A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Nasal Rinse
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 1, 2023.
What is a nasal rinse?
A nasal rinse is the use of a salt water solution to thin mucus, and clear irritants and allergens from your nose. Irritants and allergens cause symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, or postnasal drip. A nasal rinse can also help to remove bacteria and viruses that cause infections. It may also be recommended after certain nasal surgeries to promote healing.
What supplies do I need?
You can purchase a nasal rinse kit at a pharmacy. A nasal rinse kit provides all the supplies you need. You can also make salt water solution at home. A bulb syringe, sinus rinse bottle, nasal cup, or neti pot can be used to put the salt water into your nose. A sinus irrigator device can also be used to put the salt water into your nose. Ask your healthcare provider which method is best for you.
How do I make the salt water solution at home?
Wash your hands with soap and water before you begin. Do the following to make the salt water solution at home:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of uniodized salt with 8 ounces of lukewarm water. Use only distilled water, sterile water, or filtered water. Water should be filtered through a filter with a pore size of 1 micron or smaller. You can also use water that has been boiled for 1 minute and left to cool. If you live at an elevation over 6,500 feet, boil the water for 3 minutes.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to the solution and mix until it completely dissolves.
- Make a new mixture of salt water solution each time you do a nasal rinse.
How do I do a nasal rinse?
Ask your healthcare provider how often you should do a nasal rinse. You may need to do a rinse 1 or 2 times each day.
- If you have a nasal rinse kit, follow the directions in the package.
- If you made your own salt water solution, put the solution into the nasal cup, neti pot, or nasal rinse bottle. To fill the bulb syringe, squeeze the bulb syringe gently in the solution and let it fill by suction. If you are using a sinus irrigator device, pour the salt water into the water reservoir.
- Lean over the sink with your head facing down. Tilt your head sideways.
- To use a bulb syringe or rinse bottle , insert the tip into your upper nostril. Aim the tip away from the middle of your nose. Breathe through your mouth. Squeeze the syringe or bottle until a gentle stream of salt water goes into your nose and drains out of the lower nostril. Repeat in the other nostril.
- To use a sinus irrigator device , set the device to the lowest pressure setting. Breathe through your mouth. Insert the tip inside your upper nostril. Aim the tip away from the middle of your nose. Allow the fluid to go into your nose and drain out of the lower nostril. Repeat in the other nostril.
- To use a neti pot or nasal cup , place the spout into your upper nostril. Breathe through your mouth. Gently pour the salt water into your upper nostril and allow it to drain into the lower nostril. Repeat in the other nostril.
- You may gently blow your nose to remove any extra fluid.
- Throw away any unused salt water solution. Clean your nasal rinse supplies after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
How do I clean my nasal rinse supplies?
- Clean the bulb syringe by filling it with water and swishing the water around. Empty the water. Next, draw rubbing alcohol into the bulb syringe and swish the alcohol around. Empty the bulb syringe. Place the bulb in a clean empty glass with the tip facing down to allow it to drain completely.
- Clean the sinus rinse bottle and its parts with a small amount of dishwashing soap and water. Rinse the bottle and cap with water. If your sinus rinse bottle is microwave safe, fill it with cold water and heat it in the microwave for 2 minutes. Allow the bottle and cap to dry on a clean towel. If the sinus rinse bottle and cap appear discolored, disinfect them. To do this, rinse them with rubbing alcohol or vinegar solution. To make the vinegar solution, mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
- Clean the neti pot or nasal cup with soap and water. Leave the device open so it can air dry completely.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
© Copyright Merative 2023 Information is for End User’s use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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Sodium Bicarb-Sodium Chloride Kit – Uses, Side Effects, and More
This product is used to treat dryness inside the nose (nasal passages). It helps add moisture inside the nose to dissolve and soften thick or crusty mucus. In babies and young children with stuffy noses who cannot blow their noses, using this product helps to make the mucus easier to remove with a nasal bulb syringe. This helps relieve stuffiness and makes breathing easier.This product contains a purified gentle salt solution (also called saline or sodium chloride solution). It does not contain any medication.
How to use Sodium Bicarb-Sodium Chloride Kit
Spray this product into each nostril as needed or as directed by your doctor. This product may also be given into the nose as drops or a stream. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Try not to touch the container tip to the inside of your nose. If this happens, rinse the tip with hot water and dry with a clean tissue before recapping the container.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Side Effects
Side effects usually do not occur with use of this product. However, if the inside of your nose is very dry and irritated, stinging may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details
This product is safe to use during pregnancy.
This product is safe to use if you are breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
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