Youre Irritating Your Sinuses
Dry air isnt the only thing that can mess with your sinuses. Seasonal allergies, cologne, perfume, smoke, and other airborne particulates can mess with your sinuses, especially when suffering from a sinus infection. Unfortunately, other than staying in a hermetically sealed room, theres not much you can do about some of these. If you wear any scent or are a smoker, stop immediately. You should see an improvement in your symptoms shortly after you stop using perfumes, and especially if you are a smoker. The toxins in smoke can inflame your sinuses and make your sinusitis much worse than it is.
How Do I Do It
You can use a nasal cup, also known as a neti pot, and nasal saline salt packs. You can get these at many pharmacies. To use a nasal cup, follow three steps:
Mix the solution. Follow the directions on the salt package to make salt water using lukewarm water. Put 4 fl oz of the solution in the nasal cup.
Position the nasal cup. Lean over the sink so you are looking down into the basin. Turn your head slightly to one side, and gently put the spout of the nasal cup into your upper nostril so that it forms a comfortable seal. Do not press the spout against the middle part of your nose.
Pour the solution. Tip the nasal cup so that the solution pours into your upper nostril. Make sure to breathe through your mouth. The solution will soon drain out of your other nostril . When the cup is empty, breathe out through both nostrils to clear out extra salt water and mucus. Gently blow your nose into a tissue. Then, repeat the process in the other nostril.
A variety of squirt and spray bottles are also available for nasal irrigation.
Nasal Irrigation Use For Pregnant Women With Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Nasal irrigation appears suitable in the management of pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis since no deleterious effects on the fetus are to be expected. Garavello et al. performed a randomized study in which 45 pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis were randomized to intranasal irrigation with hypertonic saline solution 3 times daily versus no local therapy in a 6-week period corresponding to the pollen season. At the end of study duration, rhinitis score was assessed and showed significant improvement in the score among the study sample in all subsequent weeks. Moreover, this study also revealed that there was reduction in the usage of antihistamines after nasal irrigation implemented and there was good compliance from the study subjects. Thus as a conclusion, this study showed that nasal irrigation is a safe, simple and effective treatment as alternative for pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
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Using A Saltwater Solution
The saltwater solution is the most convenient method. The saline solution is the best for nasal irrigation. In addition, it is able to reach the sinus cavities more effectively. The water should be warm or at room temperature. If youre not able to do this, you can use a mixture of the two.
Aside from saline solutions, nasal irrigation for sinusitis is a great way to manage the symptoms of this disease. It is a safe and effective way to alleviate the pain and swelling caused by this condition. In addition, it is cost-effective and can be done easily at home.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection is a common condition that can affect your nose, eyes and forehead. Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the walls of your skull near the nasal passages. They produce mucous to help keep their lining moist and prevent bacteria from entering them.
A sinus infection occurs when theres an inflammation or blockage in these delicate membranes. This often happens after suffering from a cold or flu, as the excess mucus and blockage irritate the membranes.
Some people get sinus infections after a cold or flu, while others suffer more often than this. During the winter months, some people might feel that they always have a sinus infection.
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How To Use The Neilmed Sinus Rinse For Sinus Infection
NeilMed Sinus Rinse is a treatment for sinus infections and nasal irritation. It provides relief from the symptoms of sinusitis, including headache, excessive mucous production, nasal congestion and facial pressure.
The NeilMed Sinus Rinse system is one of the simplest and safest ways to start sinus irrigation. The premixed sachets and easy-to-use bottle with a flexible spout make it simple to clear your sinuses safely and effectively.
This blog post will discuss how NeilMed sinus rinse works and what you need to know before using NeilMeds premixed solution.
The Process Of Nasal Irrigation
A saltwater solution is made either using a premeasured packet or by mixing 1-2 cups warm water with ¼½ teaspoon of iodine free salt and a pinch of baking soda .
A nasal irrigation device such as a neti pot or bulb syringe is filled with the saline solution.
Leaning forward over the sink, the head should be tilted so that one nostril is pointed down.
While breathing through the mouth, the saline solution is poured into one nostril allowing the solution to run through the nasal passages and out the other nostril.
Depending on the severity of congestion, some solution may run into the mouth.
Head position can have an impact on the degree of delivery and the reach of the solution. For example, tilting the head forward can help the rinse to reach the upper nose and sinuses located in the forehead.
Gently blowing the nose can clear thinned mucous and remaining solution upon completion.
Nasal irrigation should be avoided when one side of the nose is completely blocked or when an ear infection present.
For some patients, irrigating the nose once or twice may alleviate symptoms. For those with chronic sinus issues, regular nasal irrigation can significantly help to control symptoms and improve quality of life. If symptoms do not improve with nasal irrigation, an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist should be consulted to diagnose underlying problems and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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How Nasal Irrigation Works To Help Stop Sinus Symptoms And Sinus Infections
Experts arent sure of the exact way nasal irrigation works. Some have wondered whether it is something about the composition of the solution used that makes a difference.
That may play a role, but most likely it is the mechanical action of the liquid pouring into the sinuses that are responsible, experts say. The pressurized liquid in the sinuses helps soften and ultimately dislodge some of the mucus lining. Plus, pollen and other foreign substances in these passageways responsible for allergic reactions can be flushed away.
Is It Ok To Do A Nasal Wash Every Day
Its OK to do a nasal wash once or even twice daily while you have symptoms. Some people without symptoms irrigate daily or a few times a week to prevent sinus infections or allergy symptoms. As long as youre taking care to clean containers properly and use boiled or distilled water, nasal irrigation is a safe daily ritual.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Nasal irrigation can often provide relief when dealing with an irritating stuffy or runny nose. Take care to irrigate correctly. Use purified water . Choose non-iodized salt over iodized. And never attempt nasal irrigation if you have clogged ears or an ear infection. If youre unsure whether its safe to try nasal irrigation, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/12/2022.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sinus Rinsing for Health or Religious Practice. Accessed 10/12/2022.
- Head K, Snidvongs K, Glew S, et al. Saline irrigation for allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 6:CD012597. Accessed 10/12/2022.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is Rinsing Your Sinuses with Neti Pots Safe? Accessed 10/12/2022.
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Probiotics Vs Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection
Sinusitis is one of the most common health problems in the US. Experts estimate that it affects about 31 million people around the country. Its also responsible for the $150 million that Americans have spent in prescription medications.A go-to treatment for people suffering from a sinus infection is nasal sprays. But new studies suggest that probiotics may help too.So which is more effective for sinus infection, probiotics or nasal spray? Both options have their pros and cons. To better understand how they work, let us first discuss why sinus infections happen.
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What Were Looking For
Pressure: If youre going to be using these products, start with the most gentle and work your way up to the more pressurized ones depending on how you feel, says Dr. Erich Voigt, M.D., an associate professor in the department of otolaryngology at NYU Langone Health. Most of the rinses and neti pots listed release a gentle to medium amount of pressure, so theyre safe to start out with. If you know you have thick mucus or have tried gentler methods already, weve noted which ones provide more intense pressure.
Method: Nasal irrigation comes in a variety of methods. There are rinses, sprays, mists, neti pots, and even battery-operated devices. Dr. Anne Maitland, a doctor at Clinical Paradigms, LLC, and assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is a proponent of daily rinsing and says it comes down to preference. People have to recognize what theyre willing to do. Some people are diligent enough to mix up a solution into distilled water and some arent, she says.
Tips: Some of the rinses listed offer different-size tips, which Dr. Clifford Bassett, the medical director at Allergy & Asthma Care of New York, finds helpful. These tips can offer spray or squirt functions, or they can change the amount of water that flows through the nasal passages.
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What Types Of Water Are Safe To Use
- Distilled or sterile water, which you can buy in stores. The label will state distilled or sterile.
- Boiled and cooled tap water boiled for 3 to 5 minutes, then cooled until it is lukewarm. Previously boiled water can be stored in a clean, closed container for use within 24 hours.
- Water passed through a filter designed to trap potentially infectious organisms. CDC has information on selecting these filters.
Sinus Rinsing For Health Or Religious Practice
Neti pots look like little teapots with long spouts and are used to rinse the nasal passages with a saline solution. They have become popular as a treatment for congested sinuses, colds, and allergies, and for moistening nasal passages exposed to dry indoor air 6, 7. For more information on neti pots and other nasal rinsing devices, see FDAs Consumer Update: Is Rinsing Your Sinuses Safe?external icon
For ritual nasal ablution information, please see Ritual Nasal Rinsing & Ablution.
To make your water safe for sinus rinsing and ritual nasal rinsing, it is safest to use boiled, sterile, or filtered water. If that is not possible, disinfect the water using chlorine the cloudiness of the water can affect the ability to disinfect the water.
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When To See A Doctor For A Sinus Infection
Although many sinus infections clear up on their own and symptoms can be managed with natural remedies, its also important to see a doctor if you suspect you have a sinus infection.
You should immediately seek medical attention if:
- You have severe symptoms, includingheadache or facial pain
- Your symptoms dont improveafter 10 days
- Your symptoms worsen over time
- You have a fever that lasts longerthan four days
- You have had multiple sinusinfections in the past year
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What About Traveling With A Nasal Irrigation System
There are various options, but the most convenient and safest option is to pack the bottle and salt packets. Then, you can purchase distilled water at the destination.
The other option would be using tap water from the hotel and sterilizing it with the SteriPen. If you decide to travel with the SteriPen, make sure the device is approved for travel by TSA before going to the airport.
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Routine Users Of Nasal Irrigation Products Get Sick Much More Often
Like brushing and flossing, nasal and sinus irrigation has become a daily ritual for many people who tend toward chronic nasal problems. Popular wisdom has it that removing mucus daily via nasal irrigation rids the nose of dust and other pollutants, eliminating a possible breeding ground for germs and infections while also allowing for easier breathing. It seems to make sense but does it work? Not at all, according to a new study. In fact, long-term nasal irrigation actually contributes to nasal infections.
Whats Going On?
Talal M. Nsouli, MD, director of the Watergate and Burke Allergy & Asthma Centers in Washington, DC, has a lengthy résumé that includes having been personal allergist to President Clinton during his two terms, clinical professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine and former president of the Greater Washington Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Society. Dr. Nsouli says he began to question whether regular irrigation was helpful or harmful when he saw that patients who practiced regular lavage had nasal linings that looked hard and smooth, like a piece of plastic. He began to notice the trend toward more use of this practice about seven or eight years ago, and decided to investigate, recruiting 68 patients who had used neti pots for nasal saline irrigation at least twice a day for 10 months or more.
Neti or Not?
Nasal Or Sinus Saline Rinse Uses And Recipe
Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine.
Nasal saline irrigation has been shown to be a beneficial therapy in the treatment and prevention of sinus infections and allergic rhinitis. This non-pharmacologic therapy involves rinsing the nasal passages with a salt-water solution, helping to rid the nose of allergens and thin out mucus.
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The Importance Of Disinfecting Your Saline Solution
A saline solution should be disinfected with hot soapy water. Nose irrigation can be done at home. Nasal irrigation can also help reduce inflammation in the nose. It can reduce the swelling caused by a sinus infection. Adding salt to the water will reduce the irritation and the bacteria that cause the condition.
It will help relieve the pain that accompanies the infection. In some cases, the treatment can be a combination of nasal irrigation and other methods. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The procedure may be performed by a trained ENT.
Another method of treatment for sinusitis is nasal irrigation. A saline solution is poured into the nose by hand. A higher-tech device will automatically deliver the saline solution and can also control pressure. The water injected into the nose will be more effective and clean.
When the water is cooled, the fluid can reach the lungs and eliminate the symptoms of the infection. Aside from clearing the mucus and allergens, it will also help reduce the risk of getting pneumonia.
What Is A Sinus Infection
Your sinuses are hollow cavities found in the bones around your eyes and nose. When you have a sinus infection, the thin tissue that lines them the mucous membrane becomes inflamed. That inflammation leads to a buildup of mucus, which contributes to a stuffy nose and puts pressure on the surrounding areas. Thus, the characteristic sinus headache.
Sinusitis can be acute, subacute or chronic. Most common are acute infections, which last less than 4 weeks. Anything going over 12 weeks is defined as chronic sinusitis. Anything in between is typically called a subacute infection.
About 1 or 2 percent of sinus infections are bacterial. Up to 80 percent of these resolve on their own in under two weeks, while the rest may be treated by antibiotics, depending on the advice of your healthcare provider .
Not every cold causes a sinus infection, and not every sinus infection is caused by a cold. Both acute and chronic sinusitis can also be triggered by allergies, fungus, medical conditions and nasal issues like polyps or a deviated septum.
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Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice
Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.
If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.
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Nasal Irrigation Wards Off Sinus Infections
People who suffer from chronic sinus infections know the warning signs when one might be coming on. Doctors at Baylor College of Medicine say that is a good time to try preventative measures, such as nasal irrigation, to lessen the symptoms or prevent the infection from worsening.
Nasal irrigation is the cleansing of the nasal cavity with sterile salt water to flush out excess mucus or debris from the sinuses and nose, such as with the use of a neti pot.
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Buying Over The Counter Treatment Choices
You can buy over-the-counter saline packets or make your own sinus irrigation solution. You can also use a homemade solution. If youre suffering from sinusitis, you can consult with your doctor. An allergist can help you choose the best medication for your specific condition.
Some of these medications include xylitol, which reduces mucus production. However, you must find out if this medicine is right for you. In addition to this, a sinusitis expert will determine if the medication is safe and effective for you.
In addition to the above-mentioned medications, you can also try nasal irrigation to treat sinusitis. The method involves pouring a saline solution through your nostrils. The water should remove dirt and allergens. The water should be warm enough to prevent infections.