What Is Nasal Irrigation?
Rinsing the nose with salt water (saline) is called nasal irrigation. This practice is recommended for a wide range of conditions that affect the nasal passages. This includes:
Irrigating the nasal passage may also be helpful after nasal surgery to decrease the hospital stay.
Saline nasal irrigation has been called a number of other things, such as nose bidet, nasal
douche, nasal wash, nasal saline, and
Neti pot therapy.
When performed correctly, there are few side effects with nasal irrigation.
Benefits of Nasal Irrigation
There are several benefits to nasal irrigation. These include:
- Removing nasal secretions
- Rinsing allergens and irritants from the nose
- Thinning mucus
- Keeping the sinus passages moisturized.
This helps to improve:
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drainage (drainage down the back of the throat)
- Sneezing
- Nasal dryness.
A number of different saline products and techniques can be used inside the nasal cavity. For example, saline drops or sprays are often used. These can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC). They are easier to use than nasal irrigation; however, in most cases, nasal irrigation is more effective.
A variety of devices can be used to irrigate the nostrils, including bulb syringes, bottle sprayers, and
Neti pots. Nasal irrigation kits also are available over-the-counter. The saline mix itself can be purchased, or you can make your own solution (see the following recipe).
There is little evidence to suggest that any particular form of nasal irrigation is clearly more beneficial than others. Therefore, the choice of irrigation devices or techniques should be guided by personal preference.
How Often Should I Use Nasal Irrigation?
How often saline nasal irrigation is recommended will vary, based on what you are treating and how severe the symptoms are. For example, for the
common cold or
allergies, it is often recommended to irrigate the nose one or two times a day. For
chronic sinusitis, nasal irrigation may be needed up to four times a day.
An isotonic saline (0.9%) solution is probably the least irritating and is most similar to the body's natural fluids. Pure water can actually be quite irritating. Solutions with a higher concentration of salt (known as hypertonic solutions) are sometimes recommended, but are also more irritating.
There are several different ways to obtain an isotonic saline irrigation solution. Small packets are available that are mixed with a specified amount of water. Or, you could buy premixed isotonic saline (found in the contact lens care area), but this would certainly be expensive for regular use.
You can also make your own. Use the following recipe to make an isotonic saline solution:
- Clean a one-quart glass jar. It is best if the glass jar has a screw-on top.
- Into the glass jar, mix the following:
- 1 teaspoon of pickling/canning salt (don't use table salt because it contains a number of additives)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder)
- 1 pint of warm water (not hot).
Make sure to mix the solution enough so that all the salt dissolves. You can store the solution at room temperature for up to one week.
Step-by-Step Nasal Irrigation in Adults
To irrigate your nasal passages, choose a syringe, squeeze bottle, or other nasal irrigation device.
Then:
- Pour the amount of fluid you plan to use into a clean bowl.
- Warm up the solution. You can use the microwave, but make sure the solution is not too hot. If the solution is too hot or too cold, this can cause discomfort. In general, it is recommended that the water be similar to body temperature. You may find that warmer or cooler water is more pleasant for you.
- Bend over the sink and squirt the solution into each side of your nose. Aim the stream toward the back of your head. Let the solution run out the other side of the nose. You should use about ¾ cup (200 mL) per nostril or until the nose feels clean. It is okay if some of it goes into the back of your throat.
- After each session, wash the syringe or bottle in warm, soapy water. Rinse well, and squeeze to remove any water.
A couple of other things to keep in mind:
- You might get a burning sensation the first couple of times. This will usually go away after a couple of sessions.
- If you are using a nasal medicine, such as a nasal steroid spray, use the nasal irrigation first. It will make the medicine more effective.
Nasal Irrigation in Infants
To irrigate an infant's nasal passages:
- Place the infant on his or her back.
- Using a clean nose dropper, place one to two drops of saline solution that you either made or purchased in each nostril. Wait two minutes.
- Squeeze and hold a bulb syringe to remove the air. Gently place the tip of the syringe into one nostril, and release the bulb. The suction will draw mucus out of the nostril.
- Squeeze the mucus out of the bulb and onto a tissue.
- Repeat several times until most of the mucus is gone.
A couple of other things to keep in mind when irrigating a child's nose:
- It is best to irrigate the nose before your child eats. After feeding, the process can cause vomiting.
- After each session, wash the dropper and bulb syringe in warm, soapy water. Rinse well, and squeeze to remove any water.
