Proper Nasal Irrigation Techniques

Nasal irrigation, or washing out your sinuses, can alleviate congestion and irritation. It is especially helpful if you are fighting an upper-respiratory infection because it facilitates drainage of infected mucus. The technique is appropriate for children and adults.

Nasal Irrigation

• Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Let the salt dissolve in the water. Use a bulb syringe, which can be found at most drugstores. Fill the syringe by squeezing the bulb in the water and then releasing.
  Insert just the tip of the nozzle into one nostril. While bending forward over a sink squeeze the bulb, sending the water into the sinus cavity. The water will rush through and drain out the other nostril. Repeat this process in the other nostril. Do this as many times as is required to flush out the mucus.
  Note: If the saltwater stings, you may have used too much salt. Generally, a quarter teaspoon is enough. If you have too much salt, simply pour out some of the saltwater and add more water.

Using a Neti Pot

• Another way to rinse out the sinuses involves a neti pot, available at most drugstores. Fill the pot with saltwater; again, 1/4 a teaspoon is plenty. Lean over the sink, this time tilting your head sideways so that the chin and forehead are approximately the same height. Insert the end of the neti pot into the top nostril and pour all of the water into the nostril. The water should drain out the bottom nostril. When the pot is empty, straighten and exhale forcibly through the nostrils to expel any remaining saltwater. Repeat the process for the other nostril.