How to Flush Out Your Nose & Nasal Passages With Saltwater

Rinsing your nasal passages with saltwater flushes them clean of allergens, bacteria, thick mucus and other sinus blockers. According to Dr. Melissa Pynnonen of the Michigan Sinus Center, this process, called nasal irrigation, relieves congestion and post-nasal drip better than medications for many people. It also soothes inflamed nasal passages, making symptoms less likely to recur. Nasal irrigation is simple and inexpensive to do at home, and it is safe for children and adults. If your congestion or nasal irritation persists despite regular irrigation, talk to your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• 8 ounces warm water
• 1/8 teaspoon noniodized salt
• 1 pinch of baking soda
• Rubber bulb syringe

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Instructions

• 1

  Stir the salt into the warm water and dissolve it completely. Mix in a pinch of baking soda.

• 2

  Fill a rubber bulb syringe with the saltwater solution. Lean over a sink, and insert the tip of the syringe approximately one-quarter of an inch into one nostril. Tilt the syringe so it points toward the ear on the same side, and gently hold your nostril closed around the syringe.

• 3

  Squeeze the bulb to release the saltwater into your nasal passages. Allow the water to drain through your other nostril or your mouth.

• 4

  Repeat the process with a second syringe full of saltwater on the first side. Perform the process twice on the other side as well. Blow your nose gently after each irrigation.