How to Clean Your Nasal Passages

This article will guide you through several methods for cleaning your nasal passages.

Purchase a saline nasal rinse or make your own. A saline solution helps alleviate symptoms of chronic nasal or sinus issues. Rinsing your nasal passages with saline reduces swelling, improves airflow, and clears sinus cavities. This method also helps remove mucus and relieve nasal congestion. You can buy a pre-made saline rinse at a pharmacy or prepare one at home.

• How to make the saline solution: Combine 1 liter of distilled water, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a clean glass jar. Stir the mixture until dissolved and store at room temperature. Prepare a fresh batch of saline solution each week using clean water, salt, and baking soda.
• Do not use tap water. If distilled water is unavailable, you can sterilize tap water by boiling it for at least 1 minute, then letting it cool to room temperature. This process kills impurities.

Use a bulb syringe or Neti pot. To effectively rinse your nasal passages with saline solution, you will need a bulb syringe or a Neti pot (a specially designed teapot-like device for your nostrils). You can purchase both the bulb syringe and Neti pot at a pharmacy.

• Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before performing the rinse to prevent spreading bacteria. Then, pour the saline solution into the bulb syringe or Neti pot.

Stand near a sink or bathtub. While rinsing your nose, make sure you're in a position where water or mucus can drain from your nose or the bulb syringe.

• Place the tip of the bulb syringe in your left nostril and gently squeeze to let the saline flow in. Ensure the water flows toward the back of your head, not upwards. Do not inhale through your nose while rinsing. The bulb syringe should allow the saline to flow into your nostrils without requiring you to inhale.
• If using the Neti pot, position the spout in your left nostril and tilt it downwards to let the water flow in. If the solution isn't flowing out of the pot, slightly raise the pot above head height, but avoid tilting your head too far to one side. Keep your forehead higher than your chin.

Lean your head forward, bringing your chin toward your chest. This position helps any excess saline drain out of your nostrils into the sink or bathtub. You can place a clean towel under your chin to catch the water as it drains. Do not swallow if the saline solution enters your mouth; instead, spit it out into the sink or bathtub.

• After rinsing the left nostril, you can tilt your head forward over the sink and exhale strongly through both nostrils. This helps clear any remaining mucus or saline solution. You may also use a tissue to wipe away any remaining mucus or water. Be cautious not to block one nostril and exhale forcefully through the other to avoid creating pressure in your middle ear.
• Repeat the rinse for your right nostril using the bulb syringe or Neti pot and saline solution.

Rinse both nostrils alternately until the saline solution is gone. You may experience a slight burning sensation during the first few rinses. This is a normal reaction to the salt in the solution and will gradually subside with each rinse.

• If the saline solution continues to irritate your nostrils, it might be too salty or too weak. Taste the solution to check whether it's too salty (overly strong) or too diluted (too weak). Adjust the salt amount to achieve a balanced salty taste, but avoid making it too salty.
• If you experience a headache after rinsing, you might have tilted your head so that your forehead was lower than your chin, causing the saline to enter your frontal sinuses. After a while, the solution will drain naturally.

Rinse your nose with saline once a day, either in the morning or at night. If symptoms become more severe or a serious infection occurs, increase the frequency to twice a day.

• Young children might find it challenging to rinse their noses with saline. You should assist them during the process and ensure they do not lie down while rinsing. The nasal rinse will be more effective when done while standing or sitting.

Buy an over-the-counter nasal spray at a pharmacy. Nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy nose, and runny nose caused by hay fever or allergies to pollen, mold, dust, or pets. Avoid using nasal sprays to treat cold or flu symptoms as they provide only temporary relief. Instead, seek medical advice for more effective treatments if your nasal issues are caused by a cold or flu.

• The most common prescription nasal spray is Fluticasone, a corticosteroid. This medication helps manage nasal issues by blocking the natural compounds that cause allergic reactions. This type of medication should only be used for chronic allergies.
• You can also use a nasal spray containing xylitol, purified water, salt, and grapefruit extract. These sprays are free from medications, have no side effects, and are safe for all ages.

Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the nasal spray label. For adults, start with a higher dose and gradually reduce the amount as symptoms improve. Typically, one spray per nostril once or twice a day (morning and evening) is recommended if your doctor advises a higher dose. When using nasal spray for young children, start with a lower dose and gradually increase it if symptoms persist.

• Always follow the dosage instructions on the label and ask your pharmacist to clarify any instructions you don't understand. Never use more or less than the recommended dose unless advised by your pharmacist. If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Instead, wait until the following day and continue with the recommended dose for that day.
• Children under 4 years old should not use nasal sprays. Children under 12 years old should be assisted by an adult when using nasal spray.
• Only use nasal spray for your nostrils. Do not spray it into your eyes or mouth. Do not share your nasal spray with others to avoid spreading germs and bacteria.

Wash your hands thoroughly before using the nasal spray. Shake the bottle gently before use, then wipe off any dust from the bottle. If using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to attach the spray nozzle to ensure proper use.

• Hold the spray bottle so that your index and middle fingers grip the nozzle while your thumb supports the base of the bottle. Point the nozzle away from your face.
• Press the nozzle down and release it about 6 times. If the bottle has been used before (within a week), just press and release until the spray comes out.

Blow your nose until it's clear. If your nostrils are very congested, it might be difficult to clear them. Make sure to clear any mucus from your nose before using the nasal spray to ensure that the medication is applied properly to your nasal passages.

Use your finger to block one nostril. Tilt your head forward and position the spray nozzle into the open nostril. Hold the spray bottle upright to ensure the medication is dispensed properly. Make sure to use your index and middle fingers to hold the nozzle.

• Breathe in through your nose. As you inhale, press the nozzle with your index and middle fingers to release the spray into your nostril.
• Once you release the nozzle, exhale through your mouth.
• If your doctor has recommended two sprays per nostril, repeat these steps for the same nostril. If you only need one spray per nostril, repeat the steps for the other nostril.

Clean the spray nozzle with a tissue. It's important to keep the nozzle clean to prevent bacteria and germs from entering your nose during use. Additionally, ensure that dust doesn't accumulate around the nozzle to avoid inhaling tiny particles.

• Store the nasal spray in a dry place at room temperature, and avoid keeping it in a bathroom where it's humid. If the spray nozzle becomes clogged, you can soak it in warm water and rinse it with cold water. Dry it off and store it properly. Do not use sharp objects to unclog the nozzle, as this may contaminate the spray.

Be cautious of the side effects of nasal spray. Always read the ingredient list on the product label carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect an allergy to fluticasone or any other ingredient in the nasal spray. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking antifungal medication or steroids, as your dosage may need adjustment or your side effects monitored. Stop using the nasal spray and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Dry, stinging, burning, or itchy nose.
• Bloody mucus, nosebleeds, or thick mucus.
• Vision problems or severe facial pain.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or other signs of infection.
• Hives, rash, or severe itching.
• Wheezing from your nose.
• Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, tongue, hands, feet, ankles, or calves.
• Hoarseness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
• If you've had nasal surgery in the past month or a nasal injury, consult your doctor before using the nasal spray.
• Discuss with your doctor before using the spray if you have nasal pain or eye issues.