How to Clean Sinuses With a Saline Solution

Saline solution cleanses your nose and sinuses of debris and thins mucus.

Using saline solution to irrigate nasal passages cleans the sinuses and promotes optimal nasal health. It can provide relief to people with chronic sinusitis, asthma, allergies, colds, headaches, congestion and sinus pain. Rehydrating and moisturizing the nasal cavity removes encrusted material and flushes out dirt, allergens, bacteria and mucus. It loosens and thins the mucus, making it easier to expel. There are several methods of irrigation, but the most effective uses a neti pot, which has a tapered spout that fits snugly in the nostril. Nasal irrigation is a safe and natural method with no significant side effects.

Things You'll Need

• Non-iodized salt
• Baking soda
• Lukewarm water
• Neti pot or squeeze bottle
• Tissue
• Towel

Instructions

1. Blow your nose and clean out as much mucus as you can.

2. Make saline solution using 1 tsp. of non-iodized salt, 1/2 tsp. of baking soda and 1 pint of lukewarm water. Fill the neti pot or squeeze bottle with the saline solution.

3. Lean over the sink. Tilt your head sideways, slightly less than 45 degrees. Insert the spout of the neti pot in your nostril and raise the pot slowly, allowing gravity to pour the saline solution into one nostril and out the other. With a bottle, squeeze the saline solution into the nostril, allowing it to flow through and out the other. Breathe with the mouth open and avoid inhaling saline solution.

4. Gently blow your nose with tissue to rid any remaining solution. Dry your face with a towel, if needed. Repeat the process with the opposite nostril.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also snort or spray the solution into the nostrils, but these methods are not as effective.

• Although you can use ordinary tap water in the nostrils, saline solution is better because tap water can feel uncomfortable and irritate the mucous membranes. Lukewarm solution is better for the same reasons.

• Special nasal irrigation squeeze bottles are available at some pharmacies. The bottles have tips that fit people's nostrils.

• If solution drains into your mouth, lower your forehead in relation to your chin.

References

• Healing Daily: Neti Pot for Sinus Health
• BNET: "Daily Nasal Irrigation is a Recipe for Sinusitis Relief"