Many people with asthma or other respiratory conditions also have nasal and sinus symptoms. Drainage from the nose and sinuses may worsen breathing symptoms. A nasal wash — also called nasal irrigation — helps reduce this possibility by removing mucus and bacteria from the nose and temporarily reducing symptoms of postnasal drainage and nasal congestion.

Before starting the nasal wash procedure, wash your hands.

Making the Nasal Wash Solution

Make the saltwater (saline) solution fresh each time in a clean glass. To make the solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and add a pinch of baking soda. If you are congested, use the entire 8 ounces during the nasal wash; otherwise, 4 ounces should be adequate. Discard any solution not used.

Position for Nasal Wash

Adults and older children: Lean far over the sink with your head down.
Younger children: If possible, have your child follow the above positioning. If this is difficult, have your child lean slightly over the sink with the head tilted slightly down. A small child may have difficulty cooperating and may need to be assisted.

Nasal Wash Techniques

Your clinician will discuss which technique may be best for you.

For Adults and Older Children

Method 1 — Bulb Syringe
Use a large bulb or ear syringe, available at most drug stores. Fill the syringe completely with the saline solution. Insert the tip just inside your nostril and pinch your nostril around the tip to keep the solution from running out. Gently squeeze the bulb and release it several times to swish the solution around in your nose, then blow your nose lightly. Repeat for the other nostril.

Method 3 — Water Pik with Nasal Irrigator Tip
Use a Water Pik® with a Grossan® Nasal Irrigator Tip, available at some pharmacies. Pour the saline solution into the water reservoir and set the Water Pik® at the lowest possible pressure. Insert the tip just inside your nostril and allow the fluid to run out of your mouth or other nostril. Blow your nose lightly. Repeat for the other nostril.
For Young Children and Babies

Babies: Use an eye dropper or needleless syringe. Place 10 to 20 drops of the saline solution in your baby's nostril. Use a bulb syringe to suction the mucus from your baby's nose. Repeat for the other nostril.

Small children who can blow their nose: If the bulb syringe method is not tolerated, use a clean, empty plastic nasal spray bottle filled with saline solution as an alternative. Squeeze the solution into your child's nostril and have your child blow his or her nose lightly. Repeat for the other nostril. Note that this method is less effective than the bulb syringe but serves as a useful alternative.

With any technique, the saline solution may get into the mouth and leave a salty taste. You may want to rinse the mouth with water after the nasal wash.

Cleaning the Equipment

Thorough cleaning of nasal wash equipment is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria. Each family member should have their own bulb syringe or nasal adaptor.

After each use: Fill the bulb syringe with hot water, swish it around, and empty it completely. Always stand the bulb syringe tip-down in a clean glass to allow it to drain fully.

Daily cleaning: Clean the bulb with either 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or white distilled vinegar. Draw the liquid into the bulb syringe, swish it around, and empty completely. Stand tip-down in a clean glass to drain fully.

For the Grossan® nasal adaptor: Wipe the tip with a clean, wet cloth after each use. Once a week, flush a weak chlorine bleach solution (one part bleach and nine parts water) through it. Rinse thoroughly by flushing with two cycles of fresh water.

If you have any questions, contact our office: Omaha: 402-391-1800 Lincoln: 402-464-5969