Colds and allergies can cause mucus to build up in the sinuses and nasal passages, which causes pain and infections. Blowing your nose free can provide some relief, but only momentarily, while various decongestants can cause drowsiness and other side effects. Many people begin to cure themselves by doing nasal irrigations to "wash" the cavities effectively and without the use of chemicals. These treatments also make it possible to eliminate foreign residues, such as pollen, dust and dirt. Studies have found that regular nasal irrigations can significantly reduce the frequency or severity of sinus infections in those susceptible to such inflammation. Learn how to clean your sinuses to feel better and reduce symptoms of this annoying condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Equipment
Step 1. Choose a nasal irrigation device
There are several models available on the market today. You can find them in major pharmacies, natural products stores and even online; they vary in size, shape and duration (some are disposable), but basically all perform the same function: washing the sinuses. Among the most popular nasal irrigators are:
- The neti lota;
- The bulb syringe;
- The kitchen bottle.
Step 2. Use safe water
In most of the houses connected to the aqueduct, the tap water is safe to drink. However, it can sometimes contain minimal levels of microorganisms such as bacteria, amoebas and other protozoa. While it is usually quite safe to drink water that contains these pathogens, as gastric acids are capable of killing them upon contact, these microorganisms do not have to reach the thin membranes such as those inside the sinuses.
- If you use unsafe tap water for nasal irrigations you could run into bacterial infections such as amoebic meningitis, a serious condition that is often fatal.
- The ideal is to use distilled or sterilized water. Both types are commercially available in many supermarkets; check that the label clearly states that it is "sterilized" or "distilled" water.
- If you wish, you can sterilize it yourself. Boil the tap water for three to five minutes, then let it cool until it becomes lukewarm. Do not use boiling water for nasal irrigations, as this could cause severe and painful burns.
- You can safely use water that has passed through a filter with meshes equal to or finer than one micron. This type of filter is dense enough to retain microorganisms, thus making the water safe to use. You can buy such faucet filters at many hardware stores or even online. Search the internet for more information about these purification systems.
Step 3. Purchase or prepare a saline solution
You can purchase a specific one for nasal irrigations in major pharmacies or parapharmacies without the need for a prescription. However, you can also make it yourself easily at home.
- Take a teaspoon of salt; use only pure, marine or canning. Do not take the iodized one, with anti-caking agents or preservatives, because it can irritate the nasal cavities and sinuses.
- Mix the teaspoon of salt with half a teaspoon of baking soda.
- Add half a liter of warm water that is distilled, sterilized, boiled and cooled, or properly filtered.
- Stir until the salt and baking soda have dissolved completely. With this solution you can fill the nasal irrigation device. Make sure you use clean tools to mix the mixture.
Step 4. Take proper hygiene precautions
You must pay attention to common safety and hygiene rules when handling, cleaning and storing the sprinkler. By doing this, you prevent bacteria and other pathogens from contaminating the device and potentially entering the nasal passages.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before handling or using the sprinkler, then dry them with a clean disposable paper towel.
- When washing your sprinkler, make sure it is distilled, sterilized, or boiled and cooled tap water to avoid contamination during washing. Then let it air dry or dry the inside with a clean disposable paper towel.
Part 2 of 2: Flush the Nasal Sinuses
Step 1. Fill the nasal irrigation device
Regardless of what you decide to use (the neti pot, bulb syringe, or other different device), make sure it is thoroughly clean. Fill it with the saline solution that you may have purchased or made at home with the sterilized water.
Step 2. Get in position
Once you put the water in the sprinkler, you need to find the right location for the procedure. Lean over a sink to avoid getting water everywhere (especially water that has entered your sinuses).
- Tilt your head to one side over the sink. Some experts recommend folding it at an angle of about 45 degrees, to make it easier for the water to flow and prevent it from entering your mouth.
- When you're ready, gently insert the sprinkler nozzle into the topmost nostril (the one closest to the ceiling when you keep your head bent). Don't push it too deep into the nostril or against the septum, as this could injure you and cause discomfort.
Step 3. Irrigate the sinuses
Once you have taken the correct position and inserted the nozzle into your nostril, start washing your nose. Go slowly and gently, especially if this is your first time doing this procedure.
- Breathe through your mouth. Do not try to breathe through your nose at any time, otherwise water could enter your lungs and you could choke.
- Slowly raise the sprinkler handle. If you are using the bulb syringe, you can now carefully start squeezing the saline solution. If you use neti lota instead, simply let the water flow slowly into your nostril.
Step 4. Switch sides
Once you have irrigated one nostril, you need to repeat the entire procedure for the other. Reverse the inclination of the head so that the other nostril is now "higher" (still towards the ceiling) than the one already washed.
Step 5. Cleanse the sinuses
When you have emptied the device to flush both nostrils, exhale through the nose before resuming normal breathing. You can also blow it to get rid of saline residue, as well as mucus / grime.
Advice
- Always lean over the sink when doing nasal irrigation. You cannot know how much mucus will come out of the nasal passages.
- A little baking soda is often used to dab the salt and water solution. If you are unable to purchase the correct type of salt, you can use plain plain water when irrigating, but remember that salt is useful for soothing the mucous membranes of the cavities.
- You can wash your sinuses one to four times a day. However, if the congestion problem persists after the cold has run its course, you need to see your doctor to rule out the possibility of other, more serious problems.
- You should ask your doctor if nasal irrigations are safe for your situation. He can teach you how to do them.
Warnings
- Never use this treatment on babies, as they can choke or drown. Nasal irrigations are safe for adults, but only because you know how to breathe through your nose when you reach adulthood. Always talk to your doctor or pediatrician before using a neti pot or other similar device on young children.
- Do not use regular table salt when making saline, as it often contains iodine, which can irritate the nasal passages. Marine or canning is a safer alternative, as it typically does not contain chemicals that can harm or irritate the nose.
- Make sure you only use clean water. Contaminants in tap water can be dangerous for the nasal passages. If you have any doubts about the purity of your home water, boil it for a long time to remove any impurities.
