Sinus irrigation – when is it worth doing? Complications after rinsing the sinuses

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Sinus irrigation is the most common way to get rid of excess secretions and bacteria that build up in your sinuses. Clogged sinuses are most often caused by secretions from a cold, sinusitis or even allergic rhinitis. Both children and adults can experience sinus pain due to blockage or excess runny nose. Of course, sinusitis can be treated medicinally, but one of the best ways to get better quickly is sinus irrigation, or irrigation, which can be done at home or in the doctor’s office.

Sinuses – general characteristics

Sick sinuses is a phrase used by many patients who struggle with excess discharge, especially after a cold, accompanied by a profuse runny nose. What are the sinuses? Generally speaking, the sinuses are the spaces in the bones of the face. These spaces are filled with air and covered with a mucosa. Man has 4 pairs of sinuses, these are: nasal sinuses, ethmoid cells, sphenoid sinuses, and maxillary sinuses.

Each of the 4 pairs of sinuses is connected to the nasal cavity, which helps to naturally remove the secretion produced. The outside air can easily penetrate into the bays and ventilate them freely. This structure reduces the risk of bacterial accumulation and multiplication inside the sinuses.

What is the function of the sinuses in the structure of the skull? So far, there have been many theories about the role of sinuses in the human body. However, neither of these theories has been confirmed. For example, thanks to the sinuses, which do not affect the weight of the skull in any way, the brain is better protected. In the event of an injury, damaged bones first go to the sinuses, i.e. empty spaces, which effectively cushions the brain.

Additionally, the location of the sphenoid sinuses close to the ears suggests that their function is strongly related to hearing. Void spaces in the sinuses can reduce the vibrations of the voice before being transferred to the ossicles. In addition, the sinuses can support the breathing process because they moisturize and warm the air and regulate the pressure difference.

If you want to learn more about the types and functions of sinuses, be sure to read: Sinuses – types, symptoms of inflammation, treatment

Sick sinuses – causes

Sinusitis is one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases, statistics show that every third Pole suffered from sinusitis at least once in his life. Viruses, bacteria and fungi attack the sinuses, regardless of the patient’s age, sex or current health condition, hence the high incidence rate.

With sinusitis, there is swelling that appears on the lining of the sinuses. This swelling obstructs the sinuses into the nasal cavity, preventing mucus from passing out of the nose, and it can build up in the sinuses.

The cause of clogged sinuses is infections of the upper respiratory tract. These are viral, bacterial, fungal and also allergic infections. The most common causes of sinusitis are viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses and influenza viruses.

Sinusitis, which is a consequence of allergic diseases, is caused by an undiagnosed or improperly treated allergy. Importantly, sinusitis can also be caused by irritation of the mucosa with physical factors, such as, for example, cigarette smoke. People with a deviated nasal septum are also much more likely to struggle with sinusitis.

You can learn more about the causes of sinus problems in this article: Where does sinusitis come from

What are the symptoms of sick sinuses?

The first symptoms of sinusitis are often confused with seasonal infection. These symptoms include headaches and muscle aches, a scratchy throat, stuffy nose and increased body temperature. If these symptoms occur several times a year, they may be worth a closer look as they may indicate a sinus problem.

The most important and main symptom of sinusitis is headache. Its exact location depends on where the infection and inflammation developed. With maxillary sinusitis, the patient experiences pain below the eyes and around the cheekbones.

If the inflammation affects the frontal sinuses, the most severe pain is felt above the eyes and over the entire surface of the forehead. Symptoms of ethmoid sinus pain appear between the eyes and at the base of the nose. On the other hand, pain in the eye sockets and in the back of the head suggests an inflammation of the sphenoid sinuses.

In addition to pain, sinusitis can be manifested by a constantly stuffy nose, impaired smell, and oozing purulent discharge from the nose. A symptom of sinusitis is also the dripping of secretions down the back of the throat, which irritates the mucosa and causes grunting or coughing. Occasionally, sinusitis causes the patient to smell badly.

Suffering from recurring sinus problems? For prophylactic and supportive treatment, drink ZATOKI – herbal tea available on Medonet Market.

What diseases can frequent headaches indicate? Check: Headaches

Rinsing the sinuses – indications and contraindications

Unfortunately, not every person can have sinus irrigation performed. First of all, people who have a completely blocked nasal septum cannot have irrigation done, because the secretion or rinse fluid will not pass through the blockage.

People with a crooked nasal septum or who have recently undergone surgery, such as nasal surgery, straightening the nasal septum, should be careful and use another method of sinus debridement if possible, or follow the recommendations of the treating physician, who will give consent to rinse or suggest another solution.

Also, people with an ear infection or people allergic to sinus irrigation, such as sodium chloride, should not have sinus irrigation. Rinsing the sinuses is also not recommended for people who struggle with recurrent nosebleeds or have damaged nasal mucosa as a result of various diseases.

Additionally, sinus irrigation should not be used by people diagnosed with balance disorders. When rinsing the sinuses, the pressure in the nasal cavity changes, which in turn may cause a pressure difference within the head and lead to severe headaches.

The indication for sinus irrigation is primarily sinusitis, but you can also rinse the sinuses in case of an allergic rhinitis or in the course of another infection. Sinus irrigation can also bring relief to people who use nasal medication on a daily basis, as such a sinus irrigation will help rebuild the mucosa. For some nasal surgery, rinsing the sinuses is indicated, but must be instructed by the treating physician. The sinuses can also be rinsed prophylactically in order to maintain the hygiene of the sinuses and nose.

Nasal and sinus conditions that can be treated with sinus irrigation include:

1. acute or chronic sinusitis;
2. rhinitis due to infection or allergy;
3. before and after nasal and sinus surgery;
4. contact with high concentrations of dust in the air.

How To Treat Blocked Sinuses? Check: Blocked sinuses – treatment of sinusitis

Frontal sinus irrigation – what is needed?

Lavage of the frontal or paranasal sinuses is not complicated and can be done at home, but it will take a few things to do it. First of all, you need tools such as a small bottle with a spout, e.g. for mineral water, a nasal pear or a nasal aspirator.

You can also buy a special teapot for nasal rinsing or just a ready-made nasal rinse kit not only with the necessary utensils, but also sachets, e.g. sodium chloride, which is needed to make a saline solution.

Ready-made sinus irrigation kitsthat can be purchased at any pharmacy include:

1. bottle or irrigator – they are usually available in two volumes intended for children or adults;
2. sachets with powderwhose basic ingredient is sodium chloride. Additional ingredients are sodium bicarbonate, xylitol, potassium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. 

The available kits allow you to prepare isotonic or hypertonic solution. They differ in concentration and properties. An isotonic solution is used to clean the sinuses of dust, allergens and any contaminants that circulate in the air. This solution will also work well during the heating period, when the mucosa is dry and exposed to infections. In turn, the hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of NaCl, which reduces the swelling of the mucosa and clears the nose.

You can order the Rhino Clear Mobile rechargeable nasal and sinus irrigator today at medonetmarket.pl.

How Can You Fight Symptoms Of A Blocked Sinus? Read: Home remedies for sinuses. 5 ways to combat sinus pain

Rinsing the sinuses with saline

Sinus irrigation with saline is simply a sinus irrigation with salt or sodium chloride combined with lukewarm water. The solution bought at the pharmacy is usually 0,9 percent and is sufficient to rinse the nose or sinuses from the residual secretion, and at the same time moisturize the respiratory tract and nasal mucosa.

How to perform inhalations for clogged sinuses? Check: Sinus inhalations – home remedies for healthy sinuses

Rinsing the sinuses with hydrogen peroxide

At home, sinus irrigation is also performed with the use of hydrogen peroxide. For such a procedure, a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution should be used. Rinsing the sinuses with hydrogen peroxide loosens the remaining secretion, so it can be more easily blown out of the nose later.

An additional advantage of rinsing the sinuses with hydrogen peroxide is that it disinfects the mucosa, has an antibacterial effect, which reduces the risk of infection. If hydrogen peroxide is used to rinse the sinuses, remember not to swallow the secretion flowing down the throat, but to spit it out completely after the procedure.

It is extremely important to properly make the solution from hydrogen peroxide. Rinsing the sinuses with undiluted hydrogen peroxide is dangerous to the patient’s health. Only a few drops of this preparation mixed with lukewarm water are used for the treatment. To enhance the effect of such a mixture, saline may be added to the solution.

What are the properties of hydrogen peroxide? Check: Hydrogen peroxide

How to perform sinus lavage at home?

Rinsing the sinuses can be done not only in the ENT office, but also at home. The procedure, which is carried out correctly, is painless and very effective. When preparing the sinus irrigation solution, make sure that the fluid is approximately at body temperature.

Before you start rinsing your sinuses, you should blow your nose thoroughly. Rinsing the sinuses is best done sitting or standing with the head slightly tilted forward over the bathtub or sink.

A bottle with a solution for rinsing the sinuses you should first put it on one nostril and press lightly so that the liquid can escape through the other nostril. We repeat the same action with the other nostril, remembering to breathe through the mouth all the time. If the solution or secretion gets into the throat during the procedure, it should be coughed up and spit out. After the sinus irrigation is finished, you need to blow your nose again and wash the irrigation equipment under running water.

It is also important not to lie down for at least an hour after the treatment. Therefore, rinsing the sinuses should not be performed immediately before going to bed.

At-home sinus irrigation is a safe procedure, but in some cases it should be stopped. The procedure should be terminated immediately if you experience burning or stinging in the nose, nose bleeds, or a feeling of fullness in the ears while rinsing the sinuses. The headache should not cause you anxiety as it means your sinuses are slowly opening up. Also, a twitching sensation in the ears is not a reason to stop the procedure as it indicates a change in pressure in the Eustachian tube.

What antibiotics will help fight sick sinuses? Check: Antibiotic for the sinuses

Rinsing the sinuses in a doctor’s office

Rinsing the sinuses is one of the procedures performed in an ENT office. An ENT specialist may suggest that you have serious sinus conditions or complications sinus irrigation using the Proetz method.

It is a relatively old method, but also very effective. The Proetz method of sinus irrigation is performed with a salt chloride solution. During the procedure, the patient lies on his back, with his head slightly tilted back.

A properly prepared solution is introduced into one of the nostrils using a special nozzle. At the same time, a suction device is introduced into the second hole, which sucks out the introduced fluid together with the diluted secretion. An antibiotic is often added to the solution to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Rinsing the sinuses using the Proetz method is painless for the patient, but during the procedure the patient may feel compression inside the skull.

What are the treatments for sinusitis? Read: Sinusitis – treatment

What are the benefits of sinus irrigation?

Rinsing the sinuses primarily increases the quality of life for the patient who decides to undergo this procedure. Rinsing the sinuses allows you to remove not only the residual secretion, but also any allergens, dust, or other dirt that gets inside the nose.

In addition, the treatment may reduce swelling of the mucosa, soothe, but also moisturize the mucosa, which is of great importance especially during the heating period.

Do you know what sinus lamps are and when to use them? Check: Are the sinus lights effective?

Is sinus irrigation safe?

Sinus irrigation is a safe procedure, provided that you irrigate properly, of course. Problems may arise when sinus irrigation is performed despite contraindications. It is also unwise to use untested or contaminated irrigators.

It is also important how the sinus irrigation solution is prepared. Additionally, remember that irrigation of the sinuses is a procedure that should not be performed too often. Overuse of irrigation can impair the mobility of the cilia, which are responsible for the regular cleaning of the nose.

When should CT scan of the sinuses be performed? Check: Computed tomography of the sinuses – indications, contraindications and the course of the examination

Does rinsing the sinuses hurt?

As already mentioned, rinsing the sinuses is a painless procedure. However, it is not a pleasant and comfortable procedure for the patient. At the beginning of the procedure, the patient may feel a slight burning sensation, especially when irrigation is done with a solution of water and salt.

Can you rinse your sinuses during pregnancy? Check: Are inhalations during pregnancy safe?

Sinus irrigation and complications of inflammation

Rinsing the sinuses is extremely important to the overall health of the entire body. The sinuses are in close proximity to the brain, eyes, teeth, skull bones and mouth. So if it is not treated properly, sinusitis can cause serious complications.

Complications of untreated or inadequately treated sinusitis include orbital or intracranial complications, osteomyelitis of the skull and even sepsis. Complications that can occur include, for example, meningitis, optic neuritis, orbital phlegmon, or intrathecal and epidural abscesses.

What preparations can be used for inhalation? Check: Inhalations for runny nose – how to use and what to use for inhalation?