Nasal Saline Irrigation

To make your own saline, mix the following in a clean container:

• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon non-­iodized salt (can be purchased at most grocery stores)
• Pinch of baking soda (to prevent burning – can increase the amount as needed)
• 1 cup of warm water

Directions: Place the above mixture in a reusable sinus rinse bottle or draw up into a nasal bulb syringe (you can also use an ear bulb syringe; an ear bulb syringe can be purchased at most pharmacies). The most convenient way to perform a sinus rinse is in the shower, but may also be performed over a sink.

The head should be tilted down, with the rinse bottle or bulb syringe placed into one nostril. With your mouth open, the bottle or syringe is squeezed with moderate force, so that the water can go through the nasal passages and out through the mouth. If this makes you gag or hurts your ears, squeeze more gently and have the water come back out through the nose.

You may notice that mucus comes out of the nose with the water. Keep rinsing one side of the nose until the water comes out clear. Repeat the same process for the other nostril.

Saline irrigation may need to be performed on a daily (or multiple times per day) basis for people with severe symptoms, or less often as symptoms improve.

After rinsing, it is recommended to wait 30 to 60 minutes prior to placing any prescription nasal sprays into the nose. Using nasal sprays prior to this time may make them ineffective, as the saline will continue to drain for a period of time after the rinses are performed. It is also not recommended to perform sinus rinses within at least 60 minutes prior to going to bed, as the saline will drain down the back of the throat, and could cause a cough.