Cuckoo - an effective ENT procedure for washing the nose

Research shows that nasal lavage removes 80% of allergens, improves cilia movement (the "filter" hairs in the nose), enhances healing, and reduces symptoms of sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, and other sinus conditions. Cuckoo is an ENT procedure, which doctors call vacuum-drainage of the paranasal sinuses by moving fluid along the Proetz. It is best to apply this procedure when sinusitis has not yet passed into the chronic stage.

Why is the procedure called "cuckoo"? This is due to the specifics of its implementation. An antiseptic solution is poured into one nostril of a patient lying on his back (Furacillin, Miramistin, Malavit, Dioxidin, etc.). And from the other nostril, the liquid (along with pus and mucus from the sinuses) is pumped out using a special tool - an electric suction. The penetration of the solution into the maxillary and frontal sinuses is carried out through natural fistulas, the antiseptic also penetrates into the ethmoid labyrinth.

During drainage, the flushing solution also enters the nasopharynx, so the patient's task is to slightly lower the tissues of the soft palate so as not to choke. In order to lower the lower palate easily and effortlessly, he must repeat the phrase “coo-coo”. And so the name "cuckoo" was born. The ENT procedure is carried out under medical supervision, does not cause pain (although not very pleasant) and brings relief after the first wash. In total, 5 to 7 procedures are required.

Indications for carrying out:

  • rhinitis of a viral, allergic or bacterial nature;
  • sinusitis and other types of sinusitis;
  • adenoiditis;
  • polyps and cysts in the maxillary sinuses;
  • obtaining the contents of the nose for laboratory research.

The disadvantages of the "cuckoo" include:

  • Less effective if there is severe swelling or other fluid obstruction in the nose. Since the path of the fluid during washing runs through the nasopharynx, it, along with pus and mucus, can enter the middle ear cavity, which can cause otitis media.
  • The relief from the procedure is not permanent, but symptomatic.

Contraindications "cuckoo":

  • The ENT procedure is not recommended for children under 5 years of age;
  • persons suffering from epilepsy;
  • people with a mental disorder;
  • people with a tendency to nosebleeds.

You can not go outside in winter if less than two hours have passed after washing. Water entering the sinuses can cause local hypothermia.

Side effects of cuckoo include:

  • sneezing
  • nose bleed;
  • nasal discomfort;
  • stuffy ears;
  • pain in the forehead.

Nasal lavage according to Proetz: preparation and procedure

The Proetz nasal lavage is a procedure named after the American otorhinolaryngologist Arthur Walter Proetz. It clears the sinuses of any infection, if any. In addition, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and other drugs, but you should not prescribe them yourself.

The benefits of nasal irrigation have been known since early human history. Saline nasal solutions have been used for centuries to keep nasal passages free of mucus. Allergists, family physicians, otolaryngologists, pediatricians and scientists have found the Proetz Nasal Wash procedure to be safe and effective. Experience shows that if everything is done correctly, then this method of cleansing the nose allows you to remove irritating substances, purulent and mucous contents, moisturize and soothe irritated membranes.

Other benefits of the procedure:

  • Removes sticky, thick mucus from the nose and helps relieve nasal congestion.
  • Allows the sinuses to get rid of allergens, irritants, bacteria, viruses and pollutants.
  • Helps prevent upper respiratory infections such as the common cold.
  • Reduces dependence on medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, decongestants, and asthma medications.
  • Reduces dryness in the nose.
  • Improves the sense of smell.
  • Improves the sense of taste.
  • Helps treat sinusitis and rhinitis.
  • Reduces manifestations of allergic rhinitis.
  • Reduces cough and other symptoms associated with the disease.
  • May reduce snoring.
  • Clears the airways affected by conditions associated with pregnancy.
  • Helps relieve breathing difficulties caused by diseases such as cystic fibrosis and many others.
  • Makes breathing deeper and more relaxed.

Some patients ask ENT doctors: does it matter how the cuckoo is made? After all, you can simply pour in and pour out saline through the nose. This will also help moisturize the nose and sinuses, but the cuckoo method is more important for restoring the body's defenses in general and the nose cilia in particular.

Patients who have used nasal irrigations and other methods have also complained of wet stains on clothing. In the cuckoo procedure, the doctor controls the flow of the saline solution through a convenient tip that prevents the solution from flowing. Other ways of rinsing the nose can lead to excess fluid pressure on the sinuses.

And the use of special Proetz nasal lavage instruments provides gentle, gentle pressure that will not harm the patient. In the reviews, many patients mention that washing the nose is at least unpleasant, but the experience and qualifications of the doctor play a big role here. An experienced doctor, making a "cuckoo", will bring the patient only minimal discomfort.

Preparing for nasal lavage according to Proetz:

  1. The doctor performs an anemization. Simply put: vasoconstrictor drops (for example, Nasonex) are dripped into the patient's nose to reduce swelling of the nose.
  2. The patient lies on the couch and throws his head back 45 degrees. In this position, he will have to spend from 10 to 15 minutes.

Procedure progress:

  • The doctor takes a suction and inserts it into one of the nostrils, and, accordingly, begins to pour in a special solution into the other, which may include furatsilin, chlorhexidine or an antibiotic.
  • A suction device is needed to remove the waste solution, which already contains particles of pus and mucus.
  • If it is necessary to remove the stagnation of pus from the nose, the doctor alternately clamps the patient's nostrils for 5 seconds. This creates a pressure drop and a purulent "plug" comes out of the sinus.
  • During the procedure, the patient is asked to constantly say “cuckoo” so as not to choke on the liquid.

Do not pour liquid into the nose without the direction of a doctor. Getting ordinary water into the nose is painful and somewhat harmful. The thin membranes of the nose and sinuses need a precisely metered saline solution, called "isotonic", otherwise they stop functioning properly and start to hurt.