Basics and Variations of Sinus Irrigation

If you are a wellness enthusiast, you might already have come across “sinus irrigation” or some of its alternative names such as sinus wash, sinus rinse or sinus flush.  This process, which does wonders for those with sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and common colds, is so simple - anyone can do it at the comfort of his own home without the need for a lot of special ingredients or instruments. Sounds too good to be true? Don’t be a skeptic just yet, and take time to know how sinus irrigation works.

Sinus Irrigation Process

The process is carried out simply by first, tilting the head sideways so that one nostril is above the other; and then flushing water through the upper nostril and then allowing the fluid (and all the unwanted debris that it now carries along with it) to drain out of the other nostril.

There are several variations to this basic technique just mentioned. First, clean, tap water as irrigating solution can be replaced with saline (salt and water) solution. Salt is a very good addition  because it has antibacterial properties. Salt also makes sinus irrigation work well against runny nose because of its dehydrating properties. Second, variations in sinus irrigation can be applied in terms of the technique. The simplest way is to snort the solution from cupped hands. However, simple tools such as squeeze/squirt bottles or syringe (without the needle) can also be employed. Alternately you can use a neti-pot. A neti-what? A neti-pot is an object, which you could imagine as something like Aladdin’s famous magical lamp, but with an elongated spout. Because of the neti-pot’s long and slim spout, it is effective in introducing the irrigating solution farther into the nasal cavity. Their ideal use for sinus irrigation has actually revived enthusiasm for these neti-pots, which have actually been around for a long time. In fact, they have been quite ancient, dating back at the time of Ayurvedic Medicine. 

Major Variations for a Much Effective Sinus Irrigation

As was already mentioned, using saline solution makes sinus irrigation helpful in getting rid of nasal and sinus infections. However, sometimes, ordinary saline solution is just not enough; this is probably when your doctor advices you that even as you continue your sinus rinsing, you should, as well, take oral antibiotics and decongestants.

If, however, for some reason, taking oral medication doesn’t quite appeal to you or you have other conditions that makes intake of these medications a contraindication, Sinus Dynamics offers the perfect solution- MEDICATED sinus irrigation. Sinus Dynamics is a leading pharmaceutical company in the treatment of sinusitis and rhinitis. They are able to customize your prescribed medications in forms suitable for use with ActiveSinus, which is one of the irrigators from the Sinus Dynamics line. Infusing the medication into the irrigating solution allows the active ingredients of the drug to come immediately in direct contact with the membranes of the nasal and sinus passages. Furthermore, ActiveSinus works even better because it is designed to deliver the irrigating solution even through congested sinus passages, and not merely through the section of the nasal cavity proximal to the nozzle or spray.

Ask your doctor for more information if you are interested about the advantages of medicated sinus irrigation.