A saline rinse is a mixture of salt and water used to promote healing in case of a cold, sinusitis, or allergy, or to prevent infection and irritation of the sinuses and nasal passages. It can be purchased or made at home and works by reducing swelling and keeping nasal passages moist. It can be performed as often as needed, but should not be done less than an hour before bed.
A saline rinse is a rinse of the inside of the nose with a saline solution, a mixture of salt and water. It can be used to promote healing in case of a cold, sinusitis or allergy, or to prevent infection and irritation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A saline solution for rinsing can be purchased at most drug stores and pharmacies, but it’s also easy to make your own solution at home.
A saline rinse works by preventing the buildup of mucus in the nasal passages and reducing swelling, thus allowing the mucous membranes to drain more easily. It also helps keep the nasal passages moist and reduces the pain, irritation and difficulty breathing caused by blocked nasal passages. Some people use flushing regularly as part of their hygiene regimen to prevent infection.
Store-bought saline rinse kits typically provide a spray bottle, or neti pot, to administer the rinse. However, you can buy a syringe bulb or neti pot and make your own nasal rinse solution, eliminating the need to keep buying saline rinse kits. To make a saline rinse, add a half teaspoon to a full teaspoon of non-iodized salt, along with a pinch of baking soda, to warm, filtered water. Pickling salt and canning salt are also appropriate options, and you can boil the water instead of using a filter to make sure it is free from impurities.
Perform a saline rinse in the shower or over the sink. Tilt your head down and leave your mouth open, insert the syringe or spray bottle into your nose and squeeze firmly, allowing the water to flow into your nose and out your mouth. You can also squeeze more gently and allow the water to exit the other nostril if that’s more comfortable for you. If you notice any mucous in the water, keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Repeat for the other nostril.
You can perform a saline rinse as often as needed. Since there will be some drainage after you rinse, don’t use a nasal rinse less than an hour before bed, as the salty water can run down your throat and cause a cough. Also, wait 30 minutes to an hour after doing a nasal rinse to use a therapeutic nasal spray, as continued drainage can wash out the spray, causing it to lose effectiveness.
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