During smog-prone and allergy-prone seasons, or when experiencing nasal congestion and runny nose due to colds or rhinitis, saline nasal irrigation has become a common method for relieving nasal discomfort. However, many people fail to achieve adequate results due to improper use, and may even experience side effects such as choking and earache.
Pre-treatment Preparation: Details Determine Success
Choosing Tools and Materials
Saline Bag Type: Prefer medical-grade normal saline bags (0.9% concentration) or specialized nasal rinse bags (which must be dissolved in purified water). Avoid table salt (which contains iodine and may irritate mucous membranes) or industrial salt.
Rinse Container: A pressure-operated nasal rinse device (such as a squeeze bottle or electric sprayer) or a nasal sprayer is recommended. Pressure-operated nasal rinse devices provide a more thorough cleansing and are suitable for adults; nasal sprayers offer gentle pressure and are suitable for children or first-time users.
Auxiliary Tools: Prepare boiled and cooled purified water (or cold water), a clean towel, tissues, and a trash can (for disposing of used saline bags and tissues).
Environmental and Posture Adjustments
Environmental Requirements: Choose a well-ventilated bathroom or separate space. Avoid performing the procedure near easily contaminated areas such as the dining table or bedside.
Posture Preparation: Stand or sit on the toilet, leaning forward approximately 30 degrees with your head slightly tilted forward, keeping your chin and chest level. This position prevents fluid from entering the pharynx or middle ear, reducing the risk of choking.
Prepare the saline solution (if you need to dissolve it yourself)
Concentration Control:
Isotonic saline (0.9%): Add 9 grams of salt (approximately 1.5 teaspoons) to 1000 mL of warm water. Suitable for daily use.
Hypertonic saline (2%-3%): Add 2-3 grams of salt (approximately 0.5 teaspoons) to 100 mL of warm water. This is for short-term use (≤ 2 weeks) to reduce inflammation and swelling, and requires a doctor's supervision.
Temperature Control: The saline solution should be close to body temperature (around 37°C). You can test it on the inside of your wrist to avoid excessive cold (irritation to mucous membranes) or excessive heat (burns).
Water Quality Requirements: Use purified or cold water that has been boiled and then cooled. Avoid using tap water (which may contain microorganisms and chemicals).
Flushing Procedure: Proper operation is key
Step 1: Clean hands and equipment
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
If using a reusable nasal rinse device (such as a squeeze bottle), rinse the bottle with clean water, scald the inside with boiling water, and air dry.
Check that the saline packet is within its expiration date and that the packaging is intact (no damage or leaks).
Step 2: Fill the device with saline and test the equipment
Pressure nasal rinse device: Pour the prepared saline into the nasal rinse bottle and tighten the cap to ensure a leak-proof seal.
Nasal spray device: Insert the saline packet into the sprayer and squeeze several times to expel air until a uniform mist of liquid is sprayed out.
Premixed nasal rinse salt packet: Open the package and pour the saline into the nasal rinse device or a dedicated container.
Step 3: Properly Irrigate Your Nasal Cavity
How to Use a Pressure Nasal Irrigator:
Bend over and gently insert the nasal irrigator nozzle into one nostril (about 1 cm deep), keeping your mouth slightly open (breathing through your mouth).
Slowly squeeze the bottle to allow the saline solution to flow into one nostril and out through the back of the nasal cavity, either into the other nostril or into the mouth.
Avoid excessive pressure during irrigating to prevent the solution from entering the middle ear or damaging the nasal mucosa.
After irrigating one side, wipe any liquid from the nasal cavity with a tissue and repeat the process on the other side.
How to Use a Nasal Sprayer:
Aim the nozzle at one nostril and squeeze the sprayer 2-3 times while breathing through your mouth.
After spraying, tilt your head forward for 5-10 seconds to allow the saline solution to fully contact the nasal mucosa.
When blowing your nose, gently press on one nostril to avoid excessive pressure that may cause ear pain.
Step 4: Cleaning and Storage
After rinsing, wipe away any liquid from your face and nasal cavity with a tissue.
Disassemble the nasal rinser (if detachable), rinse the bottle and nozzle with clean water, let dry, and store.
Dispose of the disposable saline bag and used tissue in the trash to prevent secondary contamination.
Notes: Prioritize both safety and effectiveness
Frequency and Duration Control
Daily Care: Use once or twice daily, using no more than 300mL of saline solution (approximately the volume of a squeeze bottle) per rinse.
Acute Periods (e.g., colds, rhinitis): Increase to three times daily, but do not exceed two weeks of continuous use.
Long-Term Use: For long-term use (e.g., chronic rhinitis), adjust the frequency and concentration of saline under the guidance of a doctor to avoid disrupting the nasal flora.
Contraindications for Special Populations
Children: Pressure-type nasal irrigation devices are not recommended for children under 4 years old. Nasal sprays or nasal drops are recommended.
Pregnant women: Consult a doctor before use to avoid hypertonic saline triggering uterine contractions.
Ear disease patients: Those with otitis media, a perforated eardrum, or a recent ear surgery should avoid nasal irrigation to prevent fluid from entering the middle ear through the Eustachian tube.
Epistaxis: During acute nosebleeds, pause irrigation until the bleeding stops before resuming.
Side Effect Management
Coughing: If fluid enters the throat during irrigation, stop squeezing the bottle immediately, lower your head to spit out the fluid, adjust your posture, and restart.
Earache: This may be due to fluid entering the middle ear. Stop irrigation immediately, tilt your head to allow the fluid to drain, and consult a doctor.
Nasal mucosal irritation: If burning or dryness occurs after irrigation, the saline may be too concentrated or too cold. Adjust the ratio or temperature.
Saline nasal irrigation is a safe method for relieving nasal congestion and clearing the nasal cavity, but proper technique is crucial. From the selection of tools and preparation of saline in the preparation stage, to posture adjustment and equipment operation during flushing, to cleaning and storage after use, every step must strictly follow scientific principles.
