How to Do a Sinus Flush at Home

Health Line

2 days ago

Nasal irrigation with a saline solution can help clear your nasal passages. Following safety tips can help prevent infection.
Nasal irrigation, also called saltwater sinus flush, is a safe and simple remedy for nasal congestion and sinus irritation that just about anyone can do at home.
A 2022 review of 69 studies concluded that nasal saline treatment is effective for treating most sinonasal diseases.
Read on to learn more about what a sinus flush is and if you might benefit from it.
What is a sinus flush?
A sinus flush, also called nasal irrigation, is a process of sending sterile (very clean) water into one side of your nose, through your sinus passages, and out the other side of your nose.
It's usually done with saline, which is just a fancy term for salt water. When rinsed through your nasal passages, saline can wash away allergens, mucus, and other debris, and help to moisten the mucous membranes.
Some people use a device called a Neti pot to help deliver the salt water to the nasal cavities, but you can also use squeeze bottles or bulb syringes.
A sinus flush is generally safe. However, there are a few important safety instructions to be aware of before you try it.
How do you do a sinus flush?
The first step to flushing your sinuses is to create a saline solution. Typically, this is done by mixing warm, sterile water with pure salt, known as sodium chloride, to create an isotonic solution — or slightly salty water.
While you can create your own saline solution at home, you can also purchase sterile, over-the-counter premixed saline packets.
It's crucial to use sterile water for this step. Never use water directly from your tap for a nasal flush without sterilizing it first. This is due to the risk of a rare but serious infection with a parasitic amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. If this amoeba enters the sinuses, it makes its way to the brain and causes a serious infection that can be life threatening.
You can sterilize your water by boiling it for a minute and then allowing it to cool. Never use hot water – always let it cool to at least room temperature.
To clear your sinuses, follow these steps:
Stand with your head over a sink or in the shower and tilt your head to one side.
Using a squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, or Neti pot, pour or squeeze the saline solution slowly into the upper nostril.
Allow the solution to pour out of your other nostril and into the drain. Breathe through your mouth, not your nose, at this time.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat. You may need to adjust your head position until you find the correct angle.
Gently blow your nose into a tissue when you're done to clear out any mucus.
If you've recently had sinus surgery, resist the urge to blow your nose for 2 weeks following the procedure.
Are there tips to do it safely?
You may do sinus flushing along with other medications, like antihistamines or decongestants, that you take. A sinus flush carries a small risk of infection and other side effects, but these risks can be easily avoided by following a few simple safety rules:
Wash your hands before the sinus flush.
Don't use tap water. Instead, use distilled water, filtered water, or water that has been previously boiled and cooled.
Clean out your neti pot, bulb, or squeeze bottle with hot, soapy, and sterile water or run it through the dishwasher after each use. Allow it to dry completely.
Avoid using cold water, especially if you've just had sinus surgery. For people who recently had surgery for chronic sinusitis, there's a risk of developing bony growths in the nose called paranasal sinus exostoses (PSE) if you use a cold solution.
Avoid using very hot water.
Throw away the saline solution if it appears cloudy or dirty.
Don't perform nasal irrigation on infants.
Don't do a saline sinus flush if you have a facial wound that hasn't healed, a neurologic condition, or musculoskeletal problems that put you at a higher risk of accidentally breathing in the liquid.
What are the risks and side effects of doing a sinus flush?
As mentioned above, failing to use sterile water carries a small risk of infection with a dangerous parasite called Naegleria fowleri. Symptoms of an infection with this parasite include:
severe headache
stiff neck
fever
altered mental status
seizures
coma
Boiling your water for at least a minute and then allowing it to cool before mixing in the salt should be sufficient to kill the parasite and prevent infection.
If done properly, a sinus flush shouldn't cause any major side effects. Though you may experience some mild effects, including:
stinging in the nose
sneezing
sensation of ear fullness
nosebleeds, though this is rare
If you find that a sinus flush is particularly uncomfortable, try lowering the amount of salt in the solution.
Keep in mind that some bloody nasal discharge may occur for a few weeks following a sinus surgery. This is normal and should improve over time.
Do sinus flushes work?
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of nasal irrigation for treating acute and chronic sinusitis and allergies.
Doctors most often recommend using saline sinus irrigation for chronic sinusitis. In one older study from 2009, patients with chronic sinus symptoms who used saline sinus irrigation once daily reported a 64% improvement in overall symptom severity and a significant improvement in quality of life after 6 months.
Research supporting the use of saline flush to treat allergies or the common cold is less definitive. One recent review of clinical trials in people with allergic rhinitis found that while using a saline solution appeared to improve symptoms compared to not using a saline sinus flush, the quality of evidence was low, and further research is needed.
How often should you flush?
It's fine to do a sinus flush occasionally if you're experiencing a bout of nasal congestion from a cold or allergies.
Start with one irrigation per day while you have nasal congestion or other sinus symptoms. If you feel that it is helping your symptoms, repeat the irrigation up to three times per day.
Some people continue to use it to prevent sinus issues even when they don't have symptoms. However, some doctors warn that regular use of nasal irrigation may actually increase the risk of sinus infection. Routine use may also hinder some protective features of the mucus membrane lining the nasal passages and sinuses.
More research is needed to clarify any long-term side effects of regular saline sinus flushes. At the moment, it's probably best to limit use to when you're experiencing sinus symptoms, or to ask for your doctor's advice.