How to Perform a Sinus Rinse

A sinus rinse is a home treatment. It rinses your sinuses with a mixture of salt and water (saline solution). Sinuses are air-filled spaces in your skull behind the bones of your face and forehead. They open into your nasal cavity.

A sinus rinse can help to clear your nasal cavity. It can clear mucus, dirt, dust, or pollen.

You may do a sinus rinse when you have:

• A cold.
• A virus.
• Allergies.
• A sinus infection.
• A stuffy nose.

Talk with your doctor about whether a sinus rinse might help you.

What are the risks?

A sinus rinse is normally very safe and helpful. However, there are a few risks. These include:

• A burning feeling in the sinuses. This may happen if you do not make the saline solution as instructed. Be sure to follow all directions when making the saline solution.
• Nasal irritation.
• Infection from unclean water. This is rare, but possible.

Do not do a sinus rinse if you have had:

• Ear or nasal surgery.
• An ear infection.
• Blocked ears.

Supplies needed:

• Saline solution or powder.
• Distilled or germ-free (sterile) water may be needed to mix with saline powder.
  • You may use boiled and cooled tap water. Boil tap water for 5 minutes; cool until it is lukewarm. Use within 24 hours.
  • Do not use regular tap water to mix with the saline solution.
• Neti pot or nasal rinse bottle. This releases the saline solution into your nose and through your sinuses. You can buy neti pots and rinse bottles:
  • At your local pharmacy.
  • At a health food store.
  • Online.

How to perform a sinus rinse

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Wash your device using the directions that came with it.
3. Dry your device.
4. Use the solution that comes with your device or one that is sold separately in stores. Follow the mixing directions on the package if you need to mix with sterile or distilled water.
5. Fill your device with the amount of saline solution stated in the device instructions.
6. Stand over a sink and tilt your head sideways over the sink.
7. Place the spout of the device in your upper nostril (the one closer to the ceiling).
8. Gently pour or squeeze the saline solution into your nasal cavity. The liquid should drain to your lower nostril if you are not too stuffed up (congested).
9. While rinsing, breathe through your open mouth.
10. Gently blow your nose to clear any mucus and rinse solution. Blowing too hard may cause ear pain.
11. Repeat in your other nostril.
12. Clean and rinse your device with clean water.
13. Air-dry your device.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to do a sinus rinse.

Summary

• A sinus rinse is a home treatment. It rinses your sinuses with a mixture of salt and water (saline solution).
• A sinus rinse is normally very safe and helpful. Follow all instructions carefully.
• Talk with your doctor about whether a sinus rinse might help you.