Saline Sinus Irrigation Instructions
Saline sinus irrigation is an easy home remedy to prevent and treat sinus infections. Instead of using antibiotics, you can clear your sinus passages with simple equipment and a saltwater solution you can make at home.
This is an ancient practice that came to the West from India and Southeast Asia. You will need a neti pot (available at local stores or online) or a nasal bulb syringe (available in pharmacies where baby supplies are found), some non-iodized salt and some baking soda.
This is also an effective treatment for some allergies.
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Making the Saline Solution
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You will want to use non-iodized salt for this so choose kosher, pickling, canning or sea salt. In a clean container, mix 1/2 tsp. salt, 8 oz. room-temperature water and 1/2 tsp. baking soda. You may also buy pre-measured packets of saline solution mix where you purchased your neti pot.
Using the Neti Pot
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Fill the neti pot. Stand over a sink and tilt your head to the side. Place the spout of the pot into a nostril and pour the water in slowly, so that the water comes from the other nostril. Repeat until the water coming out is clear. Repeat on the other side.
Using the Nasal Bulb Syringe
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Fill the syringe. Standing over the sink, tilt your head down. Put the syringe into one nostril and squeeze gently until the water comes out the other nostril. Again, repeat until the water comes out clear. Repeat on the other nostril.
Warnings
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If you have an acute sinus infection, talk to your doctor before trying this technique.
If you find yourself gagging or experience ear pain, you are trying to force too much solution into the nasal passages too quickly.
Coughing is normal as some of the solution may run down the back of the throat.
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