NASAL IRRIGATION
Q:What is the advantage of nasal rinses?
A: Some amount of mucus production from the nasal and sinus lining is normal. Allergies and infections will cause excessive mucus production. This will create nasal and sinus symptoms such as runny and stuffy nose and post nasal drip. When the nasal rinse is performed, you wash away mucus, allergy causing particles and irritants such as pollens, dust particles, pollutants and bacteria, thus reducing the inflammation of the mucus membrane. Normal mucosa will fight infections and allergies better and symptoms will be reduced.
Q: What is the best time of the day to do nasal rinse?
A: Nasal rinses can be done at any time of the day. However, if the procedure is done at night, we recommend that you rinse at least one to two hours before going to bed or leaving your home in order to avoid the occasional, accidental drainage of the solution from the nasal passages.
Q: How many times a day should the nasal rinse be performed?
A: Usually, no more than once or twice a day. You can rinse more than twice a day, but it may not provide any additional benefit. Please follow your physician's advice.
Q: Which type of water is recommended for nasal rinsing?
A: Boiled tap water is safe since it gets sterilized from boiling. Make sure that the boiled water is stored in a clean container. Discard any unused, previously boiled water after three days. We do not recommend it, but several customers and doctors in the US and Canada do use warm tap water. Please avoid using non-chlorinated or non-ultra filtered well water unless it is boiled.
Q: Can I use bottled water?
A: Bottled water is usually safe to use.
Q: Can I microwave the bottle filled with solution?
A: It can be warmed in the microwave. The time needed to warm the solution can only be determined by trial and error. Try in increments of five seconds to find the right temperature. Over heating will damage the plastic bottle. Cap loose during heating in the microwave oven.
Q: What is the advantage of SINUS RINSE™ packets?
A: EachSINUS RINSE™ packet contains a preservative free mixture of Sodium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate that is pH balanced. The packets are easy to dispense and contain enough mixture to make 8 oz. of saline solution, taking the guesswork out of preparing this solution. Our mixture will not produce any stinging or burning in the nasal passages.
Q: What is the advantage of SINUS RINSE™ bottle?
A: SINUS RINSE™ easy squeeze bottle has printed instructions on it and also has a custom designed cap that comfortably fits different size nasal openings.
Q: What are the causes of burning sensation?
A: With our product, you should expect a soothing feeling, not a burning sensation. Causes of a burning sensation are: 1. Forgetting to put mixture in the bottle, 2. Putting more than one packet for the specified water quantity, 3. Too cold or too hot water, 4. Not thoroughly dissolving the mixture in water, 5. Having an acutely inflamed mucosa or mucosal ulcers.
Under normal circumstances, one should not feel any burning or stinging. However, if you feel any burning and if the problem still continues, please quit the rinses and call our office for advice.
CAUTION: Rinsing with plain water without the mixture will create more burning sensation than rinsing with the saline solution.
Q: What should I do if nasal rinse creates pain in the ear?
A: Nasal rinse is not recommended in the presence of an ear infection or ear symptoms of any kind. We advise that you consult your physician or wait until symptoms resolve, before starting the rinses. If symptoms recur then you must stop the rinses and consult your physician as soon as possible.
Q: What should I do if my nasal passage feels plugged or stuffy?
A: It is recommended that you postpone the nasal rinses until the passage has cleared. A completely plugged or stuffy nasal passage is likely to create symptoms of pressure, retention of the solution after the rinse, and may create symptoms in the ears. You can consider the use of over-the-counter nasal decongestants, unless they are specifically not recommended for you. You can consult with your physician regarding the use of nasal decongestants. You can restart the rinses once again after the nasal passage opens up.
Q: Can I add any other ingredients such as eucalyptus oil, alcohol, herbal medications, Vicks, vinegar or antibiotics?
A: Please check with your physician.
Q: What if I prefer a higher concentration of salt solution or hypertonic solution?
A: Some physicians do recommend hypertonic solutions in certain cases. They believe that a higher concentrated solution will draw the fluid and mucous out of congested nasal and maybe sinus openings. If you prefer higher salinity or hypertonic solution, you can use our 2-3 blue packets of the mixture in 240 mL (8 oz.) of water OR use our new green Hypertonic Refill Packet. Each Hypertonic packet will make 240 mL (8 oz.) of hypertonic solution or 480 mL (16 oz.) of Isotonic solution.
Q: What should I do if I happen to swallow the saline solution during the SINUS RINSE™ procedure?
A: It should not do any harm. If you follow our directions, the chances of solution reaching the back of the throat are very small.
Q: Is it common to get solution draining from the nose following nasal rinse?
A: Yes, this is very common and hence we do not recommend rinsing your nasal passages just before going to bed. This happens in the first 15 to 20 minutes after the rinse.
Q: Should workers exposed to occupational dust perform nasal rinses?
A: Workers who are exposed to a large amount of environmental or occupational dust from construction work, farming, mining or various indoor and outdoor occupations may benefit by regular use of the nasal rinse procedure. You should rinse the nose as soon as possible after the exposure. The sooner the irritant is removed from the delicate membranes, the less likely the membranes are to get inflamed and congested.
Q: Do nasal rinses improve the sense of smell?
A: We know that chronic rhinitis or chronic sinus disease will affect the sense of smell and taste. Nasal rinses will improve chronic nasal and sinus disease which in turn will improve the sense of smell and taste. This has been well proven in several scientific studies.
Q: Can the SINUS RINSE™ mixture packet be used for nasal irrigation, which is performed by some patients?
A: Use one blue packet of SINUS RINSE™ for 240 mL (8 oz.) of water and two blue packets or one green packet for 480 mL (16 oz.) of water. However, we do not feel that it is necessary to use any electrical system when you have our simple squeeze bottle system. Our system is inexpensive, easy to clean, and portable. Please refer to page 15, Q54 for more details.
Q: Does the nasal rinse procedure improve bad breath?
A: In some cases, bad breath may be caused by chronic nasal and sinus disease. Nasal rinse will improve nasal and sinus disease which may eliminate bad breath. |
