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Patients & Consumers Online Tools Find an Allergist / Immunologist Pollen Counts Diseases 101 Drug Guide Featured Resources » AAAAI Tips Brochures Topic of the Month New Research Information Request Form Donate Now En Español Just for Kids Seniors Contact Us Search by Condition (A-Z) Request a Speaker Smoke Free Homes Referral Guidelines Other Resources En Español Just for Kids Seniors		Rhinosinusitis: Saline sinus rinse recipe Saline sinus rinses can often bring relief to patients with chronic sinus or rhinitis problems without the use of medication. Often, people with chronic or acute sinus infections produce excessive mucus and sinus rinses are helpful to remove and thin out secretions. Several different commercial sinus rinse devices are effective and available without prescription; patients should choose a product based on their personal preference. Saline sinus rinses may also rinse out allergens, irritants, and germs and remove possible triggers that bother people with sinus and rhinitis problems. The rinses are easy to use, but may seem unusual at first and may take a little “getting used to”. Most patients are very satisfied and experience much-needed relief with their use. Print/download recipe (PDF) Ingredients The various proprietary brands have pre-made packets that may be convenient for patients. Equally effective is the following recipe that may be made at home from two easily accessible ingredients: Pickling or canning salt, containing no iodine, anti-caking agents or preservatives, which can be irritating to the nasal lining Baking soda In a clean container, mix three heaping teaspoons of iodine-free salt with one rounded teaspoon of baking soda and store in a small airtight container. Add one teaspoon of the above recipe to eight ounces (one cup) of lukewarm distilled or boiled water. Use less dry ingredients to make a weaker solution if burning or stinging is experienced. For children, use a half-teaspoon with four ounces of water. Directions Get a soft rubber ear bulb syringe, infant nasal bulb or a commercial nasal saline rinse product from your drug store and administer the rinse by following these steps: Draw up saline into this product and instill approximately four ounces of solution gently into the right nostril with your head tilted downward and rotated to the left. Breathe normally through your mouth and in a few seconds the solution should come out the other nostril. Repeat the process by rotating your head rightward and instilling four ounces of solution gently into the left nostril. You may need to adjust your head position so the solution does not go down the back of the throat or into the ears. To prevent the solution from going into the ear and causing discomfort, blow the nose very gently. You may now use your prescribed nasal medications and they may work better than before the sinus rinse. Do not use sinus rinses if the nasal passageway is severely blocked. It is recommended to use the sinus rinses in the shower so they don't create a mess, but they may also be used over a sink. As with any medical product, be sure to speak to your doctor about using sinus rinses and stop using if you experience pain, nosebleeds or other problems. Your allergy/immunology specialist can advise you and provide detailed information for your care. Last updated May 2006 <back>
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