Protein silver, an effective remedy for clearing stuffy nose and mild ear infections, especially in children. How and when to use it?
Proteinated silver, a product that mothers and fathers with small children almost always know. But what exactly is it? What are the benefits and uses of this type of silver?
In case of cold, stuffy nose or other issues at other respiratory tract pediatricians in many cases recommend drops of proteinated silver. It is in fact one of the most used nasal decongestants and disinfectants (including earphones) that can be safely used on children.
In fact, adults can use decongestant nasal drops with vasoconstrictor active ingredient in case of colds that can free the nose. This type of drugs, however, are prohibited for children under the age of 12 and since we especially love natural remedies we still prefer to choose more "green" solutions even if we are already older.
But when it comes to protein silver, what exactly is it?
Index
What is proteinated silver?
THEproteinated silver is a non-prescription drug composed of silver ions that is in liquid form and appears yellow-brown in color. Also called calf silver, this product manages to avoid bacterial replication and causes the death of pathogenic microorganisms.
It is a remedy known already in ancient times, when silver was used not only against colds and ear infections but also to disinfect wounds and for other problems in which an antiseptic action was necessary.
The concentration level of active principles of the silver proteinate varies from 0,5% to 2%, the doctor will indicate the most suitable product according to the age of the child.
So remember that proteinated silver is:
- A drug that does not require a prescription
- A yellow-brown liquid that comes in drops
- It is used in the nose or ears
- It can have active ingredients from 0,5% to 2%
Benefits of proteinated silver
The benefits that proteinated silver offers are basically two:antibacterial effect and that decongestant.
Le antibacterial properties and antiseptics of silver have been known since ancient times, we have already talked about colloidal silver as well. The ability to fight bacteria is expressed as the silver ions inhibit replication by intervening in the metabolism of the bacteria, therefore on the one hand they block the replication processes and on the other they cause their death.
The mechanism by which proteinated silver has a decongestant effect on the mucous membrane of the nose is not yet clear.
When to use proteinated silver
Proteinated silver is used exclusively for two purposes:
- • Disinfect and clear the stuffy nose
- • Disinfect the ears
It can therefore be recommended in case of:
- Cold
- Sinusitis
- Otitis
How to use proteinated silver
As we have seen, proteinated silver is used above all in case of colds and stuffy nose precisely because of its disinfectant and decongestant qualities. In pharmacies it is available in drops that can be used in the nose or in the ears always under the direction of the pediatrician or doctor.
Generally use is recommended 1 to 3 drops per nostril several times a day, while for the disinfection of the ears the drops are maximum 2. Also in this case the specialist will give you the indications after evaluating the specific case.
Given the reddish yellow color of proteinated silver, when using it it is necessary to be careful not to drop it as it stains clothes, but also the skin. When using the drops in the nose or ears it is always a good idea to have a tissue to immediately plug any spilled product.
In summary, the proteinated silver is used:
• 1-3 drops per nostril several times a day
• 1-2 drops in the ears
Once the package is opened, it must be used within 15 days.
Side effects of proteinated silver
The only side effects of proteinated silver occur in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or of excessively prolonged use or in high doses. In this case, burning and redness may appear in the areas where it came into contact.
Since it is often used on children, it is very important to keep the package out of their reach to avoid possible ingestion of the product. Better not to use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, given that there are no studies that certify its safety in such delicate periods.
Possible drug interactions
The solution of proteinated silver can interact with products based on papain, an enzyme that is extracted from the papaya fruit. The concomitant use of silver proteinate and papain could inhibit their enzymatic action.
Clarification
Even though it is a widely used product, not everyone agrees that protein silver is really useful and effective. On this topic, even scientific researches are conflicting. In this regard, we also present other possible remedies to get rid of a stuffy nose.
Other remedies to clear a stuffy nose
In the case of young children with a cold, the best way to combat a blocked nose is to carry out nasal washes using physiological solution, hypertonic, sea or thermal water. Among other things, these are always recommended even if you use proteinated silver, it must be considered that small children are still not able to blow their nose or in any case do not do it every time it would be necessary. (Read also: How to Do Nasal Washes for Babies and Children (VIDEO)
In case of a blocked nose, therefore, the top remedy always recommended for children is the nasal wash to be carried out with:
• Physiological solution
• Hypertonic solution
• Sea water
• Thermal water
Other remedies to clear the nose are i fumenti with hot water, chamomile and bicarbonate (not easy, however, to make children do them), the use of a humidifier in the room when you sleep or an instrument such as the lota. Also valid is the grandmother's remedy that involves cutting an onion, leaving it in the room and breathing in its smell, rich in substances that not only make us tear but are also able to free the nose. (Read also: Stuffed nose: 10 natural remedies for nasal congestion)
Other natural remedies for stuffy nose that are also suitable for children are:
- • Fumenti with hot water, chamomile and bicarbonate
- • Use a humidifier
- • Washing with the lota
- • The chopped onion
Have you ever used proteinated silver or other remedies for the stuffy nose of the little ones? Which one do you think is more effective?
Read also: Colloidal silver: properties, uses and contraindications
