- Use nasal irrigation daily as a preventative for infections and allergic symptoms. In a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin, half of the people who reported having allergic symptoms showed improvement of symptoms when they used daily nasal irrigation. The researchers also reported subjects had fewer sinus infections and concluded nasal irrigation helps conditions, such as the common cold.
- Mix 1 qt. of water with 1 tsp. of salt and 1 tsp. of baking soda. While any type of salt is fine to use, pure sea salt may be best. Using warm water may be feel more comfortable, but using cool water will help shrink swollen mucous membranes and be more beneficial. You can add more salt to the solution, which may draw more mucous out of the sinuses, but may also be more uncomfortable. You can store the mixed solution for a day or two at room temperature or in the refrigerator. However, if plan to keep the solution make sure you do not contaminate it with bacteria when irrigating your sinuses. If you believe your solution has become contaminated or you are unsure, simply mix a new batch to be sure.
- Apply the rinsing solution to the sinuses. You can either use a neti pot, a bulb syringe or simply your hands. To use a neti pot, fill the pot with the solution, tilt your head to one side over a sink, insert the neti pot into the topmost nostril and pour it in. The water should flow through your sinuses and exit through the bottommost nostril. Repeat with the other nostril. A bulb syringe will work similarly. Alternatively, fill your palm with a small amount of saline solution and gently sniff the water into your sinuses and allow it to run out. After you are finished rinsing your sinuses with the saline solution, you can gently blow the mucus out into a tissue.
