The Best Way to Get Rid of Sinus Drainage

Sinus drainage can make a person miserable. No one likes the feeling of drainage down the back of their throat. There are several prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that offer solutions to sinus drainage. All of these may work for some, for a small amount of time, but there are often negative side effects. Nasal irrigation with a positive-pressure squeeze bottle system is the best way to get rid of sinus drainage.

Nasal Irrigation System

A positive-pressure squeeze bottle irrigation system is the most effective way of clearing the nasal passages and throat of sinus drainage. An 8 oz. nasal irrigator can be purchased at any local drug store, usually close to the over-the-counter allergy medications. Positive pressure is created when you fill the bottle with warm water and a saline mixture and gently squeeze the bottle. The low positive pressure that is created with this system is also useful in removing other harmful viruses, bacteria and allergens from the nasal passages. Using this product on a consistent basis will also help decrease swelling and increase the air flow in your nasal passages. Regular users of this product may also see a decrease in the number of sinus infections that they are plagued with.

Directions

The user fills the bottle with 8 oz. of warm water and 1/8 tsp. of table salt. Make sure that this water is not too warm, as you can burn your nasal passages with water that is hot. You can also purchase premeasured packets of a saline mixture at your local drug store. Just empty the entire contents of this package into the bottle filled with water. Place your finger over the hole in the cap and shake the bottle well to mix the solution. Lean your head over the sink and place the bottle against your nasal passage to form a seal. Keep your mouth open and squeeze the bottle until about half of the water has been emptied from the bottle. Repeat this process on the other nasal passage until all of the water is gone. Blow your nose until you feel that all of the saline solution has been removed.

Tips

You may feel some extra sinus pressure after the nasal irrigation but this should go away quickly. You will also experience some nasal dripping, so make sure that you carry some extra tissues with you for about 10 minutes. This process can be repeated several times a day.

Warnings

Do not use plain water without the saline mixture in this irrigation bottle, this will only result in a severe burning sensation in the nasal passages. You also do not want to use this system if your nasal passages are completely closed off or if you have had surgery on your ears.