How to Prevent Colds Using Nasal Irrigation

In a study published in the Archives of Otolarygology in 2008, researchers found that children who performed daily saline nasal irrigation (SNI) had significantly fewer symptoms of upper respiratory infections, like runny nose, congestion, cough and sore throat, than children who did not perform the irrigation.

SNI is thought to enable the nasal mucosa to more efficiently remove germs that can lead to the common cold and influenza by increasing ciliary (the small hairs lining the nasal and sinus cavities) action and reducing the presence of inflammatory agents. Daily irrigation can help reduce upper respiratory tract infections.

Things You'll Need

• Nasal irrigator, such as a bulb syringe or neti pot
• Salt (kosher, canning or pickling salt)
• Baking soda
• Measuring spoon (1 tsp., 1/2 tsp.)
• Spoon
• Pint container
• Tissue

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Instructions

• 1

  Add one tsp. of salt and one-half tsp. of baking soda to one pint of lukewarm water in a pint container. Stir until dissolved.

• 2

  Fill the irrigation pot from the pint container.

  If using a bulb syringe, first squeeze the bulb, then submerge the tip into the saline solution. Allow the syringe to fill with solution.

• 3

  Stand at a sink. Position your head by looking directly into the sink, then turn your head 45 degrees until one nostril is above the other. Gently insert the spout of the irrigation pot into the upper nostril until it forms a comfortable seal.

  If using a bulb syringe, tilt your head back and seal off your throat with the back of your tongue.

• 4

  While breathing through the mouth, tilt the irrigation pot until the solution enters the upper nostril. Allow the solution to drain from the lower nostril.

  If using a bulb syringe, gently fill both nostrils with the saline solution. Tilt your head forward over the sink to allow the solution to drain from your nostrils.

• 5

  Blow gently into a tissue after the solution has drained from your nostrils. Repeat if necessary.