Did you know that 8 out of 10 French people only clean the inside of their nose when dealing with nasal issues? Discover your own habits through this IPSOS study on French nasal hygiene practices.
Nasal washing uses salt water because our blood plasma contains a precisely dosed salt solution of 9g per liter.
For everyday hygiene, opt for salt water with the same concentration as our body serum—known as isotonic—to prevent any osmotic exchanges.
Ocean seawater averages around 35g of salt per liter, so its concentration is carefully reduced to match our blood plasma. This isotonic seawater includes sodium chloride (salt) along with mineral salts and trace elements like iron, zinc, iodine, copper, selenium, manganese, and magnesium.
These trace elements offer valuable benefits, such as:
Isotonic seawater and physiological serum share the same salt concentration. Options for isotonic saline nasal washing include:
The 2015 IPSOS study found that 96% of French people experience colds or nasopharyngitis occasionally, with 78% affected at least once a year.
One in two French people occasionally wash inside their nose, primarily during colds. Notably, 8 out of 10 do not practice nasal hygiene outside of ENT issues.
78% reported faster relief from nasal congestion and related symptoms. Seawater sprays emerged as the top choice.
Despite proven benefits, daily nasal hygiene isn't seen as essential, limiting its regular use.
Parents prioritize their children's nasal hygiene over their own: 82% wash the noses of children under 3, 72% for ages 3-6, and only 61% for ages 6-12. Saline solution and the baby blower are most common for younger kids, while seawater sprays gain favor after age 6.
Nose washing occurs daily during illness, more frequently for younger children.
The top benefits parents notice are less stuffy noses and freer breathing.
For prevention, only 18% of parents maintain nasal hygiene for children aged 6-12, typically once a week.
Global data on nose washing habits is limited, but notable differences exist.
Nasal hygiene is commonplace in Scandinavian and Eastern European countries. Poland's “salt culture” features widespread salt caves for halotherapy, originating in Russia, where sessions improve respiratory comfort for lung and nasal conditions.
Ayurveda in India has promoted nasal washing for generations.
Regardless of cultural habits, nasal hygiene—alongside hand washing—forms the foundation for preventing winter illnesses.
