Buffered Hypertonic Saline Nasal IrrigationThe Benefits1. When you irrigate, the hypertonic saline (salt water) acts as a solvent and washes the mucus crusts and other debris from your nose.
3. Studies have also shown that high concentration salt water and an alkaline irrigation (baking soda) improves nasal membrane cell function (mucocilliary flow of mucus debris). The RecipeChoose a one-quart glass jar that is thoroughly cleansed.Fill with tap water. You do not need to boil the water. You may use bottled water. Add 2-3 heaping teaspoons of either pickling/canning or kosher salt, NOT table salt as it contains a large number of additives. Add 1 teaspoon Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (pure bicarbonate). Mix ingredients together and store at room temperature. Discard after one week. If you find this solution too strong, you may decrease the amount of salt added to 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons. With children it is often best to start with a milder solution and advance slowly. The InstructionsSniff the salt water as instructed or you may use a bulb/ear syringe, large medical syringe (30 cc) or water pik with irrigation tip. You should plan to irrigate your nose with buffered hypertonic saline 2-3 times per day. Always pour the amount of fluid you plan to use into a clean bowl. DO NOT put your used syringe back into the quart solution because it contaminates your solution. Many people prefer to warm the solution slightly in microwave--But be sure that the solution is NOT HOT. Stand over the sink (some people do this in the shower) and squirt the solution into each side of your nose aiming the stream toward the back of your head, NOT the top of your head. This allows you to spit the salt water out of your mouth. It will not harm you if you swallow a little.For younger children, you may want to place the solution into a pump spray container such as "ocean spray" or "nasal steroid" container and squirt several times into each side of the nose. DO NOT FORCE your child to lay down. It is much easier to do in a sitting or standing position. If you have been told to use a nasal steroid such as Vancenase, Beconase or Nasacort, you should always use hypertonic saline solution first and then use your nasal steroid product. The nasal steroid is much more effective when sprayed onto clean nasal membranes and the steroid medicine will reach deeper into the nose. If you find the solution too drying, you can add 1 tablespoon of light karo syrup or aloe to the mixture. Most people experience a little burning sensation the first few times they use hypertonic saline solution, but this usually goes away in a few days. Please call our office if you have any problems or questions. |
