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Water that you can drink is not always safe to put into your nose. If you rinse your nose, the water you use is at least as important as the rinse itself.
What is a nasal rinse and what does it do?
A nasal rinse is washing the inside of the nasal cavity with a salt solution. It can be done with a bottle, a squeeze-type rinsing device or a small container called a "neti pot". It helps remove excess mucus, crusts and allergens such as dust and pollen from inside the nose.
That is why we often recommend it for:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Acute or chronic sinusitis
- Nasal blockage and discharge during a cold
- Keeping the nose clean after nasal and sinus surgery
Why drinking water is not enough
Some microorganisms that can be found in drinking water may cause no problems when they pass through the stomach, because stomach acid inactivates most of them. But there is no such protection when water is introduced through the nose; it comes into direct contact with the lining of the nose and sinuses.
That is why we do not use tap water directly for nasal rinsing. Serious infections linked to this are very rare, but cases have been reported. Some of these cases were caused by an amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) that can be found in certain freshwater and tap water sources and can reach the brain. Being rare does not make the precaution unnecessary, and the precaution is very simple.
Which water can you use?
- Distilled water: water sold in pharmacies and shops labelled as "distilled".
- Sterile water: water whose packaging states that it is sterile.
- Boiled tap water: if tap water is used, it should first be boiled thoroughly and then cooled until lukewarm. Store it in a clean, closed container and do not keep it for long.
- Ready-made solutions: sterile saline or seawater sprays sold ready to use in pharmacies.
I would also add this: bottled water sold for drinking is not always sterile. If the label does not say distilled or sterile, it is better to boil and cool it before use as well.
How should the solution be prepared?
A nasal rinse uses a salt solution, not plain water. Plain water causes burning and discomfort inside the nose. The most practical option is to mix ready-measured salt sachets sold in pharmacies with suitable water, or to use a ready-made solution. Salt amounts guessed by eye at home can irritate the nose.
How to rinse your nose
- PreparationWash your hands. Make sure the solution is lukewarm; water that is too hot or too cold is uncomfortable.
- PositionLean forward over the sink and turn your head slightly to one side. Breathe through your mouth during the rinse.
- RinsingSlowly pour or squeeze the solution into the upper nostril. The water will flow out of the other nostril, or sometimes the mouth. Then switch sides.
- FinishingBlow your nose gently, one side at a time. Blowing hard can push water towards the ears.
Don't forget the bottle
The bottle or rinsing device you use also needs to be kept clean. Wash it with suitable water after every use and let it dry, replace it as often as the manufacturer recommends, and do not share it with others. Clean water delivered through a dirty device defeats the purpose.
When should you see a doctor?
- If you get ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ear during or after rinsing
- If one side of your nose is completely blocked and water does not pass through
- If you have had nasal or sinus surgery (rinse exactly as your doctor has instructed)
- If you have a fever, facial pain, or foul-smelling or bloody discharge
Frequently asked questions
How long can I keep boiled water? It can be stored for a short time in a clean, closed container. Rather than keeping it for long, I recommend preparing only as much as you need.
Why does my nose burn when I rinse? Usually the salt concentration of the solution is not right, or the water is too hot or too cold. Using a ready-made salt sachet and lukewarm water usually reduces the burning.
How often should I rinse my nose? It depends on why you are rinsing. For allergies, sinusitis or after surgery, follow the frequency your doctor recommends.
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