NASAL WASH TREATMENT

Why Should You Do A Nasal Wash?

May people with asthma or other respiratory conditions also have nasal and sinus symptoms.  Drainage from your nose and sinuses may get into your lungs, especially at night, worsening your breathing symptoms.  A salt-water nasal wash helps reduce this possibility.  Some people call this a nasal irrigation.  This procedure removes mucus and bacteria from your nose and temporarily reduces symptoms of postnasal drip and nasal congestion.

Make the Nasal Wash Solution

·         Make the salt-water, or saline solution, fresh for every nasal wash, using a clean glass.

·         To make the solution, mix one-half teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce container of warm water and add a pinch of baking soda.  If you are congested, use the entire 8 ounces of solution during the nasal wash; otherwise, 4 ounces should be adequate.

·         Any solution not used should be discarded and new solution prepared before the next nasal wash.

Positioning for a Nasal Wash

Adult and Older Child – Lean far over the sink with your head down.

Younger Child – If possible, have your child follow the above positioning.  If this is difficult, have your child lean slightly over the sink with the head tilted slightly down.  A small child may have difficulty cooperating with a nasal wash and may need to be held and assisted.

Nasal Wash Techniques

For Adults and Older Children:

Method One

Use a large all rubber syringe, a type of bulb syringe that can be purchased at most drug stores.  Fill the syringe completely with the saline solution.  Insert the syringe tip just inside your nostril and pinch your nostril around the tip to keep the solution from running out your nose.  Gently squeeze the bulb and release it several times to swish the solution around in your nose; then blow your nose lightly.  Repeat the procedure for the other nostril.

Method Two

Use your hands for this technique.  Pour some saline solution into your palm then sniff the liquid up your nose, one nostril at a time.  Blow your nose lightly.

Method Three

Use a Water Pik™ with a Grossan™ Nasal Irrigator Tip.  You can buy this nasal adapter at some pharmacies, online allergy supply stores (www.nationalallergysupply.com, part number 69-0099), or call our office for information on how to obtain one.  Pour the saline solution into the water reservoir and set the Water Pik at the lowest possible pressure.  Insert the tip just inside your nostril and allow the fluid to run out of your other nostril.  Blow your nose lightly.   Repeat the procedure.

For Young Children and Babies:

For a baby, we recommend using an eyedropper or syringe (without the needle).  Place 10-20 drops of the saline solution in your baby’s nostril.  Use a bulb syringe to suction the mucus from your baby’s nose.  Repeat the procedure with the other nostril.

For a small child who can blow his or her nose but doesn’t cooperate with the bulb  syringe technique (Method One), use a nasal spray bottle instead.  This method is not as effective, but serves as an option when you can’t use the bulb syringe with your child.  Use a clean, empty plastic nasal spray bottle and fill it with the saline solution.  Squeeze the solution inside your child’s nostril and have your child blow his/her nose lightly.  Repeat the procedure with the other nostril.

CLEANING THE EQUIPMENT

You must thoroughly clean the equipment used for a nasal wash to prevent the growth of bacteria.  It is important for each family member to have his/her own bulb syringe or nasal adapter.  To clean the bulb syringe, (dropper, syringe or nasal spray bottle), use the following procedure:

After each use (which may be several times a day) fill the bulb syringe with hot water, swish the hot water around and empty the bulb syringe completely.  Always stand the bulb syringe to drain completely.  

In addition to rinsing the bulb after each use, clean the bulb frequently with either 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or white, distilled vinegar.  Draw the rubbing alcohol or vinegar into the bulb syringe.  Swish the liquid around, and empty the bulb syringe.  Again, stand the bulb syringe tip down in a clean glass to allow it to drain completely.