Sinus irrigation is a method recommended especially in the case of chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. If it lasts almost 12 weeks or more, it is inflammation. Very often, it is the result of untreated acute sinusitis, and the factors contributing to the occurrence of the ailment are a crooked nasal septum, tooth decay, foreign bodies in the nose, recurrent sinus problems, as well as allergic diseases.
The main advantage of irrigation of the sinuses is to facilitate their cleansing of residual substances: dust, pollen, catarrh, mucus, clots, purulent discharge. It clears the sinuses and accelerates the regeneration of the epithelium of the nasal cavity. Combined with the use of allergy medications, it leads to a reduction in its symptoms.
What is this about?
The patient can perform sinus irrigation himself, which is why it is referred to as the home method. Each of the sinuses connects to the nasal cavity. Thanks to the patency in the nasal cavity, there are no microbes that can cause diseases. Irrigation consists in rinsing the paranasal sinuses, i.e. inflowing the solution through one nostril and out the other.
How to rinse the sinuses?
For proper irrigation of the sinuses, prepare boiled water, a bottle with a special dispenser that will make it easier to insert the tip into the nose, and salt. Dissolve it in the ratio: one flat teaspoon to half a liter of water. You can also use special, ready-made kits to buy without a prescription, which you can find in any pharmacy. Such a set includes a special irrigator, i.e. a bottle with an applicator and hypertonic or isotonic sodium chloride solution.
Once you have prepared the solution, you must:
- Tilt your head to the right side so that your ear is in contact with your shoulder,
- Gently and at the same time, insert the spout of the bottle into the left nostril,
- Tilt the bottle and let the solution into your nostrils. Remember to breathe calmly through your open mouth during the procedure.
The liquid should then flow out of the left nostril, and after using up half of the solution, do the same by introducing it into the right nostril. When you’re done with the treatment, keep your head down and gently blow out any remaining mucus and solution. This type of activity is worth doing every day if you are prone to frequent problems with runny nose and sinuses. Although you will feel some discomfort the first time you perform the procedure, patients usually do not complain of pain or other problems. In rare cases, there is a feeling of tingling in the nose, fullness in the ears or nosebleeds. However, these are exceptions.
Other methods for sick sinuses
Except rinsing, it is worth using other home remedies for diseases at the same time sinuses. Enjoy inhalation with the addition of salt, herbs or essential oils. Do it once a day for at least a week. You can also use nasal drops available in pharmacies, preferably with the addition of ephedrine. Also take care of strengthening the immune system and moisturizing the air in the rooms where you are staying.