Hi, I'm looking for instructions on how exactly to do saline nasal irrigation. Thanks in advance.

Also, for the saline, could I just mix salt and water together? Does it have to be a certain amount of salt?

The best method of irrigation ivolves an "irrigation machine", which is like a water pick for your nose. There are a couple different brands out there. The reasons the machine works better, is the pulsating action activates the cilia in your nasal passages and helps clear out the gunk.

A couple pointers...

1. Use room-temperature or cool distilled water. Warm water will cause inflammation.
2. Kosher salt works fine, but can be irritating. I use Zyletol, which works fantastically.
3. You may want to add some Alkalol (10ml or so). This is a mucus solvent that helps break things up, and prevent mucosal thickening.

Don't use OTC saline nasal sprays. They contain a preservative that can irritate the sinuses.

I agree the best way to irrigate is with a machine. I use Breath-ease saline powder. I like it b/c of convenience, it's gentle and preservative free and it contains an antibacterial agent. If you use salt, use kosher salt and add an equal amount of baking soda to the solution. This will help it not to sting.

although it's not as effective as irrigating, you might want to use a saline nasal spray. Breathe-ease comes with a spray bottle that you can mix up a spray that is preservative free. Also Simply Saline is the only OTC spray without preservatives.

I disagree totally on using a machine for nasal irragation and my ENT has advised against it. I just had sinus surgery at U of Pa and the surgeon told me not to use the machines because of a potential problem with bacteria. I use the product from the website below. I do not endorse this product or have any connection to it other than I purchase the bottle for irragation and the premixed packets of salt.

My ENT actually wanted me to make my own mixture of kosher salt and distilled water. There is a formula for it and I will try to find it for you. You must boil the distilled water and keep in the refrigerator. If you choose to make your own solution he suggested using a baby's ear syringe for irragation. You squirt the solution up your nose, with your mouth open, and it should come out the other side of your nose. It is rather gross, but works at keeping the infections down. He also suggests that you replace the syringe or bottle about every 6 weeks. Hope this helps! I had difficulty getting the baby's ear syringe to work for me.

http://www.neilmed.com/

gloria

I'm really new to this.. I started nasal irrigations 4 days ago and I use nasacleanse ... I bought it in walgreens, it works fine so far. It comes with premixed salt and baking soda. It soothes me but It doens't get rid of the congection... and that's what's driving me crazy.

Hey Gloria I used to live close to the U of PA... do you live in Philly????

Gab,

We are thinking of moving closer to Philly..I went to school at Temple and miss it. I am in central PA close to Harrisburg. We drive to Philly for most of health care!

I started nasal irrigations 4 days ago and I use nasacleanse ... I bought it in walgreens, it works fine so far. It comes with premixed salt and baking soda. It soothes me but It doens't get rid of the congection... and that's what's driving me crazy.

I use the premixed salt and baking soda too, except that I order it from a place in California. One of the ENT's insisted I use it. It actually does a good job for me. I was told I have to irrigate till the day I die. My sinsuses are really messed up and I live in the number one worst place for allergies and sinus problems!! :eek:

How many times do you irrigate a day??? I was doing it mornings and bedtime, but I got lazy and I am only doing it at nights. Also I noticed that my ears hurt a little after irrigation, is this normal??????

Also I noticed that my ears hurt a little after irrigation, is this normal??????

Do your ears feel plugged up after an irrigation?

The opening to the Eustachian Tubes, which lead to the ears from the throat, are near the back of the throat, about even with one's nostrils. The Tubes can open, and allow liquid into the tubes, when one swallows, or chews, or sneezes, or move one's jaw or yawns, during an irrigation.

My ENT told me to open my mouth when doing an irragation and allow the water to flow out the mouth. He said you are doing it right when the stuff comes out the mouth.

I am supposed to do it twice a day, but usually only do it once. The salt water does not always come out all at once and then when I go to bed I get a mouth full of salt water. Great!

How much of this stuff are you putting up your nose? You should only be using probably two ounces at a time for each side.

I use sinucleanse, It's like a neti pot and it holds about 3/4 cups os solution. What do you mean by the water comes thru your mouth????? I thought it has to go thru the opposite nostril.... I don't understand now :confused:

Keep your mouth open when you irrigate...the stuff should run down the other nostril and then out your mouth...Mine doesn't anymore because they have removed too much stuff during surgery. If I can find the directions from my doctor I will post them.

GJZH

Thanks!!!
Last night I did the irrigation successfully :)
My ears didn't hurt because I didn't blow my nose AT ALL!!!! I do keep my mouth open to breath BUT all the solution comes thru my other nostril, never thru the mouth.
Thanks for replying :)