Nasal Irrigation Could Help with Allergy Symptoms

Nasal irrigation has its roots from the Ayurvedic practice of "Jala neti", which in Sanskrit means "nasal cleansing." Research has shown that nasal cleansing can be helpful in easing the symptoms of sinusitis that plague allergy sufferers.

A 2007 study at the University of Michigan tested 127 adults with chronic nasal and sinus symptoms and found that nasal irrigations of large amounts of saline was more effective than saline nasal sprays in diminishing the symptoms and improving their quality of life. Another 2008 study in China which examined children with severe allergies found that nasal saline irrigation reduced their need for steroids and other nasal sprays.

Benefits of Nasal Irrigation:

1. Removes allergen pollens

2. Clears away mucous

3. Moistens and refreshes nasal passages

4. Can help prevent sinus infections

5. Non medication treatment

6. Safe for children

Traditionally, nasal irrigations have been done using a neti pot which looks like a flattened teapot or Aladdin's lamp. Use of the neti pot for sinus irrigation was promoted on Oprah by Dr. Oz who gave tips during the show on its use. First, you will need saline solution. Dr. Oz suggests never flushing with plain water because it causes burning and irritates your sinuses; warm water is best. You can make your own salt rinsing solution from the following ingredients.

Homemade saline solution:

¼ tsp. of kosher or table salt
¼ tsp. baking soda
8 oz. of warm tap water

(1 tsp. of salt, 1 tsp baking soda per 32 ounces of water)

Make fresh solution every 24 hours and throw out the leftover liquid to prevent bacterial contamination.

Neti pots can be purchased at local drug stores such as Walgreen's or on line for about $10-15. Alternately, a company called "Nasopure" makes a specially shaped plastic bottle with curved tip that can be used instead of a neti pot. (see link below) Nasopure also sells special buffered saline solutions in separate packets, good for one time use. Nasopure's website is loaded with other information and articles about nasal cleansing written by Dr. Hana Solomon, a pediatrician who is a strong promoter of nasal irrigation and its benefits.

"Sinus Rinse Nasal Wash" is made by NeilMed and is sold at a number of local pharmacies as well as through their website (see below). They sell individual saline packets by the 100 to be mixed with water that can be used with either a neti pot or with a nasal irrigator bottle they endorse.

How to rinse your sinuses:

1. First, blow your nose gently with tissue.

2. Fill the neti pot or other rinsing bottle with 8 ounces of saline prepared solution.

3. Stand over the sink and turn your head to the right so your left nostril is lower.

4. Place the neti pot or other flushing bottle against your right nostril and pour the saline solution into your nostril keeping your head tilted so the left side remains lower.

5. Saline will run out of your left nostril. To prevent any fluid from entering your throat, say the letter "K" stopping before you actually make the sound closes your palate.

6. Repeat on the other side.

CAM (Complementary Alternative medicine) therapies such as nasal irrigation are gaining more attention and respect by western medical practitioners as a worthwhile alternative to traditional allergy treatment. It makes sense to try non drug interventions, especially for seasonal problems like allergies, before resorting to the use of drugs which typically have other unpleasant side effects.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/health/14real.html

http://www.nasopure.com/default.aspx

http://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php (site for Sinus Rinse)

http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_nasalirr_hhg.htm

http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/guides/salinenasal.htm