2. Nasal irrigation (also called nasal lavage, nasal toilet,
or nasal douche) is a personal hygiene practice in which
the nasal cavity is washed to flush out mucus and debris
from the nose and sinuses, in order to enhance nasal
breathing
3. Flushing the nasal cavity can soothe inflamed tissue and
remove irritants like allergens; it may help clear mucus.[2][3]
Typical use involves the pouring or pumping of saline
water through one nostril and letting it drain from the
other.
4. •Cleans mucus from the nose, so medication can be more effective
•Cleans allergens and irritants from the nose, reducing their impact
•Cleans bacteria and viruses from the nose, decreasing infections
•Decreases swelling in the nose and increases airflow
5. Position for the Nasal Wash
Adults and older children — Lean far over the sink with
your head down.
Younger children — If possible, have your child lean as far
over the sink as possible. A small child may have trouble
cooperating with a nasal wash, and may need to be held
and assisted. Ask your health care provider about ways to
hold a small child when doing a nasal wash.
6. Solutions[edit]
The water should not be tap water, which may contain
small amounts of bacteria that are safe to drink but may
be dangerous in the nose. The water should be sterile or
filtered for micro-organisms; if tap water is used it should
be boiled and cooled.[4] Saline solution is also sometimes
used.[2]
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
a fact sheet recommending one of four methods to make
the water safe[7]:
1.Boil: Use water that has been previously boiled for 1
minute and left to cool. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil
for 3 minutes.
2.Filter: Use a filter designed to remove some water-loving
germs. The label may read “NSF 53” or “NSF 58.” Filter
labels that read “absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller”
are also effective.
3.Buy: Use water with a label specifying that it contains
distilled or sterile water.
4.Disinfect: Learn how to disinfect your water to ensure it
is safe from Naegleria. Chlorine bleach used at the right
level and time will work as a disinfectant against this
germ.
7. Bulb Syringe Technique (alternate technique) — Use a
large all-rubber ear syringe. An ear bulb syringe can be
purchased at most pharmacies. Fill the syringe completely
with the saltwater. Insert the syringe tip just inside your
nostril, and pinch your nostril around the tip of the bulb
syringe to keep the solution from running out your nose.
Gently squeeze the bulb to swish the solution around in
your nose; then blow your nose lightly. Repeat the
procedure with the other nostril.
Waterpik® Technique (alternate technique) — Use a
Waterpik with a Sinus Irrigator Tip. Pour the saltwater into
the water reservoir and set the Waterpik at the lowest
possible pressure. Insert the tip just inside your nostril,
and allow the fluid to run out of your mouth or other nostril.
Blow your nose lightly. Repeat the procedure with the
other nostril.
Hand Technique (alternate technique) — Use your
hands for this technique. Pour some saltwater into your
palm. Sniff the liquid up your nose, one nostril at a time.
Blow your nose lightly. This technique may not be as
effective, but may be used in some situations.
8.
9.
10. 1.PURPOSE
1. To remove discharge and prevent crusting in the
nose.
2.EQUIPMENT
1. To be placed at the bedside:
1. Ear bulb syringe (2 oz) or gavage feeding bag
2. Saline solution or other irrigants as ordered
3. Clean basin
11. PROCEDURE
1.Wash hands thoroughly.
2.Explain procedure to patient.
3.Irrigating solution may be used at room temperature or
warmed to 105 to 110°F (40.6 to 43.3°C). Temperature of
the solution may be checked by pouring over the inner
aspect of the wrist without contaminating the remaining
solution.
4.Pour solution into basin if using ear bulb syringe. If using
the gavage bag, fill the bag with the irrigating solution.
5.Position the patient sitting or standing over a sink or
large basin.
6.Completely fill the bulb syringe or gavage bag with the
irrigating solution.
7.Place the tip of the syringe or gavage tubing
approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inch into the nostril.
12. 1. Using gentle but even pressure, direct solution into
nose. To prevent aspiration, keep the patient's
head tilted forward.
2. The solution will drain into the sink or basin.
3. Continue irrigating until the prescribed amount of
solution is used. Repeat irrigation in the second
nostril as directed.
4. Wash hands thoroughly.
5. Record type of drainage returned.
1.PRECAUTIONS, CONSIDERATIONS, AND
OBSERVATIONS
1. Nasal irrigation requires a physician's order.
2. Other solutions may be ordered as an irrigating
solution.
3. If the amount is not specified, use 1000 cc of
solution.
4. If nasal drops or sprays are ordered, perform
irrigations prior to drop or spray instillation.
5. Sterile supplies may be indicated based on patient
condition.
6. If home care instructions are needed, supply
patient with nasal Irrigation.
13. Cleaning the Equipment
To prevent the growth of bacteria, you must thoroughly
clean the equipment used for a nasal wash. It is important
for each family member to have his/her own bulb syringe
or nasal adaptor.
Cleaning the Sinus Rinse Bottle
After each use, put a small amount of dishwashing
detergent in the bottle. Add water (described above).
Secure the cap with the tube onto the bottle. Shake the
bottle. Rinse the bottle, tubing and cap with water. Shake
off any excess water, and allow the pieces to dry on a
clean towel.
If you feel the system is discolored or contaminated, clean
the bottle, cap and tubing with rubbing (70 percent
isopropyl) alcohol or white, distilled vinegar (1 part vinegar
to 3 parts water). After the use of either solution, rinse the
pieces well with water and shake off the excess water.
Again, allow the pieces to dry on a clean towel. You may
also place the bottle tubing and cap in the microwave for
1.5 – 2 minutes.
The Sinus Rinse bottle is not cleaned well using the
dishwasher.
Replace the Sinus Rinse bottle every 3 months or if it
becomes discolored.
14. Adverse effects include nasal irritation, nosebleeds,
headache, and drainage after the irrigation is done. It is
generally well tolerated.[2]
There is a risk of infection
15. The following symptoms usually occur within 5 days
(between 1 to 7 days) of infection:
•severe and persistent headache
•sore throat
•nausea
•vomiting
•high fever
•sleepiness
•death.