Having sinusitis can be very troublesome. It can be hard going through your normal routine when its symptoms keep on bugging you. Imagine yourself going through the day with recurrent headaches, constant sneezing and coughing, pain over the sinus areas, and unable to breathe due to nasal congestion. If you’re lucky, these symptoms can only attack mildly and leave you alone after a few days. For some unlucky few, sinusitis symptoms can be very debilitating or recurrent, especially when left untreated.

Fortunately, there are many drug medications that fight sinusitis and its symptoms. Consult a sinus doctor and you will be prescribed with antibiotics, corticosteroids or anti-fungal sinus medication depending on the cause of infection. Over-the-counter drug medications can also be prescribed to temporarily relieve the symptoms. However, drugs medications can have adverse side effects to the body. Also, there are cases when these medicines fail in their duty of getting rid of sinusitis. Because of this, many sinusitis sufferers are looking for alternative ways of treating the condition safely and effectively.

Nasal Washing – Alternative Sinus Medication

An alternative sinus medication is popular among sinusitis sufferers – nasal washing. Nasal washing is the practice of rinsing the nasal cavities to flush out excess mucus and other unwanted particles trapped inside the sinuses. The simplest way of doing this is by snorting water from your hands – letting the liquid enter through one nostril and exit out of the other. You can also use tools such as neti pots, syringes, nebulizers, nasal sprays and other irrigating devices.

Although it may sound uncomfortable to do, this practice is becoming popularly used by sinusitis sufferers as it is safe and effective, with no known side effects unlike using drugs as sinus medication. This practice is highly recommended from those suffering from chronic sinusitis, rhinitis and asthma. Studies also show that nasal washing is beneficial for those afflicted with hay fever and common colds. Here are some of the known benefits of nasal washing:

• Chronic sinusitis patients report improved quality of life and reduced use of sinus medication with long-term daily practice of nasal washing.

• Nasal washing flushes out bacteria, viruses and fungi trapped inside the sinuses, getting rid of infection.

• Using saltwater solution moisturizes the nasal cavities. Nasal washing also loosens and thins the mucus, helping the cilia function more efficiently.

• Nasal washing is also proven to be safe and effective on both adults and children, with no reported adverse side effect.

Doing a Nasal Wash

If you are interested in trying out nasal washing, follow these easy steps at the comfort of your own home:

1. Mix together ½ teaspoon of salt, 8 ounces of water and ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a clean container.

2. Position yourself near the bathroom sink. Using a syringe or neti pot, tilt your head sideways and pour the saltwater solution into one of the nostrils.

3. Watch out for the solution coming out of the other nostril. Also, there are times when mucus also comes out alongside the solution.

4. Repeat step 2 for the other nostril. Finally, gargle with water.

A word of precaution – consult your doctor before trying this procedure. There are some cases of sinusitis wherein nasal washing could facilitate spread of bacteria rather than get rid of it. Also, ask your doctor first before discontinuing any sinus medication as this could lead to worsened condition.