Call
it spring cleaning for your nose. A remedy that's gaining popularity for
sinus congestion and pain is also one of the oldest: A warm saltwater rinse
of the nasal passages called sinus irrigation.
It's not a pretty visual image, but those who've gotten
into the habit of rinsing their nose say it reduces their stuffiness and
headaches, particularly during this allergy-prone time of the year.
``It really opens my head up,'' said Kim Marcum,
38, a Versailles day-care provider. For Marcum, tilting her head to the
side and rinsing warm water mixed with one-fourth teaspoon of salt into one
nostril and then the other did what sinus surgery, antibiotics, decongestants
and antihistamines didn't.
These days, Marcum rinses as needed, after working around dust and grasses,
or when she feels sinus pressure coming on. Rinsing and avoiding allergy
triggers have reduced her problems remarkably.
``It saves a lot of money and a lot of time feeling bad,'' Marcum said
of rinsing.
Sinus irrigation can be done several ways. Many sinus sufferers
swear by using the popular pulsating sinus irrigation systems to cleanse the nasal passages with warm saltwater.
``No question about it it's a good idea,'' said Dr. Richard Haydon,
a University of Kentucky ear, nose and throat specialist. . ``It's safe,
natural, basic and old, but very effective.'' The gentle blast of warm
water in the nose works the same way that a hose rinses leaves off a sidewalk.
Haydon added that irrigation has been long appreciated in surgery
as an effective cleanser; chemicals, soap or alcohol can't beat it.
``A lot of our patients are doing it,'' said Dr. Bert Laureano, a Lexington
ear, nose and throat specialist. ``Nose and sinus irrigation devices can
be very useful, if used correctly.''
Laureano said it's important to use clean water
(boiled is best, cooled to a little warmer than body temperature). Clean the
device you're using daily, so you don't contaminate your nose with bacteria. If
mixing in salt, use the kind without iodine. Most people rinse once or twice
daily. And if using an item like the sinus irrigator, make sure to use it on its lowest
setting. You'll want to lean over a sink as you do it, and blow the nose
gently after the rinse.
In cases of sinus inflammation due to allergens in the nose, the
rinsing can flush out the irritants. ``With so-called chronic sinusitis,
it can also loosen secretions,'' Laureano said. The saltwater can help
reduce swelling inside the nose.
Laureano said some people are nervous about doing it at first,
but those who try it find out it's not at all painful. ``Most actually
enjoy the cleansing,'' he said. He added that it's best used in conjunction
with traditional sinus treatments like daily nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines
and decongestants.
Dr. John S. Hill, a Lexington allergist, said
sometimes people who don't want to use medications prefer the nasal rinsing
methods. But he cautions that sometimes structural problems or other
abnormalities are to blame for sinus pain, and that won't be helped by saltwater
rinsing. ``People need to be evaluated, have a good history taken and a clinical
exam,'' he said.
Getting
nosy
The Sinus Irrigation System can be found at some major pharmacies or can be ordered
by calling Health Solutions at (800) 305-4095 or via their web site at:
http://www.pharmacy-solutions.com
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