How To Perform A Sinus Flush
Nasal irrigation can be performed using saline or a similar sterile solution, and a neti pot, squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, medical syringe, or even a Waterpik oral irrigator.
Many people purchase a kit for nasal irrigation. These kits should come with detailed instructions, and many include a solution mix. Read all the instructions completely before proceeding.
Make sure the tip of your delivery device will fit safely and gently inside your nostril. This is for comfort and also so the fluid will not leak around it or cause any damage to the nostril.
Regardless of the device you are using, you will want to lean over a sink to avoid making a mess.
If you are using a neti pot:
- Wash your hands.
- Mix the solution and fill the pot.
- Lean over the sink and turn your head to the side.
- Insert the tip of the pot into the top nostril. The neti pot tip should be far enough up to form a seal but not so far up that it creates discomfort.
- Tip the pot up until the solution flows out of the other nostril and you feel that the nasal passageways are clear.
- Repeat this procedure on the other side.
If you are using a squeeze bottle or a medical syringe, follow the same steps, but instead of tipping the neti pot, you will simply squeeze the bottle or push on the syringe plunger to deliver the solution.
Health Benefits Of Nasal Rinsing
Nasal irrigation helps to thin the mucus in the nose, which helps clear the nasal passages of mucus and debris and decreases swelling. For those suffering from environmental allergies, rinsing can decrease exposure to the allergen by rinsing it out of your nose.
If you use a medicated nasal spray, rinsing before using your medication helps to prepare the nose by cleaning and removing any debris. A cleaned-out nose can help make the medicine more effective.
The bottom line? Rinsing can alleviate unpleasant nasal symptoms from a variety of causes.
You feel better after rinsing, your cold doesnt last as long and you can breathe better, Dr. Ebert says.
Dealing with sinus or breathing problems? Talk to your doctor. Find one near you.
How To Make Your Own Saline Rinse
To make your own home-made saline rinse, you will need 8 ounces of clean water, 1 ounce of unprocessed sea salt or table salt , and a pinch of baking soda.
Fill a container with warm/hot water. Add the salt and stir until it is completely dissolved in the water. Add the baking soda and stir again to be sure that it is mixed in well. The mixture should not have any lumps or crystals sticking to the sides of the container.
Measure out 8 ounces of this solution into a decanter or similar vessel that has an opening big enough for your nose to fit inside comfortably. Use one hand to seal off one nostril while you pour the solution into your other nostril. Blow out the solution and repeat on the other side.
Use distilled water instead of tap water to make this saline rinse, as tap water may contain minerals that can cause irritation or infection. Also, do not use a metal container to store your saline solution in since it could grow bacteria if left long enough.
Since this is your own solution, make sure you clean the container thoroughly after each use to avoid any contamination or infections.
You May Like: What Is Good For Sore Throat From Allergies
What Are The Side Effects Of Nasal Irrigation
Usually, there are no side effects.
Some people experience burning or stinging in their noses after doing nasal irrigation. If this happens, reduce the amount of salt you use in your saline solution. Also, make sure that boiled water has cooled to lukewarm before you use it.
What are the risks or complications of nasal irrigation?
Nasal irrigation is safe when its done correctly.
Theres a slight risk of infection if you use contaminated water. Many people who hesitate to use nasal irrigation reference news stories about brain-eating microbes. An amoeba called Naegleria can cause a life-threatening brain condition called primary amebic meningoencephalitis if you ingest it. Most people with PAM get it from swimming in water that contains the amoeba.
Most cases associated with nasal irrigation involve people who used untreated tap water. Using distilled or boiled water can protect you from Naegleria.
Are Neti Pots And Nasal Rinses Natural Remedies
Yes. Since they use saline, and nobody is allergic to saline, nasal rinses do not interact with other medicines. The saline solution rinses out any particles that are causing the allergic swelling in your nose. These rinses can stop the allergic reaction from continuing and decrease swelling and drainage.
Also Check: Can Leaky Gut Cause Allergies
What Is A Neti Pot
The neti pot was first used in ancient India, and is considered the oldest method of irrigating the nasal passage. In fact, the word neti means nasal cleansing in the Sanskrit language. Yogis in India believed that clear breathing was necessary to achieve clear thinking, an idea that continues to resonate with some today.
Safely Use Nasal Irrigation Devices
Second, make sure you follow instructions.
There are various ways to deliver saline to the nose. Nasal spray bottles deliver a fine mist and might be useful for moisturizing dry nasal passages. But irrigation devices are better at flushing the nose and clearing out mucus, allergens and bacteria, Mann says.
Information included with the irrigation device might give more specific instructions about its use and care. These devices all work in basically the same way:
- Leaning over a sink, tilt your head sideways with your forehead and chin roughly level to avoid liquid flowing into your mouth.
- Breathing through your open mouth, insert the spout of the saline-filled container into your upper nostril so that the liquid drains through the lower nostril.
- Clear your nostrils. Then repeat the procedure, tilting your head sideways, on the other side.
Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu. Plain water can irritate your nose. The saline allows the water to pass through delicate nasal membranes with little or no burning or irritation.
And if your immune system isnt working properly, consult your health care provider before using any nasal irrigation systems.
To use and care for your device:
Talk with a health care provider or pharmacist if the instructions on your device do not clearly state how to use it or if you have any questions.
Read Also: Is There A Tea That Helps With Allergies
How Does Nasal Irrigation Help Your Sinuses
Raleigh Medical Group, P.A.Allergies, Allergy Prevention, General Posts, Sinus
The Raleigh-Durham area frequently makes headlines as one of the best places to live in the U.S. However, its not all a bed of roses chronic sinusitis and seasonal allergy problems are some of the unfortunate byproducts of Carolina living.The good news is there are several home remedies, such as nasal irrigation, that can relieve sinus pressure and help eliminate sinusitis symptoms.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis is typically caused by a virus. When the sinuses are irritated, they swell, trapping fluid within the sinus cavity. This creates a perfect breeding ground for germs. Symptoms typically include:
- Poor sense of smell
These infections may be caused by seasonal allergies, fungus, airborne pollutants, or even problems within the structure of the nose itself.
Is It Ok To Do A Nasal Wash Every Day
Its OK to do a nasal wash once or even twice daily while you have symptoms. Some people without symptoms irrigate daily or a few times a week to prevent sinus infections or allergy symptoms. As long as youre taking care to clean containers properly and use boiled or distilled water, nasal irrigation is a safe daily ritual.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Nasal irrigation can often provide relief when dealing with an irritating stuffy or runny nose. Take care to irrigate correctly. Use purified water . Choose non-iodized salt over iodized. And never attempt nasal irrigation if you have clogged ears or an ear infection. If youre unsure whether its safe to try nasal irrigation, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/12/2022.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sinus Rinsing for Health or Religious Practice. Accessed 10/12/2022.
- Head K, Snidvongs K, Glew S, et al. Saline irrigation for allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 6:CD012597. Accessed 10/12/2022.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is Rinsing Your Sinuses with Neti Pots Safe? Accessed 10/12/2022.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Flea Bite Allergy In Dogs
Don’t Wear Contact Lenses Exclusively
If you require prescription eyewear, don’t rely on contact lenses. If youhave severe allergies, pollen and dust may settle on the lenses and cause areaction. If you are a contact-lens user and your eyes are constantly red anditchy, the contacts may be the reason. If you don’t want to ditch the contactspermanently, try alternating between the contacts and eyeglasses to see if thishelps.
Also, if you do use your contact lens periodically, be sure they are clean.Clean them regularly with a specially formulated solution created for contacts.
See yourphysicianif your allergy symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.Your doctor might suggest allergy shots, or what some doctors refer to asimmunotherapy. Over time, the allergy shots help your immune system becomedesensitized to the allergens.
Is The Neti Pot Safe
Research has found that the Neti pot is generally safe. A small number of regular users experience mild side effects, such as nasal irritation and stinging. Nosebleeds can also occur, but they are rare. Reducing the amount of salt in the solution, adjusting the frequency of Neti pot use, and changing the temperature of the water may help to reduce side effects.
To help prevent infection, always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Also, it’s important to properly care for your nasal irrigation device. Either wash the device thoroughly by hand, or put it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. Follow by drying the device completely after each use.
If you experience side effects or develop an infection, talk to your doctor.
Don’t Miss: What Allergy Medicine Is Safe For Pregnancy
What Is Nasal Sinus Irrigation And Will It Help My Allergies
Pouring water into your nose may seem like a strange thing to do, but it just might help with your allergies.
Nasal sinus irrigation has been practiced since ancient times in India. And modern research shows that it is indeed safe and effective, if done correctly.
How does sinus irrigation work?
Nasal sinus irrigation is basically just pouring a saltwater solution into one nostril and letting it drain out the other. The practice can help rinse out mucus, bacteria, and allergens like dust and pollen. That means you may need less allergy medicine or nasal decongestants.
If youre interested in trying nasal sinus irrigation, buy a traditional neti potwhich looks like a little teapot with a long spoutor a bulb syringe, squeeze bottle, or battery-operated pulsed water device. Youll find these devices in drugstores or online.
You can buy premixed salt packets for your saline solution, or make your own. To make your own, the American Rhinologic Society suggests mixing 2-3 teaspoons of iodine-free salt and 1/4-1/2 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 liter of sterile water.
Here are the steps to follow:
Nasal Rinses And Neti Pots: How And Why They Work
Allergy sufferers and those with colds or chronic sinus infections know well the misery that can accompany these conditions. Symptoms may include facial pain, nasal congestion, coughing, headache, and bad breath. Nasal irrigation, sometimes called nasal lavage, can be effective in loosening the blockage and clearing mucus from the nasal cavity. Flushing the nose and sinuses is considered a safe practice, with few side effects, that can provide fast and effective relief.
Don’t Miss: Is Headache A Symptom Of Allergies
Side Effects Of Sinus Rinsing
When nasal rinses are done properly, the side effects, if any, are typically minor and temporary. The most common issues resulting from a nasal rinse are a burning or stinging sensation in the nose and mild irritation in the nasal passages.
To make your nasal rinse more comfortable, make sure to use a saline solution instead of plain water, which can aggravate the inside of your nose. Saline allows water to move through your delicate nasal membranes with little to no burning and irritation.
Saline solutions often come prepackaged with nasal irrigation devices or can be homemade. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends the following saline sinus rinse recipe:
Remember: No Antibiotics Unless Absolutely Necessary
Theres one more important aspect to treating sinusitis or other nasal problems. Most of these are caused by viruses, which have to run their course. If you are reasonably healthy, your body does a great job of fighting these viruses on its own.
Antibiotics should only be used for an infection, and only your Raleigh sinus doctor can accurately determine whether you have a bacterial infection or a virus. Overuse of antibiotics can create bacteria that are resistant to treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year, two million Americans are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Of those two million, at least 23,000 people die.
At Raleigh Medical Group, were dedicated to only using antibiotics when absolutely necessary. If you have sinus problems, the following can help you feel better:
- Irrigate your nasal passages utilizing the information in this article
- Drink lots of water
- Apply a warm compress to your face
- Use a humidifier
Also Check: How To Reverse Food Allergies
Versus Oral Allergy Medications
You can use nasal sprays in combination with oral allergy medications to treat your allergies or just use nasal sprays as your sole treatment.
Though, some research supports the use of nasal sprays over oral medications for treating nasal allergies.
One study compared a fluticasone furoate nasal steroid spray with taking a combination of the oral antihistamine and antileukotriene . The researchers found that nasal sprays were more effective in treating nasal symptoms than taking oral medications.
What Are Nasal Allergy Sprays
Itchy eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing and wheezing youre already very familiar with the symptoms that accompany allergy season. When the symptoms start to hit, it can be truly miserable to try to make it through the day.
But nasal sprays can help a lot.
You generally use them just once a day in most instances, but they do take a little time to kick in and have benefits, Dr. Aronica says. I usually tell my patients that because of that time lag and efficacy, you want to start using your nose spray at least two to three weeks before allergy season starts.
You May Like: Can Allergies Cause Difficulty Breathing
Cautions And Side Effects When Using Nasal Spray For Allergies
Side effects occur with almost any medication. Its important to review the potential effects and talk to your doctor before you start using a nasal spray for allergies. This can help ensure that the sprays wont interfere with medications youre already taking.
Examples of some side effects of each nasal spray type include:
- Steroids: nosebleeds and nasal perforations
- Antihistamines: drowsiness, dizziness, nosebleeds, and dry mouth
- burning, stinging, dryness, fast heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and rebound nasal congestion if used longer than a few days
- Anticholinergic: dry nose, nosebleeds, irritation, and headaches
- Mast cell: worsening congestion, sneezing, itching, nosebleeds, and burning sensations
The best treatments for allergies depend on your symptoms. If you commonly experience nasal symptoms, nasal sprays can directly address these symptoms.
However, if you have a lot of other symptoms, there are other allergy treatments. These include:
- Antihistamines: can help address eye itching and sneezing
- can help reduce mucus in the nose and airways
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists: can block chemicals called leukotrienes to reduce allergy symptoms overall
If oral medications or nasal sprays dont help treat your allergies, you may wish to talk to a doctor about immunotherapy. This involves either shots or drops to expose you to small amounts of allergens.
- itching eyes, nose, or face
What About Prescription Treatments
If these approaches aren’t effective, prescription treatments may be the next best steps, including:
- A nasal steroid spray
- Ipratropium nasal spray which inhibits secretions
Other treatments depend on the cause of the post-nasal drip. Antibiotics are not usually helpful, so they aren’t usually prescribed for post-nasal drip . For allergies, dusting and vacuuming often, covering your mattresses and pillowcases, and special air filter can help reduce exposure to allergy triggers.
Read Also: Can Food Allergies Cause Sinus Inflammation
Mast Cell Inhibitor Sprays
How they work: Cromolyn sodium sprays, a type of mast cell inhibitor sprays, stabilize mast cells. These cells release histamine, the substance that mediates allergy symptoms.
Some examples: You can purchase cromolyn sodium nasal sprays, such as NasalCrom, over the counter.
Key tips for use: Youll use most cromolyn sodium sprays about once or twice daily. Because they block histamine release, youll do best by starting to use them about 1 or 2 weeks before allergy season in your area starts.
