To make your own saline solution, combine 1 quart distilled water, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon baking soda in a clean glass jar. Stir the solution and store at room temperature. Replace the solution after a week with fresh water, salt, and baking soda. Do not use tap water. If you don’t have distilled water you can sterilize tap water by boiling it for at least one minute, then allowing it to cool back down to room temperature. This will kill harmful contaminates. [1] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Wash your hands well before you do a nasal rinse to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs. Then, fill the bulb syringe or neti pot with the saline solution.
Place the bulb syringe in your left nostril and gently squirt the mixture into your left nostril. Aim the stream toward the back of your head, not the top of your head. Do not inhale through your nose as you squirt. The bulb syringe should be able to get the solution into your nose without any inhalation on your part. If you are using a neti pot, place the spout in your left nostril and tip the pot up so the solution enters your nose. If the solution does not flow out of the neti pot, lift the pot so it is positioned a bit higher than your head but do not turn your head over your shoulder. Try to keep your forehead above your chin.
After you have cleared out your left nostril, you may should rotate your head so you are facing the sink or tub and exhale sharply through both nostrils. This will help to remove any excess mucus or water. You can also use a tissue to wipe off any excess mucus or water. However, do not press down on one nostril while blowing through the other nostril, this can put pressure on your inner ear canal. Repeat the same process with your right nostril using the bulb syringe or the neti pot and the salt solution.
If the solution continues to irritate your nose, it may not be salty enough or too salty. Taste the salt solution to determine if it too salty (you taste too much salt) or not salty enough (you can barely taste the salt). Adjust the solution so you can taste the salt but it is not an overpowering taste. If you develop a headache after using a nasal wash, your forehead may have been lower than your chin, leading to some water draining into your frontal sinus. After some time, the water should drain out on its own.
It can be difficult for your children to use a nasal wash. Assist your child when they are using the nasal wash and make sure they do not lie down when using the nasal wash. The nasal wash is more effective when done while sitting or standing.
The most common type of over-the-counter nasal spray is Fluticasone nasal spray, which is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids improve your nasal issues by preventing the release of natural substances that can cause allergy symptoms. They should only be used for chronic allergies. You can also use a nasal spray that contains xylitol, purified water, salt, and grapefruit seed extract. This type of nasal spray has no side effects and contains no drugs. It is also safe for all ages. [4] X Research source
Always follow the dose directions on the nasal spray label and ask your pharmacist to explain any instructions you do not understand. Never use more or less than specified on the package or as recommended by your pharmacist. If you miss a dose, do not double up on the dose. Instead, wait until the following day and continue on your recommended dose for the day. Children younger than four years old should not use nasal spray. Children younger than 12 years old should be assisted by an adult when using nasal spray. Only use nasal spray in your nose. Do not spray it in your eyes or mouth. As well, you should never share your nasal spray with someone else as this may spread germs and bacteria.
Hold the pump so your forefinger and middle finger grip the applicator and your thumb rests on the bottom of the bottle. Point the applicator so it if facing away from your face. Press down and release the pump six times. If you have used the pump previously, but not within the last week, press down and release the pump until it releases a fine spray.
Breathe in through your nose. As you breathe in, use your forefinger and middle finger to press down on the applicator, releasing the spray into your nose. Once you have released the spray, breathe out through your mouth. If you have been instructed by your doctor to use two sprays in each nostril, repeat these steps again on the same nostril. If you are only using one spray in each nostril, repeat these steps again in the other nostril.
Store the nasal spray in a dry spot at room temperature, not in your bathroom where the air can be humid and moist. If the applicator becomes clogged, you can soak it in warm water and rinse it with cold water. Dry it well and store it properly. Do not use pins or a sharp object to remove the blockage as this can contaminate the nasal spray.
Headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. Dryness, stinging, burning, or irritation in your nose. Bloody mucus in your nose, nosebleeds, or thick nasal discharge. Vision issues or severe face pain. Fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, or other signs of an infection. Hives, a rash, or severe itching. A whistling sound from your nose. Swelling of your face, throat, lips, eyes, tongue, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs. Hoarseness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you have had surgery on your nose in the past month or injured your nose, you should go see your doctor before using nasal spray. As well, if you have sores on your nose or any eye issues, you should talk to your doctor before using any medications for your nose.
