Safely Use Nasal Irrigation Devices
Second , make sure you follow instructions.
“There are various ways to deliver saline to the nose. Nasal spray bottles deliver a fine mist and might be useful for moisturizing dry nasal passages. But irrigation devices are better at flushing the nose and clearing out mucus, allergens and bacteria,” Mann says.Information included with the irrigation device might give more specific instructions about its use and care. These devices all work in basically the same way:
- Leaning over a sink, tilt your head sideways with your forehead and chin roughly level to avoid liquid flowing into your mouth.
- Breathing through your open mouth, insert the spout of the saline-filled container into your upper nostril so that the liquid drains through the lower nostril.
- Clear your nostrils. Then repeat the procedure, tilting your head sideways, on the other side.
Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu. Plain water can irritate your nose. The saline allows the water to pass through delicate nasal membranes with little or no burning or irritation.And if your immune system isn’t working properly, consult your health care provider before using any nasal irrigation systems.
To use and care for your device:Wash and dry your hands.
- Check that the device is clean and completely dry.
- Prepare the saline rinse, either with the prepared mixture supplied with the device, or one you make yourself.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
Wash the device, and dry the inside with a paper towel or let it air dry between uses.
Talk with a health care provider or pharmacist if the instructions on your device do not clearly state how to use it or if you have any questions.
- by US FDA -
Nasal or Sinus Saline Rinse Uses and Recipe
By Daniel More, MD, Updated on August 10, 2022
"Nasal irrigation, or a sinus flush, is the practice of rinsing out your nasal passageways. It is often used by individuals with sinus problems, allergies, or upper respiratory infections. It can remove germs or debris that can cause allergies, such as dust or pollen, as well as loosen thick mucus, enhance mucocilliary clearance (how the nose clears germs), and moisten the nasal passageways." - by VerywellHealth -
Saline Nasal Irrigation for Upper Respiratory Conditions
David Rabago MD, Aleksandra Zgierska MD, PhD, in American Family Physician, 2009
"Saline nasal irrigation is an adjunctive therapy for upper respiratory conditions that bathes the nasal cavity with spray or liquid saline. Nasal irrigation with liquid saline is used to manage symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. Less conclusive evidence supports the use of spray and liquid saline nasal irrigation to manage symptoms of mild to moderate allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections. Consensus guidelines recommend saline nasal irrigation as a treatment for a variety of other conditions, including rhinitis of pregnancy and acute rhinosinusitis. Saline nasal irrigation appears safe, with no reported serious adverse events. Minor adverse effects can be avoided with technique modification and salinity adjustment." - from SicienceDirect -
Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Fuad M. Baroody, in Cummings Pediatric Otolaryngology (Second Edition), 2021
Ancillary TreatmentsNasal irrigations and decongestants have been thought to help decrease the frequency of rhinosinusitis episodes. A randomized, prospective, double-blind, controlled study compared the effects of 14-day treatment (1 to 2 sprays) with isotonic saline solution versus a nasal decongestant in children 2 to 6 years of age.79 Outcomes evaluated included the degree of mucosal inflammation and nasal patency, and results showed that both groups experienced improvement in outcomes with no significant differences between the groups. No side effects were observed with the saline spray, but a trend was seen toward decongestant overuse. - from SicienceDirect -
