In environments with fluctuating air quality and an increase in allergens, dust, germs, and allergens can easily accumulate in the nasal cavity, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Nasal irrigation, as a simple and effective nasal care method, is gaining increasing attention. Nasal rinse bottles are commonly used nasal irrigation tools. Mastering their correct usage can ensure optimal nasal irrigation and better maintain nasal health.
Preparation is essential
Choose the right rinse solution
Choosing the right rinse solution is crucial. Common options include normal saline and specialized nasal rinse salt solutions. Normal saline has a concentration of 0.9%, which is similar to the osmotic pressure of human body fluids and is less irritating to the nasal mucosa. If using specialized nasal rinse salt, dissolve the salt in an appropriate amount of warm boiled water, strictly following the instructions. The water temperature should generally be between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius, close to body temperature. This will minimize irritation to the nasal mucosa and avoid discomfort. Never use tap water for rinsing, as it may contain bacteria, impurities, chlorine, and other harmful substances that can damage the nasal mucosa.
Inspect the nasal rinse bottle
Carefully inspect all parts of the nasal rinse bottle for integrity, including the bottle, cap, and nozzle. Ensure there are no cracks, tears, or loose parts to prevent leakage during rinsing. Also, ensure the nasal rinse bottle is clean and hygienic. Thoroughly clean and disinfect it with a dedicated cleaning solution or by boiling before use.
Prepare cleaning supplies
Prepare clean towels, tissues, and other items to wipe away any fluid during rinsing and keep your face clean. A trash can is also available for convenient disposal of used tissues.
Proper rinsing posture
Lean forward
Stand or sit in a comfortable position, leaning slightly forward, with your head parallel to the ground or slightly tilted forward. This position allows the rinse solution to flow smoothly into the nasal cavity and out through the other nostril or mouth, preventing it from entering the throat and causing choking.
Mouth breathing
During the nasal irrigation process, keep your mouth slightly open and breathe through your mouth. This balances the pressure inside and outside the nasal cavity, preventing the irrigant from entering the ears due to excessive pressure, which could lead to ear problems such as otitis media. Mouth breathing also allows the irrigant to flow more smoothly through the nasal cavity, improving the effectiveness of the irrigant.
Irrigation procedures include:
Injecting the irrigant
Slowly pour the prepared irrigant into the nasal irrigant bottle, being careful not to exceed the maximum mark on the bottle to prevent overflow when squeezing the bottle. Tighten the cap to ensure a tight seal.
Inserting the spray tip
Gently insert the spray tip of the irrigant bottle into one nostril, about 1-2 cm deep. Avoid inserting too deep to avoid damaging the nasal mucosa. Maintain an appropriate angle between the spray tip and the nasal cavity, generally 30-45 degrees from the bottom of the nose, to ensure better coverage of the nasal cavity.
Squeeze the bottle
Gently squeeze the bottle with your fingers to allow the irrigant to slowly flow into the nasal cavity. Use moderate pressure; avoid excessive force to prevent the rapid flow of the rinse solution, which could impact and damage the nasal mucosa. Initially, squeeze slowly to allow your nasal cavity to gradually adjust to the temperature and pressure of the rinse solution. Then adjust the speed based on your individual needs.
Alternate Rinsing
After rinsing one nasal cavity, remove the nozzle from that nostril and wipe away any liquid around the nostril with a tissue. Then, insert the nozzle into the other nostril and repeat the same steps. Generally, 100-200 ml of rinse solution should be used per nasal cavity.
Proper Post-Rinse Care
Nasal Cleaning
After rinsing, do not blow your nose immediately to avoid expelling the rinse solution and nasal secretions into your ears. Stand or sit quietly for a few minutes to allow any remaining liquid to drain naturally, then gently wipe away any liquid around the nostril with a tissue. If there is still a lot of secretion in your nasal cavity, gently inhale and exhale through your mouth to blow the secretion out of your nasal cavity, then clean it with a tissue.
Cleaning the nasal rinse bottle
Pour out any remaining liquid in the nasal rinse bottle and rinse the bottle and all parts with clean water. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the inside of the nozzle to remove any remaining dirt and impurities. Then disassemble the nasal rinse bottle and place it in a well-ventilated area to dry to prevent bacterial growth. Before the next use, check that the nasal rinse bottle is clean and dry.
Observe your physical reactions
After rinsing, pay attention to your physical reactions, such as any discomfort such as nasal pain, bleeding, tinnitus, or dizziness. Mild discomfort generally does not require special treatment and will gradually subside after a short rest. However, if the discomfort persists or worsens, stop using the nasal rinse bottle immediately and consult a doctor.
Using a nasal rinse bottle correctly is a simple and effective nasal care method, but it requires careful attention to every step, including preparation, correct posture and operation steps, and proper post-rinsing care. Only in this way can nasal irrigation fully achieve its full potential, relieve nasal discomfort, prevent nasal diseases, and maintain a healthy and comfortable nasal environment.
