The nasal cavity is the first segment of the respiratory tract. Here, the air we breathe in through our nose is purified, heated and humidified, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the entire respiratory system and for efficient gas exchange. The nose is also the organ that first comes into contact with airborne viruses and bacteria and, like a shield, forms the body’s first physical protective barrier, provided its mechanisms are working properly.

One of the defence mechanisms of the upper respiratory tract is the mucociliary apparatus, which consists of epithelial cells covered with numerous cilia and mucus secreted by the epithelium.

The mucus produced by the epithelium traps much of the pollution we breathe in the form of dust and gases, allergens and microorganisms, while the cilia move it towards the nasopharynx. They also distribute the moist mucus produced by the mucous glands (mucus is replaced by fresh mucus every 10-15 minutes). The fluid lining of the nasal cavity contains, glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, cells and mediators of the immune system that are responsible for the first stages of immune responses against pathogens, occurring through both humoral (one type of immunity) and cellular mechanisms. This means that a well-functioning mucociliary apparatus is crucial for protection against viral entry and multiplication ^[1-3].

Mucosal health

In order for our nose to work efficiently and act as a sentry which catches viruses that attack us, its mucous membrane must be in good physiological condition – and above all properly moisturized. It is enough if the air we breathe is dry, e.g. due to heating, and the mucous membrane starts producing less mucus. This in turn opens the floodgates to harmful microorganisms. The problem of the so-called dry nose is faced especially by elderly people, in whom a gradual atrophy of nasal mucosa occurs, which promotes the development of acute and chronic viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

Support for the nose

Natural defence mechanisms of the nose can be supported by taking care of proper mucosal hydration and using appropriate intranasal preparations for daily protective prophylaxis. The new medical device Bloxivir, which protects, prevents and helps to fight viral infections, is the right product for this purpose.

Thanks to carrageenan, sodium hyaluronate and ectoine, whose action has been confirmed in clinical trials, Bloxivir forms a protective layer immediately after it has been applied on nasal mucous membranes, constituting a mechanical barrier for pathogens, including viruses causing influenza, cold and COVID-19.

Bloxivir promotes the barrier function of the nasal mucosa, protects against the entry of viruses and hinders their multiplication, thus preventing or alleviating the appearance of disease symptoms such as rhinitis. Additionally, the use of Bloxivir by infected persons (also asymptomatic patients) reduces the risk of transmission and infecting others. Bloxivir also shortens the duration of a viral infection, thereby reducing the risk of dangerous bacterial superinfections that often follow a viral infection. Its protective effect starts immediately after application.

Bloxivir can be used several times a day by both adults and children over the age of one.

Footnotes:

[1] Paluch J. et al.: Wpływ czynników środowiskowych i klinicznych na transport śluzowo-rzęskowy u studentów Śląskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego [Influence of environmental and clinical factors on mucociliary transport in students of the Medical University of Silesia]. Polski Przegląd Otorynolaryngologiczny 2015, 4 (2): 45-52.

[2] Smuszkiewicz P., Tyrakowski T., Drobnik L.: Płynna wyściółka dróg oddechowych i transport śluzowo-rzęskowy. Czy znieczulenie ogólne może wpływać na ich funkcję? [Fluid lining of the respiratory tract and mucociliary transport. Can general anaesthesia affect their function?] Anestezjologia Intensywna Terapia 2005, 3: 200-206.

[3] Zięba N. et al.: Postępowanie w suchości błony śluzowej nosa u dzieci. [Management of dry nasal mucosa in children] Pediatria po Dyplomie 2018, 1.