Nasal wash treatments, which are also known as nasal irrigation or lavage, are purported to cleanse the nostrils and nasal passages of crusted debris, to moisturize the nostril skin lining and to refresh tiny nasal hairs, or cilia, important for removing allergens and other unwanted materials. However, a November 2009 study by Dr. Talal Nsouli, presented at a meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, claimed that nasal lavage removes good mucus and impairs cilia function with continuous use. Nsouli and colleagues stress that the study reported effects with long-term daily use and not with intermittent use of a few days to a few weeks.
Saline Nasal Spray
One of the most basic forms of nasal irrigation is with a spray bottle of saline. This method is widely available from drug and grocery stores; because it does not contain any active medication, this method can be used for longer than over-the-counter nasal decongestants, which should be stopped after three days of use. However, this type of nasal spray does not flush the nasal passages efficiently, because it does not force the saline throughout.
Spray Bottle and Electric Nasal Wash
Nasal washes that use a 4-oz. or larger bottle, a bulb syringe or an electrical pump are able to shoot saline from one nostril through the nasal passages and out the back of the throat or other nostril. Repeated pressurize saline use effectively clears the nasal passages of any debris and hopefully provides moisture to the cilia and nostril lining. These nasal washes range from inexpensive plastic bottles to costly charged wall units.
Neti Pots
An ancient method of nasal irrigation is to flush the nostrils with a neti pot. This pot looks like a small teapot and may be ceramic, plastic or even stainless steel. Saline from the pot is poured into one nostril while the person turns his or her head to the side. This movement allows the saline to pass from the upper to lower nostril simply by gravity.
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