Saline sinus irrigation may be beneficial for workers in dusty environments

If you are among the millions of people who work in dusty or dirty environments, you may benefit from irrigating your sinuses with a commercially prepared saline nasal product. Our nasal passages have a mucus membrane and microscopic hairs (cilia) to protect the lungs from foreign particles, but dusty conditions like those found in agriculture, factories, mines, and other environments can overwhelm nasal membranes and inhibit the expulsion of dust, dirt, and other particles.

Saline sinus irrigation, or nasal wash, is an inexpensive way to cleanse the nasal membranes of foreign substances and increase mucociliary clearance. Since the 1980s, numerous clinical studies have discussed the use of saline solutions to irrigate sinus cavities. A peer-reviewed study published in 2003* stated that clinical evidence suggests saline irrigation is simple to use and well tolerated.

Today, consumers have a choice of commercially prepared saline nasal products designed specifically for nasal irrigation. OCEAN Complete® is a convenient and easy-to-use alternative for saline sinus irrigation and nasal rinsing.

To irrigate and flush with OCEAN Complete® attach the orange actuator. Hold your head upright and insert the nozzle just inside nostril. Hold in the actuator for a full one-second burst, allowing a gentle stream to wash the nasal passages. Gently inhale as you spray, bringing fluid to the back of your nasal passages.

Initially, the sensation of water high up in your nose may be uncomfortable, and some saline may run back out of your nostril. This is normal. Gently cough and expel any fluid that reaches the back of your throat. Repeat twice in each nostril as often as needed.

A convenient alternative to messy squeeze bottles, OCEAN Complete® can also be used as a saline mist to moisturize dry nasal passages. To mist and moisturize, attach the white actuator to the canister.

Ocean Complete® can be used every day and as often as needed. It is non-habit forming, drug free, preservative free, and non-addicting. For more information on saline sinus irrigation, please consult your physician.

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*Papsin, B, MD, and McTavish, A, MSC: Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment, Canadian Family Physician, volume 49: February 2003. (Study did not evaluate any OCEAN® Saline Nasal Spray product.)

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