People who suffer from repeated sinus infections, colds, allergies, and even dry nasal membranes can benefit from using a saline sinus rinse. A saline sinus rinse is an all-natural, non-habit forming method of reducing allergens and thick mucus from collecting in the nasal passages. It may lower the rate of sinus infections for those prone to them, and prevent the use of prescription antibiotics.
A saline sinus rinse works by preventing the nasal passages from becoming encrusted in mucus. It thereby allows the sinus passages to drain properly. With proper drainage, sinus infections and the symptoms of colds and allergies can be reduced.
Over-the-counter remedies can be purchased at any drug store or even most shopping centers. However, making your own saline sinus rinse is easy and inexpensive. The ingredients are very common and most people have them on-hand:
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of non-iodized salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) of baking soda
• 1 cup (250 ml) of filtered warm water
Simply mix the ingredients and place the solution in a sterile sinus rinse bottle or a nasal bulb. Then, head to the shower – the easiest place to clean when the process is finished. Squirt the solution in one nostril at a time. If done properly, the solution will come out of the mouth or the other nostril. Using a saline sinus rinse will cause the mucus and allergens to wash out of the nose. The nose will drain for almost an hour after the procedure is completed.
There are a few things to bear in mind when completing a saline sinus rinse. First, make sure the solution does not drain down the throat. It could cause irritation. Second, to keep the solution from draining into the ears - blow the nose – but not forcefully. Third, wait about an hour before using prescription nasal sprays – they will work better and will not drain as quickly at that time. Fourth, avoid using a saline sinus rinse if the nose is severely blocked.
A saline sinus rinse may be awkward and uncomfortable at first. However, once the proper head positioning is found, the entire process can be quick and effective. Practice and check with a medical doctor at any time.
As with any medical condition, it is important to consult a medical doctor before starting the procedure. At times, infection may already be present and antibiotics may be unavoidable. Also, if the problem persists a doctor may need to be consulted.
