Keeping Your Sinuses Healthy Through Irrigation

The process comes in many names - sinus rinse, sinus flushing or sinus irrigation; but all these terms basically refer to one very simple, yet very promising technique that can dispel your sinus problems. Sinus irrigation basically involves allowing water to enter one nostril and drain out of the other nostril. This can be done as simple as by snorting water from cupped hands; to using the classic neti-pot (a tea-pot-resembling object of Ayurvedic origin); to simple gadgets like an ordinary needle-less syringe, bulb syringes or spray bottle; to commercially designed and manufactured nasal irrigators. Some of the latest models of irrigators have been equipped with features that allow the user to control the pressure and volume of the irrigating solution. Then, taking the process a notch higher, some irrigators even allow for pulsating action, apparently to mimic and to complement the natural movement of cilia, the hair-like projections in our nose.

Why Does It Work?

When the nasal cavities are flushed with a liquid solution, the nasal cavities and the more distally-located sinuses are kept from drying-out. The moisture in the environment makes the cilia function optimally. Moreover, the inward to outward flow of the solution eliminates the dirt, allergens, pollutants, and microorganisms trapped inside the sinuses before they can trigger some inflammatory responses or start an acute infection.

Aside from using plain or tap water, you may want to try using saline solution. There are commercial preparations of the saline solution which can be readily availed from most pharmacies. The advantage of using the commercial solution is that they have gone through the process of sterilization, plus, the formulation as to salt-water ratio is consistent. However, simply combining salt with water does the job just fine. Salt has been renowned as a natural drying agent. It also has anti-bacterial properties. Because of these, sinus rinsing with saline solution effectively treats runny nose (rhinorrhea) and nasal congestion.

And That’s Not All Folks

Sinus irrigation works not only against sinusitis but in other upper respiratory tract conditions such as common colds, hay fever, asthma and rhinitis. A handful of people who patiently performed sinus rinsing have given their testimonies as to how this simple process, combined with compliance to their prescribed medication, has significantly improved their quality of life.

Sinus flushing can be done as frequent as necessary without fear for any adverse effects. In fact some experts recommend doing it at least once as a part of our daily hygiene.

Level-up

Because of the benefits one can derive from sinus irrigation, it is not surprising at all that pharmaceutical companies have developed interest in using this process as a means to administer sinusitis and rhinitis medication. One of these companies, is one of the industry leaders, Sinus Dynamics. At Sinus Dynamics, they develop their own complete line of commonly prescribed medications for sinusitis and rhinitis and customize them for use with their medical irrigator called SinusActive. Using SinusActive, the medication is directed to the sinuses effectively to achieve immediate relief. If you are interested about nasal irrigation, discuss it with your doctor. He’ll be glad to shed light into your questions for sure.