I would definitely agree from my experience that nasal irrigations are not a cure all.   I found the quart of salt solution several times a day recommended by my specialist 10 years ago to be overdoing it. Nasal irrigations are important in cases where fairly severe congestion occurs.  Decongestants simpy can not get  heavy mucus to move out.  They may widen the very narrow sinus passages.  Mucus reducers also have a tough time against heavy mucus build up. 

It is important to use clean water such as distilled water and heat it to reduce the likelyhood of infection.  The water must be allowed to cool to near room temperature to be usable.  Some suggest that one add Xylitol to the salt water to reduce the likelyhood of bacterial infection.  Also be careful about introducing water into the ears.  The ears probably don't need the moisture.

I avoid decongestants and mucus reducers and use nasal irrigation as a mainstay.  It is suspected that decongestants are of no use against inflammation.  About once a week I use the nasal irrigation.  I use salt nasal spray between a major irrigation to loosen the mucus on an as needed basis.

The British supposedly use an extract from the radish to reduce mucus.  Such a product is not available in the US.  One can try eating a radish or chewing a very small amount of horse radish a couple of times per day.  This will work to some extent.  For severe inflammation use cold packs to reduce swelling, particulary at night to get a good night's rest.

Supposedly Omnaris reduces nasal inflammation.  Perhaps some of your readers have experience with it.

Diet appears to have some influence on sinusitis and all conditions likely to be linked to inflammation.  A check on foods which are anti-inflammatory may lead one to adjust their diet.  Brazil nuts, spinach, and wild salmon are very anti-inflammatory while burgers and fries are quite inflammatory.

Anonymous

1/ 7/10 4:06am

I have used nasal irrigation on a daily basis for 8 years. I send through a liter of warm water with tsp noniodized salt and tsp baking soda. I had had 2 sinus surgeries before I started the lavage and the ENT's wanted to obliterate my frontals due to recurring infections. 

 

After rinsing my sinuses for 3 weeks, I started getting relief. The CT scans had previously showed impacted sinuses and after 3 months, my ENT said that he had never seen my sinuses look so good in a new CT scan.  Although the water does not get to the frontals, the wash had enough affect to get them to drain.

 

I have found that it takes away my headaches. It has made colds last for shorter periods and I don't get buggers like I used to.  Just like shaving, this a now a daily regimen for me.  I beats all the drugs in the world.

terrence

1/ 7/10 11:36am

I have used a liter of warm water with 1 tsp noniodized salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda. But, I only used it when I needed to - in my air borne allergy season (spring). I have also had chronic sinusitus, along with my allergies. The latter has not been around for over four years (when I started nasal irrigation). And, I have not needed perscription antihistamines since then either.

 

If you use nasal irrigation only whn you need to, it REALLY works, and causes NO harm at all. I have recommended this to a number of people; ALL of whom had the same experience. 

 

BTW, I have not used nasal irrigation for over a year, because I no longer need to.

Kathleen MacNaughton, Health Pro

1/ 7/10 2:02pm

I think you've hit the nail on the head. When used only as needed, and not necessarily every day or several times a day, nasal irrigations can be therapeutic. It is when they are overused that the risk of infection rises.

terrence

1/ 7/10 3:31pm

Yes, and I should have added that I only did nasal irrigation in the morning and evening - just twice a day, for several weeks.

 

Over doing it is NOT a good idea.

i believe that regular irrigation may lead to sinus infection itself. a patient who has bad sinus problems (like i do) should do nasal irrigation when they feel and have symptoms that may lead to a sinus infection. believe me you know when your sinuses are acting up!

ANOTHER THING, i would recommend a natural solution instead of bought saline. i use a remedy which consists of pickling or canning salt and baking soda that was so greatfully provided by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. It also involves using a infant nasal bulb to properly secret unwanted material that is clogging your mucus pores.

Believe me, i have chronic sinusitis and routine infections have decreased significantly and my sinus pressure has been relieved!