Cleaning Nasal Passages With Salt WaterCurrent as of: November 20, 2015 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
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Cleaning Nasal Passages With Salt WaterInstead of using a decongestant medicine to relieve a stuffy nose, you can try using a saltwater solution (saline solution). This solution may help you for a short period of time by:
To make the solution, mix ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt and ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of baking soda in 1 cup (237 mL) of distilled water (at room temperature). If you use tap water, boil it first to sterilize it, and then let it cool until it is lukewarm. You may also purchase a saline solution at your pharmacy. Gently squirt the solution into your nose. Aim the water toward the back, not the top, of your head. The water will run through the nasal passages and into the back of your throat. Spit it out through your mouth. It will not hurt you if you swallow some of the water. To squirt the solution, you can:
Current as of: November 20, 2015 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
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