When you catch a cold or get a cold, your nose gets blocked and you can't breathe, making it very uncomfortable. You have a runny nose, you sneeze, and your head feels heavy. Today, we're going to talk about a very simple and effective method that you can do at home to get relief at times like these. That is nasal irrigation, or in medical terms, 'Nasal Irrigation'.
What is nasal irrigation?
Simply put, it's like rinsing the inside of your nose. Let's first understand a little about the structure of your nose. Inside the bones of your face, around your nose, there are small air-filled cavities. These are what we call sinus cavities. Normally, these cavities are open, allowing the air we breathe to move around easily.
But when you get a cold, a viral or bacterial infection, or an allergy, the delicate membranes inside these sinus cavities swell. Then the production of mucus increases, and that mucus can't get out and gets stuck inside. That's when your nose gets blocked and you feel a headache.
So, what this nasal rinse does is, we use a specially prepared salt water solution (saline solution) to wash out this trapped mucus. This is what happens:
- The thick, sticky mucus will thin out and flow out easily.
- The stuff that causes inflammation inside the nose, germs, and allergens, are washed away.
- The sinus cavities are cleared and breathing becomes easier.
What is the best device to use this method?
You can easily get the supplies you need for this at any pharmacy. All you need is a packet of saline solution and a device that is suitable for inserting it into your nose. There are several types of these devices. They all do the same thing. So you can choose the one that you find easiest to use.
The main types of equipment are:
- Neti pot: This is a device that looks like a small teapot. The spout-like part of this is placed in your nostril and you pour salt water out the other side.
- Rinse bottles: These are plastic bottles that are designed to be squeezed. The mouth of this bottle is placed in the nostril and the solution is squeezed into the nose.
- Pre-filled bottles: Some come with the solution already in them. You can throw them away when you're done using them. These are very convenient when traveling.
Choose whatever tool you find most convenient and easy to use. The most important thing is to keep it clean.
In what situations is nasal irrigation beneficial?
This method not only removes mucus from the nose, but also removes germs (bacteria, viruses) that cause diseases, allergens, etc. Imagine that you are dusting your house, or you are exposed to smoke and dust from vehicles while driving. All of these things can get stuck inside the nose.
These allergens are:
- Pollen in flowers
- Dust and dust mites in homes
- Mold
- Pet hair
When these things get stuck inside the nose, the nasal membranes can swell and cause symptoms such as:
- Nasal congestion or runny nose.
- Itching inside the nose and frequent sneezing.
- Difficulty breathing.
Therefore, this method is very helpful in providing great relief from nasal discomfort caused by conditions such as colds, sinus infections (Sinusitis), various allergies, flu, and COVID-19 .
Are there people who shouldn't use this method?
Yes, this method is not suitable for everyone. If you have certain health conditions, it is best to avoid nasal irrigation. Do not try this method if you have the following conditions:
| Condition | Reason |
|---|---|
| Having an ear infection | When washing the nose, water can get into the ear and worsen the infection. |
| Feeling of pressure in one or both ears | This may be due to a blockage in the eustachian tube, which connects the ear and nose, and water can make the condition worse. |
| One nostril is completely blocked. | When water enters, there is no way to escape, so excessive pressure can build up and cause discomfort. |
| Having had recent ear or sinus surgery | Avoid doing this without medical advice until the surgical areas have healed. |
If you have any doubts about using this method, the best thing to do is to ask your doctor for advice.
What kind of water should I use to rinse my nose?
This is the most important and essential safety precaution to take in this process. We never use tap water directly for this purpose. The reason is that our tap water may contain very small amounts of germs and bacteria. Although they may not cause any problems if they enter the stomach, if they enter the sinus cavities through the nose, there is a small chance of causing dangerous infections, especially infections that affect the brain.
Therefore, you should always use only one of the following safe types of water:
- Distilled water or sterile water: This is water that has been completely purified and is free of any germs or minerals. You can buy bottled water labeled 'Distilled' from pharmacies or large supermarkets.
- Boiled water: This is the easiest method to use at home. Boil water in a pot of water for at least 5 minutes. This will kill any germs in it. Then, let it cool to lukewarm before using. Do not use hot water. If you have any leftover boiled water, cover it and use it within 24 hours.
- Filtered water: There are some types of water filters that can remove germs. But not all filters are suitable for this. So, if you don't know exactly about this, using boiled water is 100% safe.
Okay, now let's see how to do this exactly.
First, choose a place like a sink to do this. Because the water will come out, it's easier to clean. Follow the steps below.
| Steps | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Then, thoroughly wash and clean the neti pot or bottle you are using. |
| 2. Making the solution | If you bought saline packets, prepare the solution according to the instructions on the packet. If you are making your own, mix ¼ or ½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt in a cup (about 240 ml) of warm, boiled water and stir well. Table salt is not suitable for this. |
| 3. Correct posture | Lean forward over the sink. Turn your head to one side. As if you were listening to a sound coming from the sink drain. |
| 4. Nasal wash | Now start breathing through your mouth. Insert the spout of the device into your upper nostril. Now tilt the neti pot or squeeze the bottle. The water will then flow in through the upper nostril and out through the lower nostril. Don't worry, this is normal. |
| 5. Nose cleaning | When about half of the solution is gone, remove the device and blow your nose several times. This will help to release any remaining water and mucus. |
| 6. Doing it the other way around | Now turn your head to the other side and repeat steps 4 and 5 above with the remaining solution in the other nostril. |
What do you do when you're done with this?
Wash the used equipment thoroughly with soap and hot water, and leave it to dry in a clean place. It is important that it is completely dry before using it again.
Are there any benefits and side effects to this method?
Advantages:
This is a very cheap, easy, and effective way to control symptoms without medication. Many people experience relief from nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, and a sense of relief after just one use. Studies have even found that allergy sufferers experience fewer symptoms for up to three months after using this method.
Side effects:
Usually, no major side effects are reported. However, some people may experience:
- You may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation inside your nose. If this happens, try reducing the amount of salt you use.
- You may feel as if some water has gotten into your ear. This usually goes away after a while.
- If the water is not properly boiled, it can burn your nose. So always use lukewarm water .
When should I see a doctor?
Usually, this method should provide relief. However, in the following cases, you should definitely see your doctor and seek advice.
- If you have been using this method for a few days and your symptoms have not improved,
- If symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose are increasing.
- If new symptoms appear, such as fever, severe headache, or facial pain.
Is it okay to wash your nose every day?
Yes, it's okay to do this once or twice a day when you have symptoms. Some people do it daily or several times a week even when they don't have symptoms to prevent sinus infections or allergies. The most important thing is to follow the safety procedures we mentioned earlier exactly. That means using clean equipment and clean water.
Take-Home Message
- This is a great non-medication relief for nasal congestion, colds, and allergies.
- Always use boiled water or distilled water from the pharmacy. Never use tap water directly.
- Use non-iodized salt to make the salt solution. Regular table salt is not suitable.
- Avoid doing this method if you have an ear infection, ear pressure, or a completely blocked nose.
- If you have any doubts, fears, or other symptoms, please talk to your doctor and seek advice before doing anything.
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