Nasal irrigation (saline rinsing) clears mucus and allergens from the nasal passages using devices such as neti pots or squeeze bottles. Use sterile, distilled, or boiled-then-cooled water and an isotonic saline mix (commercial packets or a commonly used home ratio). Most people use it once daily for maintenance and up to twice daily for flares. Avoid tap water and consult a clinician if you have recent ear/nasal surgery or middle-ear problems.

What nasal irrigation is and why people use it

Nasal irrigation (saline nasal rinsing) flushes mucus, allergens, and irritants from the nasal passages with a saline solution. People use it for allergic rhinitis, chronic or recurrent nasal congestion, and as an adjunct when they have a cold or sinus infection. Many users find it reduces postnasal drip and the need for some symptomatic medicines.

How it works

You introduce a saline solution into one nostril and let it drain out the other. Devices range from traditional neti pots to squeeze bottles, bulb syringes, and prepackaged irrigation systems. The saline thins mucus, helps clear crusts and debris, and soothes inflamed tissue.

Preparing a safe saline solution

Commercial pre-mixed saline packets are convenient and consistent. If you make a solution at home, use sterile or distilled water, or water that has been boiled for 1 minute and cooled. Do not use straight tap water.

A common homemade approximation of isotonic saline is about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt plus a pinch of baking soda per 8 fl oz (240 mL) of sterile or boiled, cooled water. Follow manufacturer or clinician instructions for exact recipes and concentrations.

Safety first

Use only sterile, distilled, or previously boiled (and cooled) water for irrigation. Using untreated tap water can introduce rare but serious infections. If you have recent ear or nasal surgery, a perforated eardrum, or other middle-ear problems, check with your clinician before irrigating .

Irrigation may cause transient stinging, drainage, or a salty taste. If you experience severe pain, bloody discharge, fever, worsening symptoms, or repeated ear problems, stop and consult a clinician.

How often to do it

Many people use saline irrigation once daily for maintenance. During flares from allergies or a cold, once or twice daily can provide symptomatic relief. Discuss frequency with your clinician, especially for children or people with chronic sinus disease.

Devices and practical tips

Neti pots, squeeze bottles, and bulb syringes are the most common devices. Use lukewarm water, follow instructions for cleaning the device after each use, and store pre-mixed solutions or packets as directed. For children, use smaller-volume devices and supervise the procedure.

Bottom line

Nasal irrigation is a simple, low-cost adjunct for clearing nasal mucus and reducing symptoms from allergies or upper respiratory problems. It is non-addictive and widely used, but practice safe water and device hygiene and check with your clinician for personal contraindications, especially after surgery or with chronic ear conditions 1.
  1. Confirm clinical guidance on nasal irrigation for adenoid-related symptoms and whether routine irrigation is recommended for adenoid hypertrophy or adenoiditis.
  2. Verify specific contraindications related to recent ear surgery, tympanic membrane perforation, and middle-ear disease and update wording with authoritative guideline references (ENT society or CDC).

FAQs about Nasal Irrigation

Is nasal irrigation safe to do every day?
Yes for most people. Daily use is common for maintenance. If you have recent nasal or ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or recurrent ear problems, check with a clinician first.
What water should I use for the saline solution?
Use distilled or sterile water, or water boiled for at least 1 minute and then cooled. Do not use untreated tap water for nasal irrigation.
How do I make a simple saline solution at home?
A common homemade approximation is about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon non-iodized salt plus a pinch of baking soda per 8 fl oz (240 mL) of sterile or boiled, cooled water. Pre-mixed commercial packets remove guesswork.
Will nasal irrigation replace my allergy or sinus medications?
Irrigation can reduce symptoms and sometimes lower reliance on symptomatic medicines, but it is usually an adjunct rather than a complete replacement. Follow your clinician's advice.
Which devices work best?
Neti pots, squeeze bottles, and bulb syringes all work. Choose a device you can use comfortably, keep it clean after each use, and follow device instructions.

News about Nasal Irrigation

Recent studies prove the ancient practice of nasal irrigation is effective at fighting the common cold - The Conversation [Visit Site | Read More]

Can nasal irrigation help with winter colds and congestion? - Harvard Health [Visit Site | Read More]

Flow rate selection depends on the size of allergen particles to achieve optimal nasal irrigation - Nature [Visit Site | Read More]

Nasal Irrigation Rivals Sputum Testing in Cystic Fibrosis - European Medical Journal [Visit Site | Read More]

Nasal Saline Irrigation with Azelastine-Fluticasone Nasal Spray in Moderate-to-Severe Persistent Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial - Frontiers [Visit Site | Read More]

Nasal Irrigation: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects - Cleveland Clinic [Visit Site | Read More]

Nasal Irrigation Market Size to Hit USD 1,494.40 Million by 2034 - Precedence Research [Visit Site | Read More]