Nasal Irrigation

How To Do Saline Nasal Irrigation

Many patients with chronic sinus problems (recurring infections, congestion, discomfort, sinus headaches) find that they get marked relief of symptoms if they perform saline nasal irrigation on a regular basis.

Nasal irrigation helps to flush out retained secretions, thick mucus, allergens, and dust particles...thus improving the function of the sinuses. We recommend performing nasal irrigation one or two times a day. You will need the following equipment:

1 Syringe: either a turkey basting syringe or a small syringe used for ear/nose irrigation of babies (the light blue bulb syringes). Another alternative: neti pots (available at Whole Foods).

Draw the salt solution into your syringe, bend your head slightly forward, and squirt the salt water into your nostril. As you do this, you will note that water will come out of your mouth or opposite nostril. Repeat this procedure for your other nostril, continuing to irrigate until you have used at least eight ounces of the saline solution. This technique can be quite messy before one masters it, therefore, the shower is a good place to begin practicing!

Daily nasal irrigation done on a consistent basis can provide marked relief of symptoms. It helps not only with chronic on-going symptoms, but also can provide marked relief during an episode of acute sinusitis.

Sure doc, I'll get right out there and get me a turkey baster to stick up my nose.