Because patients with allergies or sinusitis have often experienced “nasal irrigation with saline”, sometimes there is concern whether frequent nasal irrigation could harm the nose. In fact, nasal irrigation with saline can be done without causing harm to the nose or body… if done correctly. Therefore, for the benefit of patients with allergies, sinusitis, or even healthy individuals who want to prevent allergies or sinusitis, the correct nasal irrigation procedure is very important!
What are the benefits of nasal irrigation?
- Helps relieve chronic cold symptoms, nasal congestion, or nasal irritation
- Washes away dirt and germs from the nose, clears thick mucus, and helps keep the nasal cavity clean
- Removes crusted debris from the nasal mucosa after nasal and sinus surgery
- Prevents the spread of germs from the nose and sinuses to the lungs
- Nasal irrigation before using nasal spray helps improve the effectiveness of the nasal spray
Correct steps for nasal irrigation
- Warm the saline before nasal irrigation, as using saline that is not warmed may cause nasal congestion after irrigation. Pour ready-made saline into a clean wide-mouthed container, such as a bowl, warm it in the microwave, and test the temperature on the back of your hand before using it for nasal irrigation.
- Perform nasal irrigation over a table by placing a container such as a bowl or basin to catch the saline, or do it over a sink.
- Suck the warmed saline using a rubber bulb or syringe provided by the doctor, about 5 cc for children or about 10-15 cc for adults.
- Lean forward and slightly bend your head, keeping your face above the container to catch the saline.
- Insert the tip of the rubber bulb or syringe into the nostril, starting with the side that is less congested. Keep your mouth open, take a deep breath, and hold your breath.
- Gently squeeze the rubber bulb or push the syringe plunger to slowly let the saline flow into the nasal cavity. The saline entering one nostril will flow out through the other nostril. After the saline flows out, you can breathe normally.
Precautions for nasal irrigation
While pushing saline into the nasal cavity, it is necessary to hold your breath to prevent inhaling saline into the larynx and trachea, which can cause choking.
- Clean the nasal irrigation equipment after each use by washing with soapy water and rinsing thoroughly with tap water before drying.
How many times should you irrigate to clean out dirt?
Each time you perform nasal irrigation with saline, you should irrigate until the saline flowing out of the nose and mouth is as clear as the saline before irrigation. Effective nasal irrigation should clean all directions of the nasal cavity—right, left, top, and bottom—to wash out as much mucus or dirt as possible.
