Sinus Irrigation

Sinus irrigation is the manual rinsing and flushing of the sinuses. The practice of nasal irrigation goes back to ancient ayurvedic medicine practices in India. This accounts for the creation and first known use of the neti pot. At some points, daily sinus irrigation was considered part of a daily hygiene routine. 

Nasal irrigation thins mucus in the nasal passages and sinuses. This allows for the rinse to clear away irritants and contaminants caught in the cilia. The cilia function similarly to your eyelashes. They catch pollutants and harmful particles before they have the chance to cause infection or irritation. With sinus problems or allergies, the buildup of mucus prevents your body from naturally ridding itself of these contaminants.

In modern times, doctors now prescribe sinus irrigation to those with chronic sinus problems, allergies, or for sinus surgery recovery. Some may even perform nasal irrigation when experiencing a cold to relieve congestion. However, there is no need to perform it everyday unless prescribed by a doctor. In fact, in some cases, rinsing the sinuses too much could worsen symptoms or cause more harm.

RISKS OF FLUSHING THE SINUSES

When performed incorrectly or in some patients, nasal irrigation does come with some risks. Among the minor risks include nose bleeds (although after surgery blood will likely be present), or the promotion of infection. The biggest risk, however, comes with using non-sterile water. This can cause a rare parasitic infection that can affect the brain, or other serious infections or conditions. 

If you follow directions, clean your irrigation device, and use sterilized or distilled water, there are few risks of nasal irrigation. Any major risks of rinsing the sinuses are exceptionally rare and many patients only experience the advantages of the treatment.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SINUS IRRIGATION AFTER SINUS SURGERY

Outside of treatment for sinus conditions, nasal irrigation is important after sinus surgery to prevent infection. While Drs. Allegra and Ummat may recommend slightly different protocols for each patient, there are some basic protocols for sinus irrigation following surgery.

Normally, you will not begin a sinus saline rinse until one to two days after surgery. When you start them, you may rinse anywhere from one to three times per day, depending on your individual care instructions. You may be instructed to use a nasal spray 15-30 minutes following the rinse. 

Unlike with irrigation meant to relieve symptoms, sinus irrigation after surgery may include some blood. However, it should not be excessive and you may need to visit Northwest Face Medical for professional flushing of the sinuses after surgery.

Following Drs. Allegra and Ummat’s instructions will help prevent infection and lead to a more comfortable recovery following Bellevue sinus surgery. This also clears crusts that may form and prevents the buildup of scar tissue in the sinuses or nasal cavity.

HOW TO IRRIGATE THE SINUSES

Along with the importance of performing nasal irrigation after surgery, it is more important that it is performed correctly. If you have questions, you can contact Northwest Face Medical or your Seattle ENT surgeon for detailed instructions.

Finding The Proper Tool & Preparation

There are various tools used to perform sinus irrigation. It is important you use one that is easy for you to use and can easily be cleaned. The three most popular nasal irrigation tools include: the neti pot, bulb syringes, or squeeze bottles. Each of these options are widely available and are effective for nasal irrigation.

Before performing your sinus rinse, you should prepare your tool and the saline solution. First, ensure that your tool is cleaned and completely dry before each use. Next, use only distilled or boiled water that you have let cool. Using tap water runs the risk of complications or contamination. Finally, prepare the saline solution by mixing salt (and sometimes baking soda) into distilled or boiled water following your Kirkland ENT’s instructions. Also, the water should be room temperature, or lukewarm. Hot or cold water can increase the risk of complications or cause discomfort.

Flushing Your Sinuses

After completing all of the preparations, tilt your head over a sink or bathtub so that one side of your face is facing downward. Do not lean your head back. Bring the tool to the uppermost nostril and allow the water to flow through your nasal passages and out the opposite nostril. Keep your mouth open during the rinse so that you can breathe. Saline solution may run into your throat, you should spit this out, although it will not hurt you if swallowed.

Clear the remaining solution from your nose and then repeat this procedure on the other nostril. In general, most surgical patients perform this two to three times per day for the first one to two weeks. You should notice the amount of blood and mucus decrease over time. Those rinsing to relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis may only need to rinse once per day or every few days.

What To Expect After

As mentioned above, it is normal to feel a little discomfort after rinsing, especially after a sinus surgery. This should not persist and the entire procedure should not be overly painful. If you develop a fever, see an increase in bleeding (or persistent bleeding if treating a condition), intense headache, or other signs of infection, you should contact Northwest Face Medical immediately. This is rare when nasal irrigation is performed properly and with clean tools. 

When you finish rinsing your sinuses, clear the remaining fluid from your nose and then wash your tool. Typically, the best way to do this is to run it through the dishwasher and allow it to completely air dry. This will prepare it for the next use.

SINUS EXPERTS AT NORTHWEST FACE MEDICAL

Dr. Ludwig Allegra and Dr. Sunil Ummat at Northwest Face Medical are sinus doctors and surgeons. Among the best ENT doctors in Seattle, they can help you get to the root of your sinus issues. With many years of experience, Drs. Allegra and Ummat usually start with conservative sinus treatments, such as nasal irrigation. Their expertise and understanding of every individual patient will help them determine if sinus irrigation may benefit you. 

Northwest Face Medical has served the Greater Bellevue, Seattle, and Kirkland areas for over two decades. Providing generations of sinus care to the Pacific Northwest makes Drs. Allegra and Ummat and the Northwest Face Medical team uniquely qualified to serve all your sinus needs.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ludwig Allegra or Dr. Sunil Ummat, call us at 425-522-0555 or contact us online.