Just a small amount of saline solution can make a big difference to the sinuses. Nasal irrigation systems soothe damaged sinus pathways and clear dust, mucus, and other allergens from your nose. It’s one of the main advantages of nasal irrigation.
Usually, regular noses and sinuses are able to wash themselves, although that is not the case with those who have asthma and recurrent sinusitis. That’s why saltwater rinses and nasal drainage on a routine basis are so necessary. Once the sinuses close down, toxins and irritants can contribute to inflammation and sometimes recurrent sinus infections.
If you have never taken account of the advantages of nasal irrigation or don’t understand the saline rinsing process, then don’t worry. We have all the details you need to get going with this hygienic practice.
What is Nasal Irrigation?
Nasal irrigation is the process of flushing out your nasal cavities using a distilled saline solution. It has proved to be a highly effective treatment for sinus complications.
The Process of Nasal Irrigation
Following is a step-by-step guide for the nasal irrigation process.
1. Buy a Nasal Irrigation System
First, we will provide recommendations about which one is better tailored to your needs. There are many types, from neti pots to saline rinses, both of which will be accessible at the nearest pharmacy.
Although there are many alternatives available, we typically prescribe a sinus rinse bottle or a Netipot. They are usually easier to clean, easily accessible, and affordable. The most critical thing, though, is to get going with a nasal irrigation system, irrespective of the form of tool.
The unit that supplies the irrigation is not as critical as the amount. The idea is to provide a large amount of saline water through one side of the nose that can flow out from the other end. That is why a nasal irrigation system is much more useful than either a saline nasal spray.
2. Set the Equipment for being Used
Follow the guidelines that have come with your device. Most come with an already filled container of saline water, some need you to buy a salt powder and blend it yourself. If you have to make your rinse, be sure to use clean, distilled water. Don’t use tap water.
Don’t neglect to sterilize the unit, too. One of the simplest and safest ways is to microwave the container for 30-60 seconds before through use, depending on the power of the microwave. Such bottles will also be updated every three months on the basis of research and supplier guidelines.
The FDA also issues these specific suggestions:
- Please wash and dry your hands before using your device.
- Inspect the device until usage to ensure that it is fully dry and safe.
- Be ready to follow the guidelines of the supplier for use.
- Clean the unit in uses and dry the interior with a paper towel.
- The inability to adequately sterilize could lead to a dangerous, potentially life-threatening disease.
3. Make the Saline Solution
The volume of water that the sine rinse bottle and the Netipot carry is around 250 ml. With each use, a salt packet should be transferred to this volume of water. Do not clean your nose with simple water as it can cause irritation.
If you choose to create your salt solution, apply half a teaspoon of salt and half teaspoon of baking soda to the bath. Make a 1:1 mixture of salt and baking soda and put in an empty container, then apply one tablespoon of the mixture to the water. You should change the sum and the ratio according to your choice.
4. Begin Your Sinus Rinse
- Hover over the sink at an inclination of 45 degrees, tilting the head such that one nostril is pointing towards the drain.
- Position the edge of the tool at the entrance of your nose and softly push or spill the solution through your nose. The solvent is expected to come out of the other nostril.
- Blow your nose to get rid of the leftover remedy.
- Undo the operation, on the other hand. Note that in total, you should need 1/4 to 1/2 of the solvent for every nostril.
Some Helpful Tips for Nasal Irrigation
It requires practice, but don’t be disappointed if you don’t move as well as you have expected for the first time. Here are some helpful ideas that will help:
- Keeping the head down when irrigating will help the fluid enter the sinuses in the forehead and the tip of the nose.
- Breathe from your mouth or catch your breath when you are flushing.
- Don’t cough or speak when you’re flushing your sinuses. Doing so can modify the pressure in your ears and unintentionally allow contagious content to leak further into your sinuses.
Nasal Irrigation Benefits
Apart from solving the sinus complications, nasal irrigation has other benefits such as:
- Shrinking bloated sinuses.
- Eliminating allergens.
- Eliminating sinusoidal channels.
- Enhancing airflow.
Is Nasal Irrigation Safe?
Nasal Irrigation is generally a safe and effective process, but if the necessary precautionary measures are not taken then it can do more harm than good. The preventive measure is using distilled or boiled water for the saline solution and keeping the neti pot or any other irrigation device that you use, clean.
The reason why we have been emphasizing the use of distilled water is that even though tap water may seem all clean but it has harmful pathogens in it that we cannot see from the naked eye. One of these pathogens happens to be a brain-eating amoeba.
If it enters your nose, then it could cause some serious damage or even death in severe cases. This is why it is necessary to conduct appropriate sterilization procedures irrespective of the type of nasal irrigation device you use.
Final Word
The nasal irrigation process is a straightforward and effective method for curing various sinus issues if appropriate safety measures are taken correctly and adhered to strictly.
