Nasal and Sinus Irrigations (Isotonic Saline)

What it’s for

Irrigations help to remove unwanted “stuff” from the nose, such as crusts, dried blood, clots, and mucus. Irrigations may also decrease swelling in the nasal and sinus linings. 

These irrigations are often used on a long-term basis to keep the nose and sinuses clean.

You can buy a bottle and saline packets (such as the one shown) at any pharmacy. Or you can make your own.

If you need to use it for a longer time:

• Every 3 months you should dispose of your old bottle and buy a new one.
• If you cannot buy a new bottle, clean the one you have with soap and distilled water.

How to use it

Use a large piston-type syringe (also known as an irrigating syringe) or a nasal squeeze bottle (see above). Avoid bulb-type syringes.

Place the tip of the syringe (or squeeze bottle) at the nostril and irrigate with the saline mixture. The irrigation should be forceful – like washing dirt from a driveway with water from a hose. This will help remove debris, crusts, and mucus that sticks to the passages.

Irrigate each nostril with 1 cup of saline mixture 3-4 times a day.

After each irrigation, wash the syringe (or squeeze bottle) with ordinary tap water and mild soap. Let the syringe air-dry. Separate the barrel and piston of the syringe for cleaning.

When the syringe (or squeeze bottle) becomes hard to clean or becomes difficult to use, replace it with a new one.