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What Is a Sinus Wash?

A sinus wash is a saline rinse for your nasal passages. It is commonly used for people with severe allergies and for congestion from a common cold.

  1. Purpose

    • The purpose of a sinus wash is to eliminate bacteria, viruses, allergens and irritants from your nasal passages to improve air flow. (Reference 2)

    Types

    • There are several methods of rinsing your sinuses. A neti pot is used to gently pour a saline solution into one nostril. As it flows through your sinuses, it comes out the other nostril. Other types include a squeeze bottle of saline solution or the use of a bulb syringe.

    Prevention

    • The use of a sinus wash can decrease your risk of sinus infection by clearing the sinuses of the bacteria that cause the infections. (Reference 2)

    Swelling

    • Rinsing your nasal passages can reduce swelling caused by inflammation from irritants in your sinuses.

    Considerations

    • Sinus washes include saline packets for mixing with water. You can make your own solution with 1/8 tsp. of table salt in 8 oz. of purified, distilled or boiled (then cooled) tap water. (Reference 3)

    Instruction

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