Are you tired of having a stuffy nose, making it hard to breathe? This condition occurs in many people, especially when they have a cold or something like dust. Sometimes this can even make their head feel heavy. So today we are going to talk about a very simple and very effective treatment method that you can do at home. This is called 'Nasal Irrigation' or washing the nose.
Simply put, what is nasal irrigation?
It's very simple. Nasal irrigation is a home remedy to clean the sinuses inside your nose. Did you know that there are small air-filled spaces behind the bones of our face? We call these sinuses. Normally, these are open, so we can breathe without any difficulty.
However, if these sinus cavities become inflamed or swollen for some reason, mucus builds up and these cavities begin to become blocked. That's when a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing occur.
So when we wash our nose, we use a mixture of salt water, that is, a saline solution, to wash away the mucus that has accumulated. This salt water loosens the mucus that has thickened. It also washes away the things that have caused the swelling inside the nose. We usually use a small device like a neti pot for this.
What is the best tool to use for this?
You can easily get the supplies you need for this nasal irrigation method at any pharmacy. All you need is a packet of saline solution and a device to insert it into your nose. All devices work equally well for this. So all you have to do is choose the device that you find most comfortable.
There are several types of equipment commonly used:
- Neti pots: These look like small teapots. They allow you to slowly pour a saline solution into your nostril.
- Rinse bottles: These are a type of bottle that is used by squeezing.
- Special applicators: These are easier to use because they come pre-filled with saline solution.
What conditions are relieved by nasal irrigation?
Nasal irrigation doesn't just clear the mucus inside your nose. It also washes out pathogens - things like bacteria and viruses - and allergens - things like dust, pollen, mold, and animal dander - that have gotten stuck in your nose. When these things get stuck in your nose, your sinuses become inflamed and you start to experience symptoms like:
- Nasal congestion or frequent runny nose.
- Itching inside the nose or frequent sneezing.
- Difficulty breathing.
This method is very helpful in relieving symptoms associated with conditions such as allergies, sinus infections, colds, flu, and COVID-19.
Are there people who should not have this treatment?
Yes, this is not suitable for everyone. If you have the following conditions, it is not good to do nasal irrigation. It is very important that we are clearly aware of this.
| If you have this situation... | Why shouldn't you rinse your nose? |
|---|---|
| If you have an ear infection. | Rinsing the nose can put pressure on the ear and worsen the infection. |
| If you feel pressure/throbbing in one or both ears. | This can also be an ear problem, and the condition can worsen. |
| If one nostril is completely blocked. | The water cannot escape through the other side, causing pressure in the ear. |
| If you have recently had ear or sinus surgery. | You need to allow time for healing after surgery, and doing this without medical advice can cause complications. |
If you're unsure about this, it's best to talk to your doctor before doing anything.
What kind of water should you use to rinse your nose?
Here's a very important point. The water you use should not contain anything that can irritate your sinuses or make you sick. The tap water we usually use can contain a lot of things like germs and minerals that we can't see. So it's not a good idea to put these things inside your nose.
Therefore, you should always use only safe water like this.
| Suitable type of water | Description and things to remember |
|---|---|
| Distilled or Sterile Water | These are purified waters. The bottle has a label that says "Distilled." They are safer because they have been free of germs and other substances that are harmful to the nose. |
| Well-boiled water | Boil the water for about 5 minutes . This will kill any germs in it. Let it cool to lukewarm before using. Cover with a lid and use within 24 hours. |
| Filtered water | This requires special water filters that can remove germs. A regular filter may not be sufficient for this. |
Okay, so how exactly do you do this?
Follow these steps in order. First, go to a sink, then it will be easier to clean.
1. Preparation: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also, wash and clean the neti pot or bottle you are using.
2. Making the saline solution: If you bought a packet of saline powder, make the solution according to the instructions on the packet. If you are making it at home, mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with 1-2 cups of boiled (or distilled) water. Most importantly: Do not use iodized salt, such as table salt.
3. Prepare the device: Pour the prepared saline solution into the neti pot or bottle. Make sure the water is lukewarm . It should not be too hot or too cold.
4. Adjusting the posture: Now lean forward over the sink. Turn your head to one side. So that one of your ears is facing the sink and the other is facing the ceiling. Imagine that the water that you put in through the top nostril should flow out through the bottom nostril.
5. Nasal irrigation: Breathe through your mouth. Now insert the tip of the device into your upper nostril and press gently to close the gap. Now tilt the neti pot and squeeze the bottle. You will feel the water go in through the upper nostril and out through the lower nostril. Do this until the liquid in the bottle is gone.
6. Nose cleaning: Now slowly blow your nose (blowing your nose) to expel any remaining water and mucus.
7. Repeat on the other side: Now turn your head to the other side and repeat these steps on the other nostril.
What do you do when you're done with this?
Rinse the used appliance thoroughly, lay it on a clean towel, and let it air dry. Some appliances can also be washed in the dishwasher. This may be stated in the instruction leaflet that came with the appliance.
Are there any side effects or risks?
There are usually no side effects. However, some people may experience burning or pain inside the nose. If this happens, reduce the amount of salt you use. Also, make sure the water is no hotter than lukewarm.
As for the risks, this method is very safe as long as it is done correctly.
However, there is a small risk of infection if you use dirty water. Some people are afraid to do this method because they have heard of the 'brain-eating amoeba'. This amoeba, called `Naegleria`, can cause a very dangerous condition called `Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).` However, this is extremely rare , and almost all such reported cases are associated with the use of untreated tap water.
If you use boiled or distilled water, there is no reason to worry about this risk.
However, if your symptoms do not improve after doing this, if they worsen, or if you develop new symptoms such as fever and headache, see your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Nasal irrigation is a very effective and easy home remedy for nasal congestion, colds, sinus problems, and allergies.
- Always, always, always use clean water. That means boiled water or distilled water from the store. Never use water straight from the tap.
- Use only non-iodized salt to make the saline solution.
- Avoid this treatment if you have an ear infection, ear pressure, or have recently had ear/sinus surgery.
- If you have any doubts or if symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately for advice.
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