How to Irrigate Your Nose With Saline

Nasal irrigation involves clearing your nasal passages of irritating debris and mucus. Performing a nasal irrigation might seem intimidating, but when properly performed, it can be very easy and leave you breathing a lot more easily. If irrigation doesn't alleviate symptoms of chronic sneezing, sinus congestion or stuffiness, consult with your physician to ensure that a bacterial infection hasn't developed.

Things You'll Need

• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces warm water
• Mixing bowl
• Nasal saline
• Soap
• Syringe bulb
• Tissue

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Regular table salt or nasal saline will do.

  Combine 1/8 teaspoon salt and eight ounces of warm water in a mixing bowl. Alternatively, you can use store-bought nasal saline. Wash your hands with soap and water before the irrigation.

• 2

  Squeeze your bulb syringe to remove air. Suction some saline solution into the bulb.

• 3

  Try not to lean your head back over the sink.

  Lean over your sink. Insert just the tip of the bulb into your nostril. Avoid forcing the bulb entirely up your nose.

• 4

  Aim the syringe and gently squeeze the solution into your nostril. Let the solution drain from your nose. Clear your nose by blowing out any contents with a tissue.

• 5

  Repeat the process with your other nostril. Do the process twice for each nostril.