Nasal rinse and gargling as an effort in preventing COVID-19 infection with Islamic approach – a literature review

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the general public must comply with health protocols and adopt new habits as this disease spreads through droplets and enters the respiratory tract through the nose and mouth. Meanwhile, water penetration into the nasal cavity (istinsyaq) and out (istintsar) during ablution corresponds to the nasal rinse and gargling methods, which prevents the mechanical and chemical attachment of viruses. This article discusses the role of Islamic-based nasal rinse and gargling in the prevention of COVID-19 infection. Various solutions such as plain water, saline, povidone-iodine, and antiseptics have chemical effects. Gargling and nasal rinse mechanically and chemically wash the mucosal surface in the mouth and nose to prevent the attachment of virus and other pathogens. Mechanically, the difference in concentration causes water to move outside the cell by osmosis, reducing mucus secretion and releasing the virus. Meanwhile, a chemical mechanism occurs when the free iodine in povidone-iodine oxidizes fatty acids and damages the virus cell walls and the respiratory chain of cytosolic enzymes, hence preventing inflammation of the host cell. However, the choice of liquid type, concentration, duration, and frequency of use still need to be considered to prevent side effects. © 2021, Sanglah General Hospital. All rights reserved.