How to Flush Out Your Nose & Nasal Passages With Saltwater
Rinsing your nasal passages with saltwater flushes them clean of allergens, bacteria, thick mucus and other sinus blockers. According to Dr. Melissa Pynnonen of the Michigan Sinus Center, this process, called nasal irrigation, relieves congestion and post-nasal drip better than medications for many people. It also soothes inflamed nasal passages, making symptoms less likely to recur. Nasal irrigation is simple and inexpensive to do at home, and it is safe for children and adults. If your congestion or nasal irritation persists despite regular irrigation, talk to your doctor.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 8 ounces warm water
- 1/8 teaspoon noniodized salt
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- Rubber bulb syringe
Instructions
-
-
1
Stir the salt into the warm water and dissolve it completely. Mix in a pinch of baking soda.
-
2
Fill a rubber bulb syringe with the saltwater solution. Lean over a sink, and insert the tip of the syringe approximately one-quarter of an inch into one nostril. Tilt the syringe so it points toward the ear on the same side, and gently hold your nostril closed around the syringe.
-
-
3
Squeeze the bulb to release the saltwater into your nasal passages. Allow the water to drain through your other nostril or your mouth.
-
4
Repeat the process with a second syringe full of saltwater on the first side. Perform the process twice on the other side as well. Blow your nose gently after each irrigation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you do not like the feeling of the water coming out of your mouth, open your mouth and position your tongue to make a "K" sound. In this position, the back of your tongue blocks the passage from your throat to your mouth, so the water will drain through your nostril instead.
Wash the syringe thoroughly with hot water and rubbing alcohol after each use.
Iodized salt may cause irritation if you use it repeatedly. Use noniodized salt instead.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
