharmacy that provides affordable and high-quality products.

References:

https://www.aentassociates.com/the-most-common-ent-problems/

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=otitis-media-middle-ear-infection-90-P02057

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/service/ear-nose-throat/conditions/nasal-obstruction

https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasal-congestion

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=sinusitis-in-children-90-P02063&sid= 

Spray or Irrigation: Choosing the Right Remedy to Relieve Nose and Sinus Congestion

Washing the inside of the nose with saline is a well-regarded measure widely prescribed by doctors to relieve symptoms of cold and allergic rhinitis. As part of regular hygiene, nasal washing could also help in keeping the nasal passages clean and preventing illness by flushing away irritants such as dirt, dust, and infectious agents like bacteria and viruses.

Nasal washing is commonly done either with a saline spray or large volume saline irrigation, each with its own set of benefits suited for the right condition.

Saline spray: the convenience of a handy and ready-to-use nasal wash

Saline sprays provide a convenient and practical method of washing and clearing nasal passages. Spraying saline solution into the nose loosens thick mucus secretions and help in mucus drainage and removal. It also restores vital moisture to the nasal tissues and provide relief for dry, crusted, irritated and inflamed nasal membranes caused by the following:

     • Cold, runny nose, allergies
     • Dry air from air-conditioners, cold weather or airplane flights
     • Dust, pollutants
     • Overuse of nasal decongestants
     • Use of steroid nasal spray
     • Postnasal drip
     • Nosebleed
     • Rebound sinus reaction from drugs and smog

Saline sprays are readily available as handy devices convenient for use at home, at work or even during travel. Patients must also be advised to apply the nasal spray away from crowds to avoid spreading any infectious material which may drain out of the nose.  

Sinonasal Irrigation: a deep and thorough nasal wash

Sinonasal irrigation is a method of introducing a large volume of solution into the nose and sinuses to achieve a deeper and more thorough wash. The approach is best done using a positive and low pressure to safely direct the fluid into the nose and other areas in the sinus cavities beyond the reach of typical nasal sprays. This clears away any irritating and infectious material as the fluid drains out from the other nostril.

Sinonasal irrigation is indicated for conditions with a heavier burden of mucus, irritating agents and infectious microbes. It is also particularly useful for patients before and after diagnostic or surgical procedures involving the nose and sinuses. Sinonasal irrigation clears away debris like encrusted mucus or blood that may be hindering the procedure or wound healing.

Sinonasal irrigation kits usually come with an irrigating bottle and packets of mineral salts ready for mixing with water to create a balanced solution suitable for the delicate nasal tissues.

Should I spray or irrigate? 

Both saline spray and irrigation operate on the principle of hydrating and cleansing the sinonasal passages. The points of difference mainly lie on the convenience of use and depth of reach in the sinonasal passages. Saline sprays have the convenience of being handy and ready-to-use. Meanwhile, large volume sinonasal irrigation allows for a deeper and more thorough wash of the sinonasal passages. These two methods may however be used together allowing for a regular and on-demand nasal washing.

Consult your doctor to determine the treatment plan best suited for your condition.

References:

Principi N, Esposito S. Nasal Irrigation: An Imprecisely Defined Medical Procedure. Int J Environ Res Public Health.

Keep Your Nasal Spray and Sinus Irrigation Bottle Clean with these Tips

If you have nasal or sinus congestion which may be caused by colds, allergies, or sinusitis, you may need to use a nasal spray or sinus irrigation.

Since these devices help introduce fluids into your nose and sinuses, you have to make sure that they are kept clean and sanitary. So here are some tips on the proper use of nasal sprays and sinus irrigation bottles to help keep infections at bay.

     1. Always carefully read and follow the instructions provided in the box and product information leaflet. Do not discard these important materials and keep them as handy references. Every device has its own unique prescribed cleaning method.

     2. Nasal sprays and sinus irrigation bottles are for personal use only. Always use your own device, and do not share your device with others. Sharing the same device may cause spread of infection.

     3. After using a sinunasal irrigation, discard any remaining solution. Never keep remaining solution for later use as bacteria and other microorganisms might grow on them.

     4. Thoroughly clean the nasal spray and irrigation bottles after every use.

     5. In cleaning nasal sprays, you may use a clean cotton swab to wipe the tip of the nozzle before covering it with the protective cap.

     6. Always clean all parts of the irrigation bottle (including the cap and tube) very well using warm water and rinse thoroughly with tap water.

     7. After washing, thoroughly dry all parts of the irrigation bottle using a clean paper towel.

     8. Reassemble the irrigation bottle and its components and store in a cool dry place until next use

     9. In preparing your sinus irrigation for the next use, rinse the bottle and the other parts with cooled preboiled water.

For expert advice, always consult your doctor on the proper use of your nasal spray and sinus irrigation.

References:

Shargorodsky J, Lane AP. What is the best modality to minimize bacterial contamination of nasal saline irrigation bottles? Laryngoscope. 

Keen, M., Foreman, A., & Wormald, P.-J. (2010). The clinical significance of nasal irrigation bottle contamination.

Saline Nasal Spray for Clean and Clear Nasal Airways

We can’t see them but suspended in the air that we breathe are impurities like dust, dirt, pollen or even infection-causing bacteria and viruses. Although our nose is naturally equipped to filter out these impurities, there are many instances wherein the filtering capabilities of our nose are overwhelmed when our environment becomes increasingly polluted and crowded.

Rinsing the nose with water would be an easy thing to do, however our nasal passages are very sensitive. The solution needed should be friendly to the delicate nasal tissues like a saline solution. Isotonic or physiologic saline nasal solutions duplicate the natural characteristics of normal body fluids and are gentle for cleansing the salt-sensitive tissues of the nose. 

Nasal saline solution cleanses and moisturizes the nasal passages which helps the body increase its resistance to respiratory tract infections and even provides a natural remedy in relieving symptoms of various ailments affecting the nose such as the common cold and nasal allergies.

When prepared as a handy nasal spray, saline nasal solution becomes a carry-anywhere and ready-to-use cleansing solution for the nose and delivers multiple benefits:

     • Saline solutions that come in a handy nasal spray provide a convenient means of washing, cleaning and clearing the nasal passages of irritants like dust and pollens, crusted mucus and microorganisms such as viruses.
     • Regular cleansing of the nasal tissues with saline solution promotes health of the cilia, the hair-like structures that trap and sweep away foreign invaders in the nasal airway and help curb inflammation.
     • Nasal saline washes help keep the nasal tissues moist and hydrated or help restore moisture to dry or congested nasal passages.
     • Isotonic saline nasal sprays help thin and loosen nasal secretions and crusted mucus.
     • Using saline nasal sprays can help provide relief of nasal congestion associated with dry, irritated or inflamed nasal passages, low humidity, heat, cold dry air (i.e., in air-conditioned room, air travel).

The best part is that you don’t need to go through the inconvenience of mixing your own salt solution to get all these benefits. Isotonic saline nasal sprays are readily and widely available over the counter in your neighborhood drugstores and pharmacies. If you have persisting or worsening symptoms, it is still best to consult your doctor.

Sinunasal Irrigation: Cleansing Care for a Healthy Nose and Sinuses

The nose that serves as an entrance to our airways is not a straight pathway as some imagine it to be. There are holes leading into our sinuses as well as bends and curves which may serve as areas where germs, dust and dirt from the air that we breathe may lodge into and cause various health problems affecting our nose and sinuses. Clearing away these irritants could be achieved most effectively by thoroughly washing the nasal passages and sinuses through large volume sinunasal irrigation.

Unlike nasal sprays or pumps, sinunasal irrigations deliver a large volume of solution under low pressure to gently wash the nasal passages and the sinus cavities. Sinunasal irrigation washes away and removes excess mucus containing bacteria, viruses and irritants or allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles.

Following are the benefits of sinunasal irrigating solution:

     • Clears and cleanses the sinunasal cavity
     • Aids in thinning secretions, lessens pressure and pain in the sinuses relieving symptoms of sinunasal congestion
     • Helps moisturize the sinunasal mucous membranes
     • Promotes the natural protective action of cilia to sweep away mucus, dirt or debris
     • Provides relief of symptoms associated with cold, sinusitis, allergies, pre and postoperative care
     • Optimizes patient’s recovery following nasal and sinus surgery

In irrigating the nose and the sinuses, a number of clinical experts advocate the use of a mineral- rich solution called Ringer’s lactate instead of plain saline as the appropriate irrigating solution. The composition of Ringer’s lactate solution more closely approximates that of the extracellular fluid. Ringer’s lactate, which is composed mainly of sodium chloride, potassium chloride and calcium lactate pentahydrate, closely mimics the body’s own extracellular fluid that naturally bathes the body cells. The minerals of the sinunasal irrigation solution act together for the relief of nasal and sinus conditions. Such irrigating solution is not associated with serious side effects and does not sting as other concentrated solutions are prone to do. There are commercially available sinunasal irrigating preparations that are of the same composition as Ringer’s Lactate.

For more information on sinunasal irrigation and if you have persisting or worsening symptoms, please consult your doctor.

FAST FACTS ON PROPOLIS: The Wonder Product from Bees

Whether it be for a mouth or throat infection, that bothersome “singaw”, or even the sore throat you may get from talking for long periods of time, Propolis can do wonders for you.

Know more of the numerous benefits this nature’s gift has to offer.


1. PROPOLIS is a bee product used by humans for thousands of years

Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees from various plant sources. Bees make propolis as building material for their hive to seal holes in their honeycomb, hence its nickname “bee glue”. Propolis is a complex blend of plant derived compounds collected by bees, giving it multiple biologic properties. Throughout history, humans have been using propolis for its numerous health benefits.

2. PROPOLIS and Honey are two different compounds

Bees give us a number of produces that are beneficial to human. This includes honey, royal jelly, beeswax and propolis. Although both are naturally made by bees, propolis and honey are two different and distinct products. Honey is primarily made by bees as a food source, while propolis is made to seal the cracks on their hive, protecting and maintaining the beehive from invasive microorganisms that threaten to infect the colony.

3. PROPOLIS differs from one region to another

Just like honey has many types with varying characteristics, not all propolis are created the same. The biologic activity of propolis is dependent on various factors, including the place and climactic condition of its origin, and the type of plants, trees, and flowers where the bees take the “raw materials” to make propolis. Propolis from Croatia has been shown to have potent antioxidative and antimicrobial activity because of its high content of bioactive substances known as flavonoids.

4. PROPOLIS is not just another “Herbal Product”

Propolis is a bee product. And this makes it extra special— Bees are known for being one of the most hardworking, dedicated and expert workers in nature. Bees extract the substances they used to make propolis from various and many flowers, trees and plants to produce a rich mixture of bioactive substances. So with propolis, you get the multiple biologic properties of a number of flora expertly picked by the bees.

5. PROPOLIS offers multiple Health Benefits

One of the known properties of propolis is its ANTIMICROBIAL action, its ability to help fight various types of BACTERIA, FUNGI, and even VIRUSES. Propolis helps fight bacteria through various mechanisms, including its ability to disrupt the bacterial cell wall, inhibit bacterial cell division and impair bacterial movement. Some researchers also showed how propolis fights various viruses. Propolis can help block the entry of viruses into the cell and inhibit viral replication.

Another benefit that propolis is well known for is its ANTI-INFLAMMATORY property. Propolis has been demonstrated to act on various phases of inflammation by inhibiting chemicals in the body that mediate the inflammatory process. Owing to its anti-inflammatory activity, propolis SOOTHES PAIN and relieves irritation, such as that of an inflamed throat or mouth.

Propolis is also known to aid in WOUND-HEALING due to its ability to promote synthesis of collagen, the tissue cement substance. Propolis is said to induce a favorable environment that is conducive to speeding up the growth of new cells. A study has shown that propolis improved the outcomes of surgery involving the tonsils.

6. You can now conveniently find PROPOLIS preparations in many drugstores nationwide

Various propolis preparations are available in the Philippine market. If you’re looking for a natural remedy to soothe your inflamed throat and reduce oral cavity irritations, oral sprays with Propolis are widely available in drug stores nationwide.

COVID-19 Proofing Your Christmas Celebration

COVID-19 Proofing Your Christmas Celebration


The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of changes this year, but we don’t have to let it ruin our Christmas traditions. We can still have a merry Christmas celebration even if we have to adapt new ways of celebrating without failing to observe the standard health protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields, frequent hand washing and disinfecting, as well as physical distancing.

As long as we follow safety protocols, we can still enjoy our Noche Buena with our loved ones.

We must heed the advice of health authorities to refrain from attending gatherings that will require travel to areas under stricter quarantine classification. We also must make sure that our loved ones and friends who have respiratory or flu-like symptoms, exposure to COVID-19 positive individuals, and those who are vulnerable such as the elderly and people with other major illnesses don’t get to join social gatherings.

Here are some tips on how to celebrate a COVID-19 proof Christmas with family and friends:

1. Have your parties online using any appropriate app as an alternative and safe way to celebrate.

2. For face-to-face celebrations, arrange for outdoor gatherings in your garden or patio. If outdoor celebration is not possible, ensure proper ventilation of the venue by keeping the windows and doors always open.

3. Limit gatherings to a small group and only among household members. Make sure that the venue will ensure proper physical distance among expected attendees.

4. Maintain physical distancing. Avoid greetings that involve touching or physical contact such as handshakes, “mano”, or “beso-beso”.

5. When serving food, it is safer to use disposable paper tableware. Individual serving or packed meals is a safe option for bigger groups.

6. Avoid karaoke and sing-along-sessions, as droplets are easier to spread with singing.

7. Have rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizers, face masks, disposable paper towels available in various areas of the venue such as entrances, exits, tables, sink, and toilet.

High Volume Nasal Irrigation Aids Topical Steroids to Access the Sinus Mucosa in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), which is associated with multiple causes, is a common illness that makes millions of people from different parts of the globe suffer. CRS poses a profound impact on the quality of patients’ lives due to its disturbing symptoms on top of the huge cost in treating the underlying cause. 

Since the nasal and sinus mucosa are persistently inflamed, nasal steroid sprays have been used for the relief of CRS especially after surgery. However, in a clinical review published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, Dr. David Jang and his fellow researchers noted that nasal steroid sprays may not deliver adequate amounts of medication to the postoperative sinus cavity. In this study, they compared the condition of the patients when on high volume steroid nasal irrigation versus off-irrigation periods using conventional nasal steroid sprays only. It was found that patients had worsening of symptoms when they were not on high volume steroid nasal irrigation.

Dr. Auddie Sweis and a team of researchers also did a retrospective chart review of 90 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis to evaluate steroid nasal saline irrigation using budesonide or mometasone prior to surgery. In this study published in May 2020 at the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, Dr. Sweis and colleagues found that after a trial of steroid nasal irrigation, 64.4% had significant improvement enough to avoid surgery.

The use of devices that deliver large volume with positive pressure irrigation aids topical steroids to effectively access the sinus mucosa. This also provides an efficient lavage through enhanced mechanical removal of mucus, bacteria and inflammatory agents.

Findings from the study by Dr. Kornkiat Snidvongs and colleagues published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology supported the strategy of utilizing high volume delivery system for irrigation to ensure that intranasal corticosteroids are appropriately delivered to the sinus mucosa. The study was done on 111 patients with CRS who underwent Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) and found that intranasal corticosteroid is an effective therapy when appropriately delivered using a high-volume delivery system.

In a controlled trial published in May 2020 in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Maheshbabu Thanneru and his colleagues showed that in patients with chronic allergic rhinosinusitis who underwent surgery, the use of budesonide nasal irrigation after surgery led to significant reduction of symptom scores by an average of 70% compared to the 44% reductions seen in patients who just had standard care after surgery.

In July 2020, a controlled trial by Dr. Lisa Cherian and colleagues which was published in Rhinology compared the oral steroid prednisolone, nasally irrigated steroid budesonide, and the oral antibiotic doxycycline for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The results of treatment that lasted for 3 weeks revealed that clinical improvement was significant with both oral and irrigated steroid but not with the antibiotic doxycycline.

While some investigators have used saline solution as the vehicle in delivering topical steroids through large volume irrigation, some clinical experts recommend Ringer-Lactate as a more appropriate solution for sinunasal irrigation.

Murat Ünal and colleagues wrote in a study published in The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, “Ringer’s Lactate has a composition that more closely approximates the extracellular fluids and is more deserving of the adjective physiological”. It was explained that Ringer-Lactate, a solution composed mainly of Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and Calcium Lactate Pentahydrate, closely mimics the body’s own extracellular fluid that bathes the cells. Ringer-Lactate solution has no negative effect on Ciliary Beat Frequency (CBF), which is one of the most important parameters of mucociliary clearance.

As emphasized in various clinical reviews, the treatment of CRS underscores not only the aim of reducing the underlying mucosal inflammation by corticosteroids, but also the overarching goal of restoring normal sinus physiology.

References:


Jang, D. W., Lachanas, V. A., Segel, J., & Kountakis, S. E. (2013). Budesonide nasal irrigations in the postoperative management of chronic rhinosinusitis. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.

Sweis AM, Locke TB, Douglas JE, et al. Management of chronic rhinosinusitis with steroid nasal irrigations: A viable nonsurgical alternative in the COVID-19 era.

Snidvongs, K., Pratt, E., Chin, D., Sacks, R., Earls, P., & Harvey, R. J. (2012). Corticosteroid nasal irrigations after endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.

Thanneru M, Lanke S, Kolavali S. The Effectiveness of Budesonide Nasal Irrigation After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Allergic Rhinosinusitis with Polyps. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.

Cherian LM, Bassiouni A, Cooksley CM, Vreugde S, Wormald PJ, Psaltis AJ. The clinical outcomes of medical therapies in chronic rhinosinusitis is independent of microbiomic outcomes: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Ünal, M., Görür, K., & Özcan, C. (2001). Ringer-Lactate solution versus isotonic saline solution on mucociliary function after nasal septal surgery. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 115(10).

Get to Know Xylitol: The Sugar Substitute with Protective Benefits

Xylitol is a sugar-like substance with a sweetness similar to that of table sugar. However, due to some differences in chemistry and the way the body metabolizes it, xylitol supplies 40% fewer calories than table sugar. This makes xylitol a suitable low-calorie sugar substitute that has been widely used since the 1930s.

Xylitol is naturally sourced from plants and trees

Xylitol derives its name from the Ancient Greek “xylon” meaning wood which points to its natural source. Current production of xylitol involves extraction from hardwoods, softwoods and even from agricultural products such as rice, corn and wheat.

Xylitol helps protect the mouth and nose from infections 

Xylitol is now being commonly added to a variety of dental applications such as chewing gums and toothpaste due to its protective actions against cavity-causing bacteria. A similar benefit is also seen when xylitol is used to irrigate the nasal passages, where it can play multiple roles in protecting against infections. Xylitol solutions can dilute the salts that have been negatively affecting the innate or natural antimicrobial substances of the nose. Xylitol also disrupts bacterial growth and metabolism, and prevents the formation of biofilms that bacteria use to shield against antibiotics.

Xylitol nasal rinses have been found helpful in treating patients with long-standing nasal and sinus infections 

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a long-standing inflammatory condition affecting the nose and sinuses. The condition is managed with antibiotics, steroids and nasal irrigations. Some studies show that the addition of xylitol with the irrigating solution may improve treatment outcomes. In two separate clinical trials published in 2011 and 2018, it was shown that nasal irrigations with xylitol have led to better resolution of symptoms compared with irrigations with plain salt water solutions.

References:

Lin L, Tang X, Wei J, Dai F, Sun G. Xylitol nasal irrigation in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Am J Otolaryngol.

Weissman JD, Fernandez F, Hwang PH. Xylitol nasal irrigation in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis: a pilot study.