You can irrigate your nasal passages with salt water to relieve the mucous drainage and congestion you get with sinus infections, allergies and colds. This flushes irritants and mucous out of your nose, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are varying techniques for nasal irrigation, all of which use a small amount of salt mixed with warm water. Nasal irrigation is an effective way to alleviate allergy and cold symptoms, and may even reduce risk factors for these conditions, according to the University of Wisconsin.
Bulb Syringe
Use a bulb syringe to irrigate the nasal passages. To do this, mix ¼ tsp. salt with 2 cups warm water. Completely fill the syringe with the solution and bend over the sink. Don’t tip your head back, instead lean toward your sink, according to the Mayo Clinic. Insert the syringe partway into your nose and angle the tip toward your eye’s outer corner. Slowly and gently squeeze the liquid into your nose and let it drain. It may drain from the other nostril or the back of your mouth.
Neti Pot
Neti pots are a popular technique and can be used daily, according to Dr. Ralph Metson, a sinus specialist with Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Fill a neti pot with saltwater. Allow the water to flow out the pot into one of your nostrils. It drains out the opposite nostril after gravity takes the water around the back of the nostril. A neti pot works well for cleaning mucous that’s thin and clear in consistency.
Squeeze Bottle
Use a plastic squeeze bottle made for nasal irrigation. These are readily available at drugstores and come with pre-measured packets of salt. Follow package directions for mixing the salt and water closely. Use this technique if you have an infection or sinus flare-up, Metson says. The bottle has a hole in the top that you place in one nostril before leaning over a sink and squeezing the bottle. Always squeeze gently. Water may flow out of the same nostril, your opposite nostril or the back of your mouth. The water collects bacteria, mucous and allergy particles along the way.
References
- ABC News: What are the Different Techniques for Nasal Irrigation?
- Mayo Clinic: Nasal Congestion
- University of Wisconsin: Nasal Irrigation
- National Public Radio: Got a Runny Nose? Flush it Out
- “Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery": Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Delivery Device on Cadaver Sinus Irrigation
