You are suffering from a sinus infection or any other allergy, and you are in search of the natural methods to cure these infections, then you are at the right place.
The use of saltwater irrigation, which is known as saline irrigation for the nose and sinuses, is used as the treatment of allergy symptoms and sinus infections. This saline irrigation will give you relief in sinus infection symptoms.
If you are suffering from allergy symptoms, it is recommended to irrigate the sinuses once in a day with 8 ounces of saltwater. According to researches, it is proved that irrigating the sinuses may reduce the natural immune cells present in the mucus of the sinuses. It is not recommended to irrigate the sinuses more than once in a day.
Advantages of irrigating sinuses
- It will keep your nose clean
- It will decrease the number of bacteria present in the nose and sinuses
- It will help you to flush out the nose on a daily basis
After using this method, you will no longer need any allergy medicines. By this irrigation process, your nasal hygiene will improve, and swelling caused by nasal irritants will be reduced. This saline irrigation will also help to prevent recurring sinusitis.
Sinusitis Infection
Sinusitis infection occurs when swelling occurs by irritants, any allergens, or by viruses, and these will block the opening of the sinuses, causing the improper aeration and drainage of sinuses.
When sinus infection occurs, this saline irrigation process helps to flush out the pus from the sinuses and keep the sinuses open. If you have an active sinus infection, then it is recommended that saline concentration of irrigation can be increased by ½ fold if you can bear this.
In saline irrigation, salt is used, which has the property of preventing the microbes from growing. You noticed that salted foods spoil gradually.
Saline Irrigation Formula
Ingredients
· Salt with no iodide or preservatives (because these ingredients can be irritating)
· Baking soda
· 8 ounces (1 cup) distilled or can be boiled water
Instructions
· Take three tablespoons of salt and one rounded teaspoon of baking soda, then mix them well and then store them in a zip-lock bag.
· Take one tablespoon of the above mixture and add 8 ounces of boiled or lukewarm distilled water.
· You can use this less to make a concentrated salt solution if it is burning or stinging.
How to use this?
Buy a soft rubber ear bulb syringe or a commercial nasal saline rinse bottle from your nearest local drug store. Use this for the saline irrigation process. Follow the steps for this procedure.
· Take 8 ounces of saline solution. Go to the sink and tilt your head in a downward position, and then rotate the head to the left side. Then compress half of the saline solution in the right nostril very gently. You can breathe through your mouth. In just a few seconds, the saline solution will come out from your left nostril.
· Now, tilt your head to the right side and repeat that step.
· You can blow your nose in order to prevent the saline solution from going into your ear and disturb you. But by chance, if water goes into your ears, then you do not need to worry. It will be fine in a short time.
· If your doctor gives you medicines for sinus infection, then do not use these medicines right after this irrigation process because if you use right after this, then it will flush out the medications. You can use these medications right after 30 minutes of the irrigation process.
· If you feel any discomfort or any pain or nosebleeds, then you should stop the irrigation and speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Safety tips for using saline water irrigation
Saline irrigation for sinus treatment can have some risks of infection or any other side effects, but these side effects can be prevented if you follow the following tips.
Ø You should wash your hands before using the saline water.
Ø You cannot use tap water. You have to use distilled water or filtered water or boiled water.
Ø The squeeze bottle or pot that you bought from a drug store should be washed with sterile water before the use. Wash it and then allow it to dry and then use it.
Ø If you got a sinus surgery, then you should not use the cold water. If the people recently had chronic sinusitis surgery and then if you use the cold water, there are chances of developing the bony growths in your nose called para-nasal sinus exostoses (PSE).
Ø Avoid using very hot or very cold water. You can use lukewarm water.
Ø Check the saline solution before using it. Throw away the water if it appears cloudy or show any dirt.
Ø Do not try to use this irrigation process on infants.
Ø If you have any facial wounds or any neurological problems, then you should not use this saline water irrigation.
See a doctor
If you are using a saline water irrigation process, but you do not see any improvement in your sinus infection after ten days, or the infection is getting worse, then you should see a doctor. This can be a worse situation, so in this case, you should go to the doctor and get a prescription.
Ø You should also go to the doctor if you see any of these symptoms with a sinus infection.
Ø If you are feeling fever and it is up to 102°F or higher than this
Ø If you have greenish or bloody nasal discharge
Ø If you have mucus with a bad strong odor
Ø If you are facing with wheezing
Ø If you are facing problem in your vision
Conclusion
Sinus flush, also known as saline water irrigation is a method for flushing out all harmful bacteria from your nasal passage with this saltwater. This saltwater irrigation is beneficial in relieving the nasal congestion and irritation you face, caused by sinusitis or any other allergy. It is safe to use if you are using the right saline water and use it with a secure method by following all the instructions and tips. But if you feel any discomfort or pain, then consult with your doctor.