How to Rinse the Sinuses With Sodium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate

Sufferers of frequent sinus infections will agree that it can be one of the most miserable conditions of life. A sinus infection can bring pain, fever and discomfort, and interferes with your breathing, concentration, and sense of taste. Over-the-counter remedies sometimes provide temporary relief. Preventive allergy medications can help make you less prone to infections by circumventing the allergic response mechanism. But one condition that makes a large contribution to infection usually gets overlooked. Dry mucous membranes are a breeding ground for germs. You should keep your sinuses moist with the following practice.

Instructions

1

Purchase a home sinus wash tool like a Neti Pot or NeilMed brand squirt bottle. You may also use a bulb syringe.

2

Pour eight ounces of distilled water in a pan and warm to body temperature. You can test this by dipping your wrist in the water after a couple of minutes. You do not want it too hot. Alternatively, the microwave can be a more convenient way to heat your water. Pour the water in a microwave safe cup and heat on high for 45 seconds.

3

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of table salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda into the water. Stir until dissolved completely.

4

Pour the saline mixture into either the Neti Pot or NeilMed bottle or bulb syringe.

5

Stand with your head over a sink, with your mouth open. If you are using the Neti, tilt your head slightly to the left and pour a small amount of the saline into your right nostril. Sniff lightly and let the solution run out freely from your nose and mouth. Tilt your head to the right and repeat with your left nostril. If you are using the bottle or syringe, tilt your head forward and gently squeeze a small amount of solution into your right nostril. Again, let it run freely out of your nose and mouth. Repeat on the other side. For each method, you will repeat one side then the other until all the solution is used.

6

Wipe excess saline solution off your nose and mouth. You may find that the solution loosened and pushed out excess mucous. This is a desirable result. Wash your pot, bottle or syringe with water only and let it air dry.