Saline solution helps restore moisture to parched nasal passages, promoting the removal of bacteria associated with sinus infections. When you have an active sinus infection, a sinus rinse can help combat nasal discomfort and speed the infection on its way, according to Michael J. Bergstein, M.D., senior attending physician at Northern Westchester Hospital Center in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., as reported on HealthFinder.gov., although Dr. Bergstein does not recommendation nasal irrigation in the absence of infection. There are several sinus rinses commercially available, but it's just as easy to make your own with basic kitchen ingredients.
Step 1
Boil the distilled water for a few minutes over medium to high heat. Let the water cool to slightly warmer than room temperature.
Step 2
Add the salt and baking soda to the water, stirring with a spoon or chopstick to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
Step 3
Squeeze the bulb syringe with its pointed end in the water to fill it with the water solution.
Step 4
Bend over the sink, turning your head to one side so that one of your nostrils is pointing straight down.
Step 5
Insert the syringe into the other nostril. Squeeze the bulb gently, sending the saline solution up into your nose. You'll be able to feel it draining out the other nostril.
Step 6
Blow your nose gently into a tissue or handkerchief.
Step 7
Repeat, turning your head so that you can squeeze the solution into the other nostril.
Tips and Warnings
- Use this method one or two times a day or as needed to combat nasal infection. Make a fresh batch of saline solution every time you irrigate your nose.
- Only use the nasal solution when you have an active infection, says Talal Nsouli, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics and allergy/immunology at Georgetown University School of Medicine and director of Watergate & Burke Allergy and Asthma Centers, in Washington D.C., as reported on HealthFinder.gov. Using a sinus rinse when you aren't sick can deplete the mucous barrier and natural immune factors that your nose needs to protect against infection and may actually make you more prone to sinus infections.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 16 oz. distilled water
- Bulb syringe
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