We all suffer the same fate with a cold or bout of flu – a stuffy nose and blocked sinuses. It can be uncomfortable and even painful, but it can be difficult to know what to do about it besides relying on menthol rubs and handkerchiefs. Nasal irrigation works by washing out the nasal cavity with saline solution to remove any excess mucus and allergens. It can soothe a stuffy nose and can reduce the blockages in your sinuses which can be painful. You’ll need a container in which to store your saline solution – a bulb syringe can be found at your local pharmacy. If you’ve chosen a pre-filled bottle of solution, you’re good to go. If you’d prefer to mix your own, you’ll need to buy some saline solution powder and follow the directions on the packet. If you would rather make your own from scratch, mix a quarter to half a teaspoon of non-iodized salt to one to two cups of warm water, and add a pinch of baking soda to soften the salt. Use sterile or previously boiled water to ensure that it is infection-free. If you’re using a squeezy bottle or a syringe, you can no apply the solution.
Lean forward over the skin at around a 45 degree angle, and tilt your head so that one nostril is pointed towards the skin. Don’t tilt your head back though. Place the spout of the syringe just inside your nose, but don’t put it any further in that the width of your finger. Keeping your mouth open, gently squeeze the bottle or tilt to pour some of the solution into your nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth rather than your nose.
The salt water will run through your nasal cavity and drain out of the other side – it may also drain into your mouth slightly. Remember to spit it out rather than swallow it. It won’t do any harm if it does go down your throat, but it won’t taste particularly pleasant! Gently blow your nose to remove the remainder of the solution, then repeat the process on the other nostril. Throw away the remaining solution when you’re done and thoroughly clean any equipment that you’ve used, before letting them air dry. It shouldn’t sting or burn, but if it does try using less salt in the solution and make sure that you’re using warm water – it shouldn’t be hot or cold. Keep your mouth open and make sure that you don’t accidentally ‘snort’ the solution. You may only have to follow this process a couple of times before you see results.
Studies have shown that long-term nasal irrigation can help to reduce the symptoms of colds and flu, as well as reducing sinus symptoms. Using a saline solution once a day can help to thin mucus and decrease post-nasal drip, as well as cleaning bacteria from the nasal cavity. Once your symptoms have disappeared you should be fine to use the solution just three times a week. If you find that you’re suffering with regular sinus problems or suffer quite badly with colds in the winter time, you may find that nasal irrigation is the right form of treatment for you. If you have an ear infection or a nostril which is blocked and hard to breathe through, you should refrain from this remedy. If you’re unsure if nasal irrigation is right for you, speak to your GP before embarking on this form of treatment.
