Risks and rewards of nasal rinses: What you need to know (2024)

There’s nothing like taking a deep breath and feeling the air move easily through your nose and into your lungs. But when allergies and colds leave you congested, flushing out clogged nasal passages can help you breathe a little easier.

Nasal irrigation, also known as sinus rinsing, is the practice of moving a saline (saltwater) solution through your nasal passages to clear out mucus and flush out debris and allergens. Irrigation devices, such as neti pots, squeeze bottles and rubber nasal bulbs, push the water through one nostril and out the other.

If you’ve never done a nasal rinse before, the process may sound uncomfortable. But the benefits and relief are well worth it if you take steps to perform the rinse safely.

Here’s what you need to know:

How does nasal irrigation work?

Rinsing out your sinuses and nasal passages offers relief for symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, cold and flu. In one study, patients with chronic sinus issues performed a daily nasal rinse and saw an improvement in symptom severity of more than 60%.

As saline solution moves through your nasal passages, it:

  • Clears out light mucus
  • Moistens nasal passages exposed to dry indoor air
  • Removes allergens such as dust, pollen and other debris
  • Thins out stubborn, thick mucus so it can be expelled while blowing your nose or coughing

Performing a nasal rinse

To flush your nasal passages, you’ll need an irrigation device and saline solution — which you can purchase as part of a kit or make at home. Once you have the supplies, plan to perform the rinse over a sink and take these steps, outlined by the National Institutes of Health:

  1. Fill the device with saline solution.
  2. Keep your head over a sink or tub and tilt your head sideways to the left.
  3. Gently pour or squeeze the solution into your right nostril. The water will come out the left nostril.
  4. Repeat on the other side.
  5. Gently blow your nose to remove remaining water or mucus.

Side effects of sinus rinsing

When nasal rinses are done properly, the side effects, if any, are typically minor and temporary. The most common issues resulting from a nasal rinse are a burning or stinging sensation in the nose and mild irritation in the nasal passages.

To make your nasal rinse more comfortable, make sure to use a saline solution instead of plain water, which can aggravate the inside of your nose. Saline allows water to move through your delicate nasal membranes with little to no burning and irritation.

Saline solutions often come prepackaged with nasal irrigation devices or can be homemade. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends the following saline sinus rinse recipe:

  1. Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and store in a small airtight container.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 8 ounces of lukewarm distilled or boiled water and perform a sinus rinse. (Use fewer dry ingredients to make a weaker solution if you experience burning or stinging.)

Safety tips for saline nasal washes

To avoid more serious issues associated with nasal irrigation, be sure to:

Use the right water

Never use tap water to rinse out your nasal passages — it isn’t filtered or treated and can contain bacteria. Tap water may be safe to swallow because your stomach acid kills any bacteria. But if you use tap water in a nasal rinse, the bacteria can continue to live. It can eventually cause infection and, in very rare cases, travel to the brain.

For a safe sinus rinse, use one of the following:

  • Boiled tap water, which is boiled for up to five minutes, cooled to room temperature and then used within 24 hours
  • Distilled or sterile water, which can be bought in stores
  • Filtered water that has passed through a filter meant to trap infectious organisms

Make sure the saline water solution is room temperature before rinsing with it. Using very hot water could scald or burn your nasal passages. If you’ve recently had surgery for chronic sinusitis, very cold water can increase the risk of developing bony growths in your nose.

Make sure the nasal irrigation device is clean

Plan to clean and air dry your neti pot or other irrigation devices after every use. Dirty or contaminated devices are a quick way to reintroduce bacteria into your nasal passages.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best cleaning method and remember to let the device dry completely. To avoid passing germs to others, do not share your irrigation device with anyone.

Only use nasal irrigation when you need it

Start by performing just one irrigation a day. If the rinse is helping, you can irrigate your nose up to three times a day. But nasal rinses should not be used as a preventive measure when you don’t have symptoms. It won’t prevent sinus issues and can cause infections to develop.

Your sinuses and nasal passages are lined with good mucus — it traps the irritants and germs that enter your nostrils and can kill some bacteria. Regular flushing can hinder those protective features and increase the risk of infection.

If you find yourself performing nasal irrigation all the time, reach out to your primary care physician about treatment for chronic sinus or allergy issues.

Risks and rewards of nasal rinses: What you need to know (2024)

FAQs

Risks and rewards of nasal rinses: What you need to know? ›

Usually, there are no side effects. Some people experience burning or stinging in their noses after doing nasal irrigation. If this happens, reduce the amount of salt you use in your saline solution. Also, make sure that boiled water has cooled to lukewarm before you use it.

What is the risk of nasal rinse? ›

Removal of the mucus lining leaves you vulnerable to illnesses such as sinus infections. While rare, nasal rinsing can cause serious infections or become life threatening when unsterilized water, including tap water, is used.

What are the benefits of a nasal rinse? ›

Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu.

Is it bad to do a nasal rinse Everyday? ›

In studies, people with daily sinus symptoms got relief from using a neti pot or other nasal irrigation system daily. Three times a week was often enough once their symptoms eased. But using it too often can irritate your nasal passages. And it might be counterproductive to use it daily for a long time.

Does sinus rinse have side effects? ›

Side effects usually do not occur with use of this product. However, if the inside of your nose is very dry and irritated, stinging may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What are the problems with nasal irrigation? ›

What are the side effects of nasal irrigation? Usually, there are no side effects. Some people experience burning or stinging in their noses after doing nasal irrigation. If this happens, reduce the amount of salt you use in your saline solution.

What happens if you do a nasal rinse wrong? ›

While rare, nasal rinsing can cause serious health problems when unsterilized water, including tap water, is used. Tap water is safe for drinking and bathing or showering. However, it can contain bacteria, including amoebas, that can cause serious or life-threatening infections in nasal passages.

Do doctors recommend nasal rinse? ›

If the rinse is helping, you can irrigate your nose up to three times a day. But nasal rinses should not be used as a preventive measure when you don't have symptoms. It won't prevent sinus issues and can cause infections to develop.

What is the best time of day to do a nasal rinse? ›

Nasal rinses can be done at any time of day.

Do you breathe when doing a nasal rinse? ›

Tip the nasal cup so that the solution pours into your upper nostril. Make sure to breathe through your mouth. The solution will soon drain out of your other nostril (see drawings).

Can water get stuck in your sinuses from a sinus rinse? ›

Yes, it is possible to get water stuck in your sinuses from a sinus rinse. This can happen if your sinuses are swollen or if your head is not tilted properly. If you feel like water is stuck, keep your head upright for a while and try blowing your nose. The water should work its way out.

Is bottled water ok for sinus rinse? ›

Abstract. Background: Nasal saline irrigations are a valuable, widely used adjunct for the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Due to potential concerns regarding infection, patients are commonly recommended to use distilled, bottled, or boiled tap water when mixing these solutions.

Why use baking soda in nasal rinse? ›

Nasal washes or rinses containing baking soda can be particularly helpful in thinning the mucus out and making it clear. People with allergic rhinitis and acute or chronic sinusitis might consider using baking soda nasal rinses regularly. This can help keep airways clear from mucus and reduce the risk of infection.

Does sinus rinse reduce inflammation? ›

A simple nasal saline rinse, when performed correctly and frequently, will cleanse the sinus drainage pathways and the nose, allowing for improved nasal breathing, more effective sinus clearance, and reduced inflammation.

What is the best nasal irrigation system? ›

1. Naväge Nasal Care System. The Navage is our top choice for your nasal irrigation needs. The Navage Nasal Irrigation System is a highly effective and convenient solution for people with nasal congestion, sinus pressure, or other symptoms.

Can sinus rinse cause ear problems? ›

Some people begin to experience discomfort in their ears or Eustachian tubes when using neti pots or other sinus rinses. They'll notice pressure changes in their ears and/or feel like they need to pop their ears often.

When should you not use a sinus rinse? ›

But nasal rinses should not be used as a preventive measure when you don't have symptoms. It won't prevent sinus issues and can cause infections to develop. Your sinuses and nasal passages are lined with good mucus — it traps the irritants and germs that enter your nostrils and can kill some bacteria.

Can you overuse saline nasal spray? ›

Although saline nasal sprays are safe for daily, ongoing use, they can cause a runny nose if you use too much at one time.

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