Most people are familiar with nasal rinses, but it can sometimes be difficult to know when and how to properly perform nasal irrigation at home.
If performed correctly, nasal irrigation systems (commonly called neti pots) can be a safe and effective at-home treatment for sinus and nasal symptoms.
What is a sinus rinse?
A sinus rinse, also called nasal irrigation, is usually done with saline, which is just a fancy term for salt water. When rinsed through your nasal passages, saline can wash away allergens, mucus, and other debris, and help to moisten the mucous membranes.
Nasal rinse devices - which include bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, and battery-operated pulsed water devices - help deliver the saline to the nasal cavities. Just about anyone can do sinus rinses at home, but it is important that they are performed properly to avoid any adverse effects.
Why are sinus rinses important?
Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen, and other debris from the nose, as well as loosen thick mucus.
When performed properly, it can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, and colds.
Plain water can irritate your nose and should NOT be used as an alternative to a saline solution. The saline allows the water to pass through delicate nasal membranes with little or no burning or irritation.
How to use a sinus rinse.
The first step is to create a saline solution. Typically, this is done by mixing warm, sterile or distilled water with pure salt, known as sodium chloride, to create a saline solution.
While you can create your own saline solution at home, it’s recommended that you purchase over-the-counter premixed saline packets.
It’s crucial to use sterile water for this step. This is due to the risk of a serious infection with a parasitic amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. Once this amoeba enters the sinuses, it makes its way to the brain and causes a fatal infection.
You can sterilize your water by boiling it for a minute and then allowing it to cool.
To clear your sinuses, follow these steps:
- Stand with your head over a sink or while in the shower and tilt your head to one side.
- Using a squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, or neti pot, pour or squeeze the saline solution slowly into the upper nostril.
- Allow the solution to pour out your other nostril and into the drain. Breathe through your mouth, not your nose, at this time.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
- Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat. You may need to adjust your head position until you find the correct angle.
- Gently blow your nose into a tissue when you’re done to clear out any mucus.
If you’ve recently had sinus surgery, consult with your surgeon before performing any type of nasal rinse.
Safety Tips
A sinus flush carries a small risk of infection or side effects, but these risks can be easily avoided by following a few simple safety rules:
- Wash your hands before the sinus flush.
- Don’t use tap water. Instead use distilled water, filtered water, or water that’s been previously boiled.
- Clean out your neti pot, bulb, or squeeze bottle with hot, soapy, and sterile water or run it through the dishwasher after each use. Allow it to dry completely before storing.
- Avoid using cold water, especially if you’ve recently had sinus surgery.
- Avoid using very hot water.
- Throw away the saline solution if it appears cloudy or dirty.
- Don’t perform nasal irrigation on infants.
- Don’t do a saline flush if you have any unhealed facial wounds or neurologic or musculoskeletal problem that puts you at risk of accidentally breathing in the liquid (aspirating).
How often should a sinus rinse be performed?
Sinus irrigation can be used routinely or on an as-needed basis.
We would recommend starting with one irrigation per day while nasal congestion or other sinus symptoms are present, but nasal irrigation can be used up to three times per day if you feel it is helping alleviate your symptoms.
Some individuals continue to use nasal irrigation to prevent sinus issues even when they don’t have symptoms. However, regular use of nasal irrigation may actually increase the risk of sinus infection. Routine use may also hinder some protective features of the mucous membrane lining the nasal passages and sinuses.
More research is needed to clarify any long-term side effects of regular saline flushes. At the moment, it’s best to limit your use to when you’re experiencing sinus or nasal symptoms.
What to do first?
It’s best to visit a board-certified allergist before starting any at-home remedies for sinus issues. A qualified specialist can identify the exact problems that may be creating your sinus and nasal symptoms and prescribe a customized treatment plan which may include nasal saline rinses.
If you are currently using nasal irrigation to treat sinus symptoms and your symptoms don’t improve after 7-10 days or if symptoms worsen, set up an appointment to see a doctor at Chattanooga Allergy Clinic. This could be a sign of a more serious infection that may require a prescription.
You should also see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms along with sinus congestion, pressure, or irritation:
- fever of 100.4°F (38.9°C) or higher
- greenish or bloody nasal discharge
- mucus with a strong odor
- wheezing or shortness of breath
- changes in vision
- severe pain in upper teeth or ears
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