National Jewish Medical - Nasal Wash Treatment

Nasal Wash Treatment

Why should you do a nasal wash?

Many people with asthma, or other lung problems also have nasal and sinus symptoms. Drainage from your nose and sinuses can make asthma worse, especially at night. A salt water nasal wash, or nasal irrigation, can help reduce this. A nasal wash:

Cleans mucus from the nose so medication can be more effective
Cleans allergens and irritants from the nose
Decreases swelling in the nose

What is the correct nasal wash technique?

Wash your hands.

Make the nasal wash solution.

Make the saltwater, or saline, solution fresh for every nasal wash, using a clean glass. To make the saltwater solution, mix one-half teaspoon uniodized salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Uniodized salt is used because Iodized salt may be irritating when used over a long period of time. Add a pinch of baking soda. A pinch is a small amount you can pick up between two fingers. If you are congested, use the entire 8 ounces of saltwater during the nasal wash; otherwise, 4 ounces should be enough. Discard any unused saltwater and prepare a new saltwater solution before the next nasal wash.

Position for the nasal wash.

Adults and older children - Lean far over the sink with your head down.
Younger children - If possible, have your child lean as far over the sink as possible. A small child may have trouble cooperating with a nasal wash and may need to be held and assisted.

Perform the nasal wash.

Techniques for adults and older children

Sinus Irrigator:

Pour the saltwater into the water reservoir and set at the lowest possible pressure. Insert the tip just inside your nostril and allow the fluid to run out of your mouth or other nostril. Blow your nose lightly. Repeat the procedure with the other nostril.

How do you clean the equipment?

You must thoroughly clean the equipment used for a nasal wash to prevent the growth of bacteria. It is important for each family member to have his/her own nasal adaptor (Sinus Irrigator).

Cleaning the Sinus Irrigator

Wipe the tip of the sinus irrigator with a clean, wet cloth after each use. Once a week, clean the adaptor by flushing a weak chlorine bleach solution (one part bleach and nine parts water) through it. Rinse thoroughly by flushing with two or more cycles of fresh water.