Nasal Saline Douches/Irrigation and Rinses
Nasal irrigation with hypertonic or isotonic saline is a simple, inexpensive and effective adjunct to therapy, by squirt, pump, gravity (e.g., ‘neti-pot’) or spray bottle systems. Nasal rinses remove allergens, irritants and inflammatory mediators and clear accumulated mucus, optimising mucociliary clearance. Saline rinsing is safe in children and adults and reduces disease severity and symptom s
Nasal irrigation with hypertonic or isotonic saline is a simple, inexpensive and effective adjunct to therapy, by squirt, pump, gravity (e.g., ‘neti-pot’) or spray bottle systems. Nasal rinses remove allergens, irritants and inflammatory mediators and clear accumulated mucus, optimising mucociliary clearance. Saline rinsing is safe in children and adults and reduces disease severity and symptom scores.41
Whenever possible, saline irrigation should precede the administration of INCS to remove debris for better delivery of INCS.
In a resource-constrained environment, the following recipe can be used in place of commercially available products for nasal irrigation42:
- In a clean container, mix 3 teaspoons iodide-free salt with 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda.
- Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 250 mL of lukewarm distilled or boiled water.
- Using a soft ear bulb or a commercial device, draw up the solution, lean over a sink with the head held sideways and insert the mixture into the top nostril till it comes out of the bottom nostril.
- Then repeat on the opposite side.
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Richards GA, McDonald M, Gray CL, et al. Allergic rhinitis: Review of the diagnosis and management: South African Allergic Rhinitis Working Group. S Afr Fam Pract. 2023;65(1), a5806. https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v65i1.5806