Saline Sinus Rinse Recipe - ENT East Division
Saline sinus rinses can often bring relief to patients with chronic sinus or rhinitis problems. The rinses are easy to use, but may take a little getting used to. The following provides instructions on how to use sinus rinses and make up the solution; several different commercial products are also available.
Ingredients
- Pickling or canning salt, containing no iodine, anti-caking agents, or preservatives, which can be irritating to the nasal lining
- Baking soda
In a clean container, mix three heaping teaspoons of iodine-free salt with one rounded teaspoon of baking soda and store in a small airtight container. Add one teaspoon of the above mixture to eight ounces (one cup) of lukewarm distilled or boiled water. Use less of the mixture to make a weaker solution if burning or stinging is experienced. For children, use a half-teaspoon with four ounces of water.
Directions
Get a soft rubber ear bulb syringe, infant nasal bulb or commercial nasal saline rinse product (like Neilmed) from your drugstore and administer the rinse by following these steps:
- Draw up the solution and instill four ounces of solution gently into the right nostril with your head tilted downward and rotated to the left. Breathe normally through your mouth and in a few seconds the solution will leave the other nostril, the same nostril, or your mouth. Repeat the process by rotating your head rightward and rinsing the left side.
- You may need to adjust your head position so the solution doesn’t go down your throat or into your ears.
- To prevent the solution from going into the ear and causing discomfort, gently blow your nose afterwards.
- You may now use your prescribed nasal medications. Do not use the sinus rinse if your nose is severely congested and blocked.
- You can use the rinse in the shower or over the sink.
As with any medical product, be sure to speak to your doctor about using sinus rinses and stop using if you experience pain, nosebleeds, or other problems.