How to Heal the Epithelium in the Nose

The respiratory tract is lined with a thin layer of pseudostratified ciliated epithelium. This is a type of skin cell which helps air move through the respiratory tract while also filtering out debris. These cells can be easily damaged because they are arranged in such a thin layer. Pollution, trauma and even dry weather are all factors that can damage the epithelium. Damage to the epithelium can inhibit the flow of air through the respiratory tract and cause mucus to collect, resulting in infection. Since these cells are so critical to the movement of air; any damage should be quickly cared for to promote fast healing.

Things You'll Need

• Nasal packing
• Antibiotic

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Instructions

• 1

  Lean forward and apply pressure to the end of your nose. This will stop any bleeding that may result from the injury. A nose bleed, which is medically referred to as epistaxis, is the result of a break in the epithelium. Leaning forward will prevent the blood from traveling down the esophagus and ending up in the stomach. The pressure applied should enable the clotting cells to collect at the site of the injury to enable healing.

• 2

  Moisten the nasal packing material by adding a few drops of an antibiotic ointment. In several studies done in Australia, Turkey and the United States, dry packing materials further injured the epithelium upon removal. Conversely, in a study done in Turkey on the epithelium of sheep, healing was prompted with moist packing. The antibiotic will also help prevent any infection that may occur due to the mucus that has pooled within the injured area.

• 3

  Insert the packing material into the affected nasal cavity. Enough of the packing material should remain outside the nose so it is easily removable.

• 4

  Remove the packing material after three days and check the wound site. A collection of green mucus indicates infection. If the area is cracked, the epithelium may be dried out. More ointment can be applied at this time if needed.

• 5

  See a doctor if your nose begins to swell. This may indicate nasal edema. Nasal edema is the buildup of fluid between the cells. This can lead to infection or breathing impairment.