Nasal Irrigation: The Ins and Outs

Every year, it's the same story. Allergies and clogged sinuses flare up like clockwork, along with watery eyes, facial pain and the constant sniffles. You've probably tried a whole host of allergy medications, but have you considered nasal irrigation?

This simple practise of flushing out the sinuses with salt water has been used in India to treat various sinus problems for centuries – and for good reason. It's a simple, natural and effective treatment that could put an end to your suffering and prevent future problems. The best part is that it's something that you can do in the comfort of your own home, and it only takes a few minutes!

Why Nasal Irrigation Is Effective

Nasal irrigation (also called nasal douching) involves squirting or pouring salt water into your nose to rinse your nasal passages and sinuses. The most basic explanation of how it works is that the saline solution thins mucus in the nose and sinuses, and then flushes it out via the nose or the throat. In biological terms, it actually improves the function of the hair-like structures in the nose and sinuses that push mucus, pollen, allergens and irritants to the back of the throat or into the nose in order to expel them. 

Nasal irrigation is the quickest and easiest way to unclog your nose in allergy season

Benefits of Nasal Irrigation

Sinus irrigation can provide relief from the all sorts of sinus related conditions. Nasal douching can be your saviour if you suffer from:

• Chronic sinus infections
• Acute bacterial sinus infection
• Viral upper respiratory infections
• Allergic rhinitis
• Irritant-based congestion (such as hay fever)
• Excess mucus when you have a cold
• Dry nasal passages

How to Avoid Nasal Irrigation Side Effects

For most individuals, daily nasal douching is safe. Stinging, irritation and nosebleeds are a rare side effect of nasal irrigation, but if experienced, you should reduce the amount of salt used, or reduce the frequency of treatment.

As a precaution, you should always use distilled, sterile or cooled, recently boiled water to prevent infection. Wash and dry your nasal irrigation device (whether it's a Neti pot, syringe or Neti Rinse device) in warm water and dry it completely between uses. 

How Do I Irrigate My Sinuses?

One of the most popular methods of nasal irrigation is to use a Neti pot – a teapot-like device that you use to pour saline solution into your nostril. While a Neti pot is effective for sinus douching, it can be a messy practice, and you can also purchase nasal sprays and syringe systems that provide you with better control over the pressure and volume of the solution.

Start with pure table salt or a sachet of nasal rinsing solution and distilled, purified or (cooled) boiled water. Add a quarter of a teaspoon of salt to one cup of water, or follow the instruction on your nasal rinse sachet. Always ensure that the salt or solution has dissolved completely before you begin the irrigation process. Follow the instructions provided with your irrigation device to ensure that you are administering the solution correctly. The process should only take a couple of minutes and can be repeated daily.

Best Nasal Irrigation System at Health and Care

Neti Rinse

If you're knew to nasal irrigation, or if you're tired of fumbling with a bulky and messy Neti Pot, we have the solution for you. The Neti Rinse is an effective and easy-to-use nasal rinsing device, providing mucous-free nostrils in no time. Fitted with an antibacterial tip and fluted internal walls, the Neti Rinse provides a gentle swirl of saline solution in your nose, ensuring effective and simple cleansing.

The syringe system provides the user with total control over water pressure, and eliminates the risk of spills that can occur with other devices. Working in seconds, the Neti Rinse can be filled easier than any other nasal douching device, and is supplied complete with a choice of 10 or 50 solution sachets to make the process as simple as possible.

Key features: Easy-to-use; mess-free; supplied with saline solution sachets for immediate use

Free Your Sinuses!

While the Neti Rinse is our favourite method of nasal irrigation, we have a range of other options available to help you unclog your nose and free your sinuses all year long. To view what we have to offer, take a look at our entire selection of Nasal and Sinus Products!

Do you have any questions about nasal irrigation, or the Neti Rinse system? Let us know in the comments, or find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Tags: Breathing, General Health

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