How to sniff medicine correctly
Here is an image showing the human airways! The arrows indicate the airflow from the nose, and all the airways of the respiratory system are labeled.
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Example photo. |
Where do the airways from the nose go when we breathe
When you inhale medication through your nose, it goes through several important steps before it gets to the areas of your body that need it:
- Nasal cavity – the medication first settles on the mucous membrane of your nose. Here, some of it may be absorbed through the capillaries, entering your bloodstream directly.
- Nasopharynx – if the medication is too small or in liquid form, it may end up in your nasopharynx, where it may either be swallowed and go to your stomach or travel further into your airways.
- Sinuses – some of the medication may end up in your sinuses, especially if you have inflammation or congestion.
- Trachea and bronchi – if the medication is an aerosol, it may travel further down your airways into your trachea and bronchi, going directly to your lungs.
- Bloodstream – Some medications, especially nasal sprays with a vasoconstrictor effect or hormonal drugs, are absorbed through the nasal mucosa and quickly enter the general bloodstream, exerting a systemic effect.
This allows the drug to act locally (in the nose and sinuses) or systemically, depending on its type. Example photo 2.
How does medicine pass through the nose
- Mucosa deposition – drug particles settle on the mucosa of the nose, where they can be absorbed through the capillaries.
- Mucosa absorption – some substances, especially fat-soluble ones, quickly enter the bloodstream, bypassing the liver and digestive tract.
- Nasopharyngeal penetration – if the drug particles are small enough, they can enter the nasopharynx and then into the respiratory tract.
- Sinus penetration – some of the drug may remain in the sinuses, especially if the person has inflammation or congestion.
- Lung penetration – aerosolized drugs can penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract, reaching the bronchi and alveoli.
- Systemic exposure – some drugs, such as hormonal or vasoconstrictor drugs, are quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
There are several types of medications that can be administered through the nose:
1. Devasoconstrictors – help reduce swelling of the mucous membrane and make breathing easier. Examples: ("Oxymetazoline", "Xylometazoline").
2. Antihistamine – used to treat allergic rhinitis. For example, "Azelastine".
3. Corticosteroids – used for chronic inflammation of the nose and sinuses. For example, ("Fluticasone", "Budesonide").
4. Antibacterials – help with bacterial infections of the nose. For example, "Mupirocin".
5. Antiviral drugs – can be used to prevent and treat viral infections. For example, (Interferon).
6. Saline solutions – help moisturize the mucous membrane and clear the nasal passages. For example, (Marimer, Akvanazal).
If you need to choose a specific product, it is better to consult a doctor! 😊