Nasal Saline Irrigation
Mix together the following ingredients and obtain the following equipment:
- 1 liter (quart) of warm water (distilled is preferred)
- 2-3 heaping teaspoons of salt (not table salt as it contains a large number of additives including iodine, preservatives and sugar. Use canning, pickling or "sea salt" as these have fewer additives.)
- 1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer® Baking Soda (pure bicarbonate)
- 1 plant mister, bulb syringe, large medical syringe, or Waterpik® with irrigator tip.
Irrigate both nostrils five to six cycles a day, five or six sprays each cycle. Stand over a sink and squirt the saltwater into the nose in such a fashion that you are able to spit some of the saline out of your mouth. This suggests that you are doing an adequate job of irrigating the entire nose. Aim the stream of saline as though you are trying to squirt the back of your head, NOT the top of your head. It is acceptable to breathe saltwater directly into the nose.
Warm saltwater is preferred as it is much more comfortable. The amount of salt added will depend on your tolerance. However, the more salt that is added the greater the decongestant effect. The bicarbonate is a buffer and will allow the saltwater to be less irritating.
The benefits of hypertonic saline irrigation are threefold:
- It is a solvent. It cleans mucus, crusts and other debris from the nasal passages.
- It decongests the nose. Because of high salt concentration, fluid is pulled out of the membrane. This fluid shift shrinks the membrane thus improving nasal airflow and opening sinus passages.
- It improves nasal drainage. Studies have shown that saltwater cleansing of the nasal membranes improves cilliary beating so that normal mucus is transported better from the sinuses through the nose and into the throat.
If you are also using a nasal medication such as Beconase®, Flonase®, Nasocort®, Ponaris®, or Vancenase®, you should always cleanse the nose first with saltwater before using the nasal steroid. The nasal steroid is most effective when sprayed onto clean nasal membranes. The nasal steroid reaches deeper into the nose after the nose has been cleansed and decongested with saltwater.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office. We appreciate your confidence in us and we look forward to assisting you.
Dr. John U. Coniglio and Staff
