Nasal+Irrigation

=Nasal Irrigations=

Perform nasal irrigations twice a day (1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 16 oz water). Use a bulb syringe directed up and back in the nose (if you point it towards the outside corner of your eye, you will be correctly oriented). Irrigate each side of the nose with the saline solution (room temperature), using an ear bulb syringe (available at any pharmacy). Repeat irrigating and aspirating until all secretions are washed out. Do this over a sink. It will be messy. These irrigations are __very__ important.

This is very healthy for the nasal membranes, especially the cilia (little hair cells that move the mucus along – first and most important defense for the nose). It will also remove secretions and allow topical medications to get to the nasal membranes better where they can do their work and benefit you.

Liam Keating, MD

Nasal irrigation instructions from UMICH - PDF