How to Do Sinus Irrigation

Global warming can be blamed for many illnesses and chief among them are sinus allergy related conditions. Each year, over 37 million people in America get sinus infections (sinusitis); and this number is on the rise because of increased pollution, allergies, colds and extreme changes in air temperature. One of the ways to prevent sinusitis is regular sinus irrigation, which involves sniffing and expelling a solution of salt water that is rapidly and gently squeezed into the nose.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kosher or Sea Salt
• Neti Pot
• Warm Tap Water

1. 
    
   Saline Solution

   Start with the proper solution to irrigate the sinuses. Purchase Ringer’s solution or isotonic saline solution from your local pharmacy or best of all make your own saline solution using one teaspoon of Kosher or sea salt to one pint of warm tap water. If you choose to purchase a ready-made solution, make sure it does not contain any preservatives that could burn or harm nasal passages.

2. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to irrigate the sinuses cavities, and each time you do it, the process gets easier and takes less time. Consider doing sinus irrigation two times a day, especially in springtime and winter since pollen, pollutants and dry and cold air are the primary initiators of sinus allergy infections and sinusitis.

3. 
    
   Neti Pot

   Although you don’t have to purchase special equipment for sinus irrigation, there are some tools that will make the job much easier. A Neti Pot which looks like a teapot is probably the most common. This inexpensive apparatus allows you to efficiently irrigate the sinuses without a lot of complexity. When using a Neti Pot, make sure to stir the salt thoroughly into the warm water to prevent burning or stinging.

4. The hardest part of sinus irrigation is actually doing it for the first time. Many people are so put off by squirting anything up their noses that they would rather take medications once they get a sinus allergy infection instead of practicing prevention; but the process is easy.

5. 
    
   Sinus Irrigation Process

   To begin, prepare your solution in the Neti Pot and lean over a kitchen sink that is clear of dishes, etc. Turn your head to one side and place the spout of the Neti Pot into the upper nostril. Slowly pour the solution into the nose until it comes out of the other nostril. Remember to breathe through the mouth while doing this. When you’ve used half of the solution, turn your head to the other side and repeat the process. Afterward, gently blow your nose several times as the solution continues to drip out to expel mucous and bacteria.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your doctor before starting sinus irrigation. If you have acute sinus allergy problems or chronic sinus infections, irrigation may not be the best preventative solution.

Resources

• How to Irrigate the Sinuses-VIDEO

[sonni57]

on 4/3/2009 I've never heard of sinus irrigation thanks for the good info.