Aquamaris nasal spray: how it works
The main component of the spray is purified sea water. Aquamaris comes in several forms. The most popular is an isotonic solution, which helps moisturize the mucous membranes in the nasal passages.
Sea water contains a huge amount of useful substances and microelements, which in a short period of time help to cope with rhinitis in pregnant women. The use of Aquamaris helps to moisturize the nasal passages, soften crusts that have formed, and liquefy and remove accumulated mucous secretions.
The spray also has antiseptic properties, its use helps to avoid further spread of infection in the body. This point is considered very important, since during pregnancy a woman’s immune response sharply decreases and she is susceptible to viral and bacterial diseases.
Unlike nasal drops, Aquamaris does not have a vasoconstrictor effect and does not dry out the mucous membrane. At the same time, the spray does not get rid of an existing viral or bacterial infection, but only relieves unpleasant symptoms.
Runny nose during pregnancy: why does it appear?
Pregnancy is an amazing process, but not very pleasant moments creep in during its course. For example, being pregnant, any woman will definitely encounter a weakening of the body’s protective functions. This stage is inevitable for every expectant mother, since nature does everything to ensure that the immune system does not begin to survive from the woman’s body, in fact, an “object” foreign to it - the fertilized egg. As a result, all kinds of infections simply “stick” to the expectant mother.
Most often, pregnant women encounter various types of colds with a standard set of symptoms, including a runny nose. The cause of nasal discharge can also be allergies or rhinitis during pregnancy. In the latter case, we can almost talk about the usual manifestation of pregnancy, since the volume of blood in the body of the expectant mother increases under the influence of the hormone - this leads to the development of swelling of the mucous membrane.
Can it be used during pregnancy: indications and instructions
The main purpose of Aquamaris spray is hygienic cleaning of the nasal passages. Indications for use of the drug are:
- severe congestion of the nasal passages,
- the presence of mucous discharge,
- allergy attack,
- prevention of ARVI,
- exacerbation of chronic diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.).
Despite its safety, Aquamaris should be prescribed exclusively by the attending physician.
1st trimester
During the first months after the fertilization of the egg, a powerful hormonal surge occurs in the female body. This condition is accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as toxicosis, drowsiness, nasal congestion, etc. The last symptom is associated with increased sensitivity of the nasal mucous membranes; doctors call this condition rhinitis during pregnancy. Aquamaris is used for treatment; it helps eliminate nasal congestion, copes well with hygiene and eliminates mucous secretions.
2nd trimester
Aquamaris is approved for use in the second trimester if there is no allergy to its components. It is worth noting that the therapeutic effect is short-lived. Therefore, it is necessary to use the spray as part of a complex treatment.
3rd trimester
In the last months of pregnancy, the female body begins to actively prepare for the upcoming birth of the baby, the level of hormones changes again. The use of Aquamaris for nasal congestion in the third trimester is acceptable in the absence of direct contraindications.
Despite its safety, Aquamaris should be used after preliminary consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Use is justified if the risk of harm to the fetus is lower than the therapeutic effect obtained.
Aquamaris - use during pregnancy
If a woman, under whose heart another life beats, decides to start therapy using even such a mild and safe remedy as Aquamaris, it is better to start with a medical consultation. The doctor will assess the woman’s condition, the expected effectiveness of using this drug, and also write out a treatment regimen. Aquamaris, according to the instructions, is recommended to be used during pregnancy in the following dosage:
- Irrigation of the nasal cavity using drops or Aquamaris spray during pregnancy is recommended to be done 3-5 (no more than once a day, 2-3 drops (injections) into each nasal passage.
- To remove ear plugs, place 1-2 drops of Aquamaris Oto into each ear several times a day (as needed).
- In case of hyperemia of the laryngeal mucosa, as well as sore throat, you should use the appropriate form of the drug Aquamaris and perform 5-6 irrigations (3-4 sprays) per day.
- Due to the high salt content, injection of Aquamaris Strong should be done no more than 1-2 times a day. The duration of therapy should not exceed 2 weeks.
- Washing with the Aquamaris Norm device should be done three times a day. Dilute the product supplied with the product with water. Pour the composition into the device and rinse - tilting your head forward and slightly to the right, bring Aquamaris Norm to your nostril (which is at the top) and let the contents of the device flow freely into your nose. Hold your breath for the duration of the procedure. Afterwards, blow your nose.
Cheap analogues
One of the disadvantages of Aquamaris spray is its high cost. When looking for a cheaper analogue, you should pay attention to the following products:
- Dolphin. Available in powder form for preparing a solution. Used as part of complex therapy, it helps to quickly get rid of the symptoms of rhinitis in pregnant women. In addition to sea water, the composition includes extracts of licorice root and rose hips,
- Aqualor. The mineral water included in the composition is additionally enriched with copper and iron. There are no other fundamental differences from the main drug,
- Marimer. A French drug that has an identical composition to Aquamaris.
Your attending physician will help you choose the appropriate analogue.
Recommendations and contraindications for using Aquamaris during pregnancy
One of the main advantages of the drug is its safety. Does this mean that Aquamaris can be used by absolutely everyone during pregnancy? No. Despite the natural composition, the medicine can cause an allergic reaction. In addition, if a woman has increased sensitivity to sea water, she should refuse treatment with Aquamaris. After using the drug, most women note the restoration of free breathing, good mucus outflow, and normalization of mucosal cell function. In addition, improving local immunity increases resistance to viruses and bacteria. Before starting treatment, a pregnant woman should in any case consult a doctor, because she now has responsibility for one more person - the little baby under her heart.
Is it possible to make your own sea water to irrigate your sinuses?
In the absence of pharmaceuticals, a solution for rinsing the nose can be prepared independently. To do this, you will need pure sea salt and boiled warm water. Depending on the final concentration, you need to take 1-2 teaspoons of salt and pour a glass of water, stir thoroughly.
You only need to rinse your nose with warm, freshly prepared solution. The use of cold liquid is unacceptable.
Experts still recommend using ready-made pharmaceutical sprays and solutions. When cooking at home, you can incorrectly calculate the proportion.
Nasal congestion is very common in pregnant women. Regardless of the reason that caused it, doctors unanimously recommend using Aquamaris.
This remedy helps clean and moisturize the nasal passages, and also serves as a means of preventing colds and ARVI. The only contraindications include individual intolerance to one of the components. Available in several forms, it can be used for any period of time.
Aquamaris line of drugs
Aquamaris is a natural medicine for the prevention and comprehensive treatment of colds. These products contain only sea water, sometimes essential oils and additional mineral salts . It is effective even if you have a stuffy nose without a runny nose.
Aquamaris preparations
The Aquamaris product line includes:
- Aquamaris Norm spray – suitable for adults and children from two years of age. Designed for the treatment and prevention of runny nose;
- Aquamaris Plus drops - for children and adults from one year. Designed to treat snot and restore damaged mucous membranes;
- Aquamaris Strong drops - with a high content of mineral salts. The effectiveness of the drug is comparable to vasoconstrictors;
- watering can for rinsing the nose – designed for daily hygiene of the nasal cavity.
Attention! The Aquamaris brand also produces products for treating the throat and ears.
Dosage forms of Aquamaris
The first form is ordinary nasal drops, which during pregnancy can be used not only for treatment, but even for the prevention of colds.
The second form is a nasal spray. Its purpose is the same as that of the drops. The only difference is in the bottles. The spray bottle is more convenient, since there is no need to tilt the head, you just need to press the special pipette several times. In addition, the spray is more effective, since when injected, the drops spread evenly throughout the nasal mucosa.
The third form is a remedy that is intended for gargling. This form of Aquamaris is necessary only if during pregnancy the expectant mother’s throat turns red or begins to hurt.
If you have a severe runny nose or sinusitis, your doctor will recommend a stronger form - Aquamaris Strong. Its difference is that Strong (from English - strong) contains more salt, which makes these drops stronger, and the effect of this drug is the same as that of vasoconstrictor nasal drops.
Do not be afraid to use it for allergic rhinitis, it is completely safe during pregnancy. Read reviews on forums or ask your friends if you still have any doubts.
Aquamaris is used to get rid of mucus, germs and viral infections, as well as to restore the nasal mucosa.
Price, analogues
The cost of this drug, depending on the type (drops for the nose, ears or throat), ranges from 150 to 400 rubles.
Drugs similar in their composition and properties are:
- Marimer;
- Nazomarin;
- Pinosol;
- Humer;
- Physiometer.
Their main substance is sea water. But not all of them are recommended for use during pregnancy. For example, there is no data about the use of Nazomarin during pregnancy.
Release form
Surely, when purchasing a drug in any modern pharmacy, you will be asked to choose its specific form, but in addition to spray and drops, there are some other types of composition, without knowing about which you can get confused. What can you find:
- Aquamaris spray , presented in the form of an isotonic solution, excellent for moisturizing the sinuses (can be used during pregnancy in both the 1st, 2nd or 3rd trimesters).
- Drops - with the same composition, this form is more convenient for small children (mainly up to one year).
- Aquamaris Strong - contains a high concentration of salt (regular salt is added to sea salt).
- Aquamaris Plus - dexapanthenol is also added to sea water, which activates restoration processes in damaged cells of the nasal mucosa.
- Throat spray - applied locally, that is, as the name suggests, to affect the oral cavity and pharynx.
- The “Oto” variety is an option for washing the hearing organs (auditory canals).
Such a variety of forms and types of the drug allowed it to gain wide popularity and be used for the treatment of various diseases of the ENT organs in children and adults (in particular, for the prevention of rhinitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc.).
It is also possible that the composition can be used only for daily hygienic purposes. Did you know? Nowadays, the average weight of a full-term baby born in developed countries is about 3.5 kg, but 30 years ago this figure did not exceed 2.7 kg.
Aquamaris as an anti-allergenic agent
Using the drug to combat allergies, it is possible to achieve the disappearance of such manifestations of this disease as rhinitis. Naturally, you cannot count on Aquamaris to treat urticaria and other types of rashes.
But even getting rid of one type of allergic reaction is a huge achievement, especially since it can be achieved in a way that is absolutely harmless to the pregnant woman.
The drug can only be used by expectant mothers who do not have an individual intolerance to the components and substances that Aquamaris contains.
By constantly cleaning the nasal cavity with the drug, a pregnant woman achieves the elimination of allergen capsules from the surface of the mucous membrane, a significant reduction in swelling and elimination of the inflammatory process.
The principle of cleansing the nasal passages also underlies the treatment for a runny nose: with constant rinsing of the nose, the mucus will acquire a more liquid consistency, and its amount will decrease significantly.
Purpose
The first question that future mothers will ask themselves will be: “Is Aquamaris allowed during pregnancy?” Especially if these are not ordinary nasal drops, but Aquamaris Strong solution.
Translated from Greek, the name of this product means “sea water”. According to the manufacturer, as well as the instructions for use, it really consists of specially purified water from the Adriatic Ocean.
According to clinical studies, the drug helps speed up recovery and makes breathing easier. Depending on what type is used (drops, Strong solution or Aquamaris Plus), there are different restrictions. Instructions for use and doctor’s recommendations are what you should rely on during this period. After all, no matter what trimester it is, it is important not only to get rid of rhinitis, but also not to harm the baby.
In addition to water, this type of product may contain sea salt (Aquamaris Strong) or dexapanthenol (Aquamaris Plus). The following are used as auxiliary ingredients:
- zinc;
- magnesium;
- sodium;
- selenium;
- potassium.
Thanks to this composition, the product effectively eliminates swelling of the mucous walls, has an antibacterial effect, promotes the rapid restoration of damaged areas of the mucosa, and is also harmless to the mother and the unborn baby, so it can be used in any trimester of pregnancy.