Whether you're experiencing troublesome symptoms during allergy season or suffering from sinus congestion or painful pressure, a sinus cleanse, or nasal lavage can be of great relief. Cleansing your sinuses, reports the Mayo Clinic, is a safe and easy way to clear up congestion and remove particulates such as pollen which aggravate allergies. The process of a sinus cleanse is inexpensive, relatively eas and can be done at home with a little preparation.
Step 1
Fill a clean measuring glass with 8 oz. of lukewarm to warm tap water. Add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. of non-iodized salt--such as kosher or pickling salt--as well as 1/4 tsp. of baking soda to the water and mix until the salts have dissolved. You now have prepared your saline sinus rinse solution.
Step 2
Add the saline solution to your sinus irrigator--the device you will use to flush your sinuses. Several varieties of irrigators are available at your local pharmacy, including bulb-syringes, Neti pots and squeeze bottles. For a bulb syringe, squeeze the bulb to create vacuum pressure and then suck the solution inside. If you're using a Neti pot or squeeze-bottle, simply pour in the saline solution.
Step 3
Turn your head over the sink so one nostril is facing down. Gently insert the tip of your sinus irrigator into the nostril which is is facing upward and squeeze or pour half of the saline solution into the nostril. The cleansing solution will fill your nostril, pass through your sinuses and then flow out the other nostril into the sink. The sensation may take some getting used to but does not produce pain or discomfort.
Step 4
Repeat the sinus cleanse process through your other nostril and stand up over the sink when finished to allow the saline solution to drain. Since sinuses are cavities in the nasal region, it may take a minute or two for the last of the saline solution to drain out of your nasal passages.
Step 5
Dry your nose with facial tissue or with a clean towel. You can blow your nose into the tissue to help expel the last of the sinus cleansing solution. Your sinuses should feel more open and clear--if not, you may repeat the process as many times as you need to until your sinuses are cleansed. Clean your sinus irrigator and dry it thoroughly before storing it for future use.
Tips and Warnings
- Realize many commercial sinus irrigators include single-use packets of saline solution mix.
- Do not cleanse your sinuses if you have an ear infection. Consult your physician before performing a sinus cleanse if your sinuses and nasal passages are completely plugged.
Things You'll Need
- Sinus irrigator
- Clean measuring glass
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Sink
- Facial tissues or towel
