Nasal Irrigations
PURPOSE: Nasal saline irrigations remove excess mucus and help drain congested sinuses. Allowing the sinuses to empty via the nasal passages will decrease sinus pressure, headaches, nasal congestion, sore throat and upset stomach associated with postnasal drainage. This procedure should be performed at least once daily, or more frequently, depending on the severity of the congestion and drainage. Irrigating the nose and clearing secretions before using prescribed nasal spray medications (e.g., Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort) will also improve the effectiveness of these medications. The more fluid you use, the better the result.
More expensive, more convenient: There are several products on the market that make nasal irrigations very quick and easy. Two examples are: SINUS RINSE and ENTSOL. These products include an irrigating device as well as packets of powder to mix with water. These can be ordered online, or at most pharmacies.
Less expensive, still pretty easy: Prepare your own
SALINE IRRIGATION SOLUTION
Mix: 1 cup distilled water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
You may use a large bulb syringe or a waterpik to irrigate, as follows:
BULB SYRINGE procedure (some people find this approach harsh)
1. Clean the bulb syringe in 10% Clorox and water between each use to avoid reinfecting the sinuses.
2. Squeeze air out of the bulb syringe, place the tip of the syringe in the bowl of saline and release the bulb to fill it completely.
3. Lean forward over the sink, chin pointing down and tucked slightly toward the chest.
4. Hold the full bulb syringe in the palm of your hand and insert the tip of the syringe approximately 1/2 inch inside the nasal passage.
5. Gently flush the saline up into the nasal passage and blow the nose gently several times to clear the secretions.
WATERPIK WITH NASAL ADAPTOR procedure (sounds bad but is very gentle)
1. Pour saline solution into the waterpik basin.
2. Set the waterpik on a medium setting to make a stream of water 3-4 inches long.
3. Lean forward over the sink, chin pointing down and tucked slightly toward the chest.
4. Insert the nasal irrigator tip into the nasal passage.
5. First direct the stream toward the opposite nostril to carry out the loose mucus, then point the tip straight up and last out towards the cheek. Repeating the word “click” during the procedure will help clear saline and secretions from the back of the throat.
6. Repeat this procedure for two to five minutes alternating passages, or until the drainage is clear.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
1. Allow the nasal passages to dry for several minutes before using nasal spray medications (e.g., Afrin, Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort).
2. If blood tinged nasal discharge is noted, apply Vaseline on Q-tip and gently coat the inside of the nasal cavity at bedtime.
3. Contact our office if you experience worsening congestion or thick yellow/green nasal drainage persisting more than 5 days.