Nasal Wash Treatment

Why should you do a nasal wash?
What is the correct nasal wash technique?
What is the correct position for the nasal wash?
Which technique is best for me?
How do you clean the equipment?

Why should you do a nasal wash?

Many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, or other lung problems also have nasal and sinus symptoms. Drainage from your nose and sinuses can make rhinitis and 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 is more effective.
• Cleans allergens and irritants from the nose reducing their impact.
• Removes bacteria and viruses from the nose reducing the frequency of infection.
• Decreases swelling in the nose and increases air flow.

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.

What is the correct 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. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to hold a small child when doing a nasal wash. One technique is to wrap your small child in a blanket or towel with arms down while holding him/her on your lap.

Ask your healthcare provider to discuss which of these techniques may be best for you.

Which technique is best for me (ask your clinician)?

Techniques for Adults and Older Children

• Sinus Rinse Kit Technique - The Sinus Rinse Kit comes with a Sinus Rinse bottle and mixture packets. When using the Sinus Rinse Kit you can use the prepared mixture packets that come with the kit or you can make your own nasal wash solution described above. The Sinus Rinse bottle is filled with saltwater. The bottle is placed against the nostril. After the bottle is squeezed, saltwater comes out the opposite nostril and may come out the mouth. The nose is then blown lightly. The procedure is then repeated with the other nostril.
• Water Pik® Technique - Use a Water Pik® with a Sinus or Grossan Original Sinus Irrigator Tip®.  Pour the saltwater into the water reservoir and set the Water Pik® 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.
• Hand Technique - Use your hands for this technique. Pour some saltwater into your palm. Sniff the liquid up your nose, one nostril at a time. Blow your nose lightly. This technique may not be as effective but may be used in some situations.

Techniques for Babies

• Babies - We recommend using an eyedropper or syringe (without the needle) for doing a nasal wash with a baby. Place 10 - 20 drops of the saltwater in your baby's nostril. Use a bulb syringe to suction the mucus from your baby's nose. Repeat the procedure with the other nostril.

With any technique, the saltwater solution may get into the mouth during the nasal wash and leave a salty taste. You may want to rinse the mouth with water after the nasal wash.

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 bulb syringe or nasal adaptor.

Cleaning the Sinus Rinse Bottle

• After each use, rinse the bottle, cap, and tubing. Shake off any excess water and allow the pieces to dry on a clean towel. If you feel the system is contaminated clean the bottle, cap and tubing with rubbing (70 percent isopropyl) alcohol or white, distilled vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). After the use of either solution, rinse the pieces well with water and shake off the excess water. Again, allow the pieces to dry on a clean towel.
• The Sinus Rinse bottle is not dishwasher safe.

Cleaning the Dropper, Syringe or Nasal Spray Bottle

• After each use (which may be several times a day), fill the syringe with hot water, swish the hot water around, and empty the syringe completely. Always suspend the syringe tip-down in a clean glass to allow the it to drain completely. Do not allow the tip to sit in a puddle of water.
• In addition to rinsing the syringe after each use, clean it daily with rubbing (70 percent isopropyl) alcohol. Draw the rubbing alcohol into the syringe. Swish the liquid around, and empty it. Again, suspend the syringe tip-down in a clean glass to allow it to drain completely.

Cleaning the Grossan® Nasal Adaptor

• Refer to the package insert for cleaning directions.

If you have any questions about these nasal wash techniques please ask your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can discuss which technique is best for you.

This information has been approved by Ann Mullen, RN, MSN, AE-C (April 2008).