Am Fam Physician. 2009 Nov 15;80(10):1117-9.

Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions.

Author information

1: Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53715, USA. david.rabago@fammed.wisc.edu

Abstract

Saline nasal irrigation is an adjunctive therapy for upper respiratory conditions that bathes the nasal cavity with spray or liquid saline. Nasal irrigation with liquid saline is used to manage symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. Less conclusive evidence supports the use of spray and liquid saline nasal irrigation to manage symptoms of mild to moderate allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections. Consensus guidelines recommend saline nasal irrigation as a treatment for a variety of other conditions, including rhinitis of pregnancy and acute rhinosinusitis. Saline nasal irrigation appears safe, with no reported serious adverse events. Minor adverse effects can be avoided with technique modification and salinity adjustment.

Summary for patients in

Patient information. Saline nasal irrigation for sinus problems. [Am Fam Physician. 2009]

PMID:: 19904896
PMCID:: PMC2778074

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Figure 1

A common nasal irrigation technique using a nasal cup, or neti pot. Liquid saline is instilled in one nostril and allowed to drain out the other.
Using Saline Nasal Irrigation for Chronic Sinus Symptoms
Chronic sinus symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose or post nasal drip) are very common and have several potential causes and treatments. Saline nasal irrigation is a therapy you can do at home in addition to your current care plan for sinus symptoms. This technique improves symptoms by rinsing the area behind the nose with salt water. This handout describes how to perform SNI using a nasal cup, also known as a “neti pot”.
What you will need. A nasal cup and pre-packaged salt are commercially available at many pharmacies.
There are 3 steps to saline nasal irrigation.
Step 1: Mix the solutionIf you are using a pre-packaged salt, simply prepare the salt water as indicated on the packaging using lukewarm water and put 4 fluid ounces (100 mL) in the nasal cup. If you plan to mix your own salt water using bulk ingredients, please see the website below for detailed instructions.
Step 2: Position the nasal cup (Please see pictures)Lean over a sink so you are looking directly into the basin.Rotate your head slightly and gently insert the spout of the nasal irrigation pot into the upper nostril so that it forms a comfortable seal. Do not press the spout against the “middle”, or septum, of the nose.
Step 3 Irrigate the noseBreathing through your mouth, raise the nasal irrigation pot so that the solution enters the upper nostril. The solution will soon drain from the lower nostril.When the nasal pot is empty, gently exhale through both nostrils to clear them of excess solution and mucus. Gently blow your nose into a tissue.Repeat the procedure for the other nostril.
Nasal cup care
Mix new solution when you plan to irrigate your nose, discard extra salt water immediately. Wash nasal pot after irrigation.
Troubleshooting
You may notice some drainage of salt water up to 30 minutes after nasal irrigation; this is normal. Many users of nasal irrigation carry tissues. If stinging or burning occur, try decreasing the salt content by half; you may also adjust the temperature of the water slightly. Do not use very hot or very cold water. Nasal irrigation can also be done in the shower.
Want more information? A more detailed patient handout, instructions for making and adjusting salt water using bulk ingredients, instructional videos and links, scientific reports and a radio story by National Public Radio (NPR) are at: http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/research/past-projects/nasal-irrigation

Saline Nasal Irrigation for Upper Respiratory Conditions

Am Fam Physician. ;80(10):1117-1119.