REMEDIES: How to Do a Sinus Irrigation (HEALTH)

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How to Do a Sinus Irrigation

by Cathy Wong

 

Sinus irrigation, also known as a sinus wash or lavage, is a simple

procedure that can help to increase drainage of the sinuses. For people

with seasonal allergies, sinus irrigation can help to remove pollens

from the nose. It has been recommended by physicians for decades, and

its use dates further back in traditional Eastern practices.

 

There is some debate over the type of fluid that should be used for the

irrigation:

 

Isotonic saline solution - has a similar salt concentration as body fluids.

 

Hypertonic saline solution - because of the higher salt concentration, a

hypertonic solution is thought to be better at reducing swelling of the

mucous membranes. Although some research shows that hypertonic solutions

are more effective than isotonic solutions, other studies show that

hypertonic solutions decrease sinus drainage and movement of the cilia,

which are cells that " sweep " the sinuses and push particles out.

 

Locke-Ringer, Gleichenberger, and Ems salt solutions - from the few

research studies conducted, these solutions do not appear to decrease

ciliary movement, making them preferable to hypertonic saline solutions.

 

Ingredients for an Isotonic Saline Solution

1 teaspoon of salt (kosher, canning, pickling, or sea salt is preferable

to table salt.

16 oz. of room temperature water (0.47 liter or 1 US pint)

1 teaspoon of baking soda

 

Instructions

1. Mix the ingredients together in a clean container with a tight cover.

This recipe can be halved and used for seven days. Do not store for

longer than seven days.

 

2. A clean rubber-topped dropper can be used. If unavailable, an ear

syringe or any dropper from a pharmacy, neti pot (a " tea pot " for the

nose), or a clean hand can be used. I used a clean dropper top from an

empty herbal tincture bottle.

 

3. Place some solution in the upper nostril. Plug that nostril and tilt

the head slightly back and to the opposite side so the fluid runs out

the other nostril. Place some more fluid in the upper nostril, then tilt

the head slightly backward and to the same side to reach the sinuses.

Repeat this procedure with the other nostril. Wash the dropper with hot

water before dipping it back into the solution container to prevent

contamination.

 

4. Gargle with some solution, letting it wash the back of your throat.

 

5. Blow your nose gently.

 

This procedure can be done once a day for mild symptoms of chronic

sinusitis or for prevention during allergy season.

 

Precautions and Risks

Over-irrigation can compromise the ability of the sinuses to fight

bacteria. People with acute sinusitis should avoid this procedure, since

it can facilitate the spread of bacteria and cause more serious

infection. People with deficient immune systems should always consult a

health practitioner before trying this procedure.

 

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Sourced from http://altmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa060702b.htm