What are the benefits of a saline sinus rinse? How to do it correctly? Is it safe? Should you do it with a Neti pot, rinse bottle, or a ready-made spray from a pharmacy?
We tried to answer these and other questions in our article and comprehensively explain nasal rinsing.
What Is Saline Nasal Wash
Nasal wash, aka nasal irrigation, is a procedure for washing your nasal passages and sinuses with saline. Sinuses produce thin mucus (snot) that drains out, taking everything unwanted (dirt, debris, allergens, and pathogens) with it.
And saline is a solution of salt in water. A person can obtain a manufactured one or use a homemade saline for nasal flush.
Types of Saline Nasal Washes
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays are containers (bottlers) equipped with a sprayer and prefilled with a saline solution. They are easy to obtain (online or at your local pharmacy—they are OTC) and to use—you do not need to make a solution, adjust pressure, etc.
Clinical studies show that hypertonic (concentrated) saline (HS) provides greater benefits than isotonic (normal) saline nasal rinse when treating sinonasal diseases, including rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. However, mild side effects from HS irrigation, such as nose irritation, itching, burning sensation, and nose bleeding can be stronger.
Neti Pots
A Neti pot is a kind of irrigation device. It looks like a teapot with a long spout. Just as you pour tea from a teapot into your cup, you wash your nasal passages with fluid from a Neti pot.
Squeeze bottles
Squeeze bottles and bulb syringes are another type of irrigation device. You simply fill them with fluid and squeeze it into your nostril. However, you will have to make saline by yourself before the procedure.
Battery-operated systems
An electric nasal irrigator applies a pulsating pressure so that the liquid inside the device washes your nose and sinuses. They are quick, easy, and effective; the pressure is carefully measured to provide the desirable effect without the risk of trauma; there are often salt packets included for saline preparation.
The cons of electric nasal irrigators:
- Cordless models need timely charging or battery change;
- Models with a cord are not mobile and thus can be cumbersome;
- Electric devices can be noisy;
- Comparatively high cost.
Benefits of Saline Nasal Wash
Let us give more attention to saline nasal rinse benefits. This simple self-care ritual can be really valuable for your health and well-being.
Clears Sinuses
If you have a runny or stuffy nose, there is too much mucus in your sinuses and nasal passages. This obscures breathing, promotes inflammation, and can even cause headaches. Clinical evidence states that nasal flush makes mucus thinner and helps get rid of it, allowing you to breathe more freely, reducing edema (swelling), and generally improving your condition.
Alleviates Allergy Symptoms
Nasal irrigation reduces allergic edema and inflammation, reducing your time of recovery from the reaction; removes allergens more quickly, so your mast cells stop releasing histamine (a compound that triggers the reaction). Moreover, healthcare specialists recommend nasal irrigation before using steroid anti-allergic sprays prescribed to treat allergies to improve their efficacy.
Reduces Risk of Respiratory Infections
Saline nasal irrigation helps to clean your nose and eliminate mucus that potentially contains pathogens.
In addition, nasal irrigation cleans cilia and improves their mobility. Cilia are tiny hair-like structures that create a lining inside your nose and move in a particular manner to transport any unwanted particles and pathogens to your nostril openings and eliminate them from the body.
Improves Sleep Quality
A stuffy nose, swelling, and headaches can make it harder to sleep and get a proper night’s rest. Nasal irrigation allows you to sleep peacefully without experiencing trouble breathing, sneezing, and coughing. This improves your recovery time and general well-being.
Supports Post-Surgical Recovery
There is a large material published in 2023 in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head&Neck surgery. It states explains how nasal irrigation removes blood clots and deceased tissue cells, enhances natural sinus drainage and aeration, and improves the post-operative healing process.
General Well-being
Generally speaking, regular nasal irrigation alleviates symptoms of chronic nasal conditions and improves recovery time in the event of an acute infection. It reduces the risk of infection, allows you to breathe more freely, and improves self-esteem and quality of life.
How to Perform a Saline Nasal Wash
Firstly, prepare the saline solution. If you were provided with salt sachets when you bought your irrigation device, then simply follow the instructions on them. If not, here is the recipe for saline for nasal rinse:
Mix 3 tbsp of non-iodized salt and 1 tbsp of baking soda. Put 1 tbsp of the mixture into 1 cup of clean water.
- Fill your device with a solution.
- Tilt your head to one side as you lean over a sink. Try to maintain a level chin and forehead to avoid fluids entering the mouth.
- Insert the spout into the upper nostril while breathing via your mouth. The lower nostril is where the saline solution is supposed to exit.
- After clearing the nostril, repeat the procedure on the other side.
- Repeat the cycle if necessary.
Safety Tips
You cannot use regular tap water due to the risk of infection. To ensure that water is clean, use:
- distilled or sterile water;
- water that boiled for 1 minute (3 minutes at heights over 6,500 feet);
- if the first two options are not available, filtered water. According to the CDC, suitable filters are labeled “NSF 53”, “NSF 58” or “absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller”.
Also, make sure that your solution is not too hot or cold. A lukewarm temperature is the best for the procedure.
If you have an ongoing ear condition, a facial trauma, or a recent surgery, consult your doctor before trying to perform a nasal irrigation. You may have contraindications.
If you repeatedly use an irrigation device, clean it properly and thoroughly disinfect it.
If you have additional concerns or questions, consult your healthcare provider.
Summary
Saline nasal irrigation provides many health benefits while posing a little risk of infections and minor side effects. It is a safe and simple procedure that can be conducted both for children and adults to improve the health of their upper respiratory tract.
FAQ
Is saline wash good for your nose?
Yes, it has many health benefits and little to no side effects.
Is it OK to use saline nasal rinse daily?
If you have a chronic condition; yes. In the event of an acute infection, the patient can do nasal rinse daily until their condition improves.
What does saline rinse do for sinuses?
It cleans the sinuses, keeps a balanced level of moisture, and helps eliminate pathogens, allergens, and excess mucus.
How long does it take for a saline nasal rinse to work?
You can feel the effect immediately after you clear your nostrils.