Nasal Rinsing: The Solution Your Sinuses Have Been Waiting For?

Nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. None of these symptoms are life-threatening, but if you’ve ever had allergies, sinus infections, or a bad cold, you’ve probably felt their impact on your daily life. One possible solution frequently mentioned online is nasal rinsing. 

Columbia ENT specialist Jonathan Overdevest, MD, PhD, is an expert in the anatomy and proper functioning of the nose and sinuses. He shares insights into the benefits of nasal rinsing and how to do it safely.  

What is nasal rinsing? 

Nasal rinsing, sometimes called nasal irrigation, is a way to relieve nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. It involves pouring a warm saline solution into the nostrils to flush mucus out of the nasal cavity and sinuses.  

Nasal rinsing is popular because it can be done at home and offers a natural way to ease nasal symptoms without medications. 

What are the benefits of nasal rinsing? 

Everyone has a tried-and-true regimen for dealing with allergies and colds, ranging from home remedies to over-the-counter medicines. The challenge is knowing the underlying cause of the symptoms and using the correct kind of treatment. 

Nasal rinsing can be done alone or with these treatments and offers several benefits:  

• Reduces some of the most common nasal symptoms regardless of what’s causing them 
• Helps distribute medications throughout the sinuses if you have a sinus infection  
• Clears out dust, pollen, and other allergens from the nose 

How do you rinse the sinuses? 

You’ll need warm, sterile saline and an irrigation device. One option is to use a neti pot, which looks like a teapot with a long spout. In my practice, I encourage patients to use a squeeze bottle. 

1. Prepare the saline. You can buy saline from a pharmacy or make it at home. If you make it yourself, be sure to boil tap water first to kill pathogens, or use distilled water that’s already been purified. The saline should also be warm—saline that’s too hot or cold can irritate the sinuses.   
2. Get into the correct position. Lean over a sink and turn your head to the side so that one ear faces the ceiling. To prevent the saline from running down your throat (which isn’t dangerous, just a little uncomfortable), say the word “hung” and hold the “ng” sound. This separates the throat from the nasal cavity.  
3. Irrigate both nostrils. Pour the saline into the top nostril. It will come out of the bottom nostril. Then turn your head so your other ear is facing the ceiling and repeat the process.  
4. Blow your nose to clear out any remaining saline or mucus. 
5. Thoroughly clean and dry all of your irrigation supplies after each use to keep them free from harmful bacteria.

Is nasal rinsing safe? 

Nasal rinsing is safe for most people aged two and older. You should avoid nasal rinsing if you have severe pressure in one or both ears. Additionally, if you notice that rinsing causes fullness in your ears, refrain from blowing your nose for at least ten minutes after finishing the rinse. 

It’s exceedingly rare, but there have been cases of people getting a very serious infection by using untreated tap water for nasal rinsing. This is why it’s important to always use distilled or boiled water if making your own saline. Keeping your supplies clean is also important for avoiding infections.  

Can nasal rinsing be used as a routine, preventive strategy?  

Yes, when done correctly. There’s no downside other than the time it takes. Warm saline won’t irritate or harm the mucous membranes in the nostrils or sinuses.  

Some of my patients use the rinse every morning, others every evening or even twice a day. It becomes part of their personal hygiene, just like brushing their teeth.