How to Use Nasal Wash

A nasal wash is a common method of clearing mucus and allergens out of the nasal passages. This procedure is commonly referred to as "nasal irrigation," and it claims to alleviate sinus symptoms, such as facial congestion, pressure and clogged nasal passages. Although there are several methods of nasal irrigation available, the most common method involves administering a nasal wash with a Neti pot or bulb syringe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 tsp Non-iodized salt
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 2 pints Warm water
• Container or bowl
• Bulb syringe or Neti pot
• Sink
• Tissues

Administering a Nasal Wash

1. Add one teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda to a container or bowl. Slowly stir in one pint of warm water until salt and baking soda are dissolved. Once the solution is ready, transfer it to a bulb syringe or Neti pot, depending on your preference. The Neti pot resembles a miniature kettle with a long neck; the solution is poured into the cavity of the Neti pot and poured out through the neck. A bulb syringe is a plastic bottle with a long, thin neck. The solution is poured into the bottle, and then gently squeezed out through the neck. Both methods will be effective at administering a nasal wash; you simply need to decide on your preferred method.

2. Lean forward over a sink so that your body is at a 45-degree angle. Position your head over the sink so that your face is pointing directly into the basin of the sink. Rotate your head about 45 degrees; one nostril should be pointing down into the sink. Insert the tip of the syringe or the spout of the Neti pot into the top nostril. It should not be pressing against any surfaces inside the nose.

3. Keep your mouth open while you administer the nasal wash into the nose. If you are using a Neti pot, slowly raise the handle of the pot until the solution enters the nostril. If you are using the bulb syringe, gently squeeze the bulb until the solution enters the nostril. Continue pouring or squeezing slowly and remember to breathe through your mouth. The nasal wash solution will begin to drain into the lower nostril and out into the sink. If any solution drains into your mouth, spit it into the sink. Continue until the solution is gone. Blow your nose into a tissue to clear out any remaining solution or mucus.

4. Repeat the procedure with the other nostril, using the remaining teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda and pint of water. Add the solution to the Neti pot or bulb syringe. Position your head over the sink so that the opposite nostril is pointing down into the sink. Insert the Neti pot or syringe into the top nostril and slowly administer the nasal wash into the top nostril. Administer the solution exactly as you did with the first nostril until the Neti pot or syringe is empty. Gently blow your nose into a tissue to clear out remaining nasal wash or mucus.

Tips & Warnings

• The salt will cause a mild stinging sensation on the inside of the nostrils. If the stinging is too severe or if the solution burns the inside of the nostrils, try reducing the amount of salt in the nasal wash. You may also need to adjust the temperature of the water slightly. However, do not use extremely hot or cold water. Remember to breathe through your mouth throughout the procedure. Breathing through your nose may cause you to snort the solution further into to your nose, irritating the nose and nasal passages.

References

• Nasal Irrigation (Nasal Wash)
• Nasal Irrigation Instructions
• Nasal Irrigation: Natural Relief for Cold & Allergy Symptoms

Resources

• Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots

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