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Revision as of 18:16, 16 October 2007
Problem
Exposure to airborne irritants and allergens leading to allergic rhinitis (hayfever) can be relieved with a nasal rinse of saline solution. Availability and cost of commercially prepared saline solutions may limit accessibilty to treatment.
Summary
A homemade recipe of boiled water, salt, and baking soda is made for irrigation of the nasal mucous membranes.
Instructions
Nasal saline (salt water) rinses can help allergies and sinus infections by:
- Thinning secretions
- Removing pollen, dust and other allergens from your nose
- Removing secretions to make surfaces in your nose available for nasal steroid sprays
To make your own saline rinse, mix together in a clean container:
- ¼ teaspoon salt,
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 pinch baking soda
Remember:
- If possible, use a non-iodized salt such as sea salt
- If needed, adjust the amount of salt so that it tastes as salty as tears
- Make a new batch every 24 hours
- Use the saline rinse at least 15 minutes before using nasal steroid sprays
- Use a clean dropper bottle to put drops in nose
- You can also clean your hands, pour a small amount into your palm and snort the solution into your nose
Interwiki links
- Wikipedia:Nasal irrigation - general information about a method of flooding the nasal cavity with saline.
- Wikipedia:Jala neti - a traditional Indian (yoga) method of nasal irrigation.
References
Ferguson BJ. Allergic rhinitis. Options for pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy. Postgrad Med. 1997 May;101(5):117-20, 123-6, 131.
Rabone SJ, Saraswati SB. Acceptance and effects of nasal lavage in volunteer woodworkers.Occup Med (Lond). 1999 Aug;49(6):365-9.