Sinus Irrigation Procedures

Sinus irrigation is a safe, effective and low-cost way to clean congestion and infection when you have allergies or a sinus infection or a cold. It also is beneficial for rehydrating dry sinus cavities during cold weather or when you have a cold or flu. The directions for doing this procedure are simple and can be achieved with minimal items.

The Facts

• Many physicians recommend nasal irrigation to their patients who suffer from chronic sinus infections. It helps clear stubborn infections. Daniel Blum, a doctor with Mayo Clinic, reports that when used consistently, nasal irrigation helps ease congestion and flush out irritants.

Items Needed/Recipe

• To perform sinus irrigation, you need the following items:

  1 bulb syringe
  1 small cup or bowl (for mixing)
  1 tsp. kosher or canning salt
  1 cup warm water
  ½ tsp. baking soda (optional)

  Take the salt, water and baking soda, and mix together in a small bowl.

Administration

• Once the mixture has dissolved, administer it. Take the bulb syringe, and pick up some of the saline mixture. Squirt it into your nose. Stand over a sink because it will get messy. Repeat this step in each nostril once or twice more, and then blow your nose.

Blow Your Nose

• Blowing your nose is an important step of nasal irrigation. Without blowing your nose, you cannot reap the benefits. Blowing your nose helps to rid your nasal cavity of any irritants and bacteria.

Frequency

• Daniel Blum, a doctor with Mayo Clinic, recommends that a person with chronic sinus problems use nasal irrigation several times a week. Research has shown that nasal irrigation has proved to be a valuable tool in dealing with allergies and sinusitis.

Cleaning Equipment

• Don't forget to clean the bulb syringe so bacteria or mold cannot grow in it. To do this, use ¼ cup of bleach in warm water. Suck the solution into the bulb, shaking it around to remove any bacteria. Squirt out all the liquid. Once this has been done, lay the syringe to dry on a towel.