Nasal rinsing for allergic rhinitis: water temperature, concentration and position

What nasal rinsing can and cannot do

Nasal rinsing cleans and soothes. It washes pollen, house dust mite and mucus out of the nose, which makes the nose feel more comfortable. For allergic rhinitis, this is part of daily care, not the whole of treatment.

It cannot replace proper treatment. If symptoms keep coming back and affect daily life, a doctor should decide whether other treatment is needed. Nasal rinsing is more like brushing your teeth: a supportive habit you can do every day, not a one-off fix.

Some people give up after a few rinses because nothing seems to change. In fact, the effect builds up over time. Hay fever season, smoggy days, and coming home from outside are all good times to rinse.

Water temperature and concentration: warm water, close to physiological strength

The water should be close to body temperature: warm to the touch, not hot and not cold. Water that is too cold can irritate the nose, and water that is too hot is uncomfortable. You can test it on the inside of your wrist first and use it when it feels mild.

For concentration, follow the instructions on commercial rinse salt or saline. If you make it yourself, use water that has been boiled and then cooled. Do not use tap water directly. Measure the salt as the packet or instructions say; do not add extra by feel.

Use the mixed solution the same time and do not keep it until the next day. Clean and dry the container as instructed, and store it in a clean place.

Position and breathing: head down, mouth open, do not sniff hard

Stand in front of a sink, lean slightly forward and lower your head a little. Breathe through your mouth, not your nose. Send the solution into one nostril and let it flow out of the other nostril or back out the same side.

Do not sniff hard or hold your breath while rinsing. If water runs to the back of your throat, it will feel uncomfortable. When you rinse one side, let it flow out naturally on the other side, and alternate sides.

After rinsing, blow your nose gently, one side at a time. Do not blow both sides hard at once. When you are new to it, start with a small amount and go slowly until you find a comfortable rhythm.

When not to rinse your nose

If your nose is completely blocked and the water will not go in, do not force it. If your ears feel full or blocked, you have had recent nasal surgery, or you have a wound in the nose, ask a doctor first.

Children need an adult's help to rinse. Younger children may not be able to cooperate well, so do not force it. If there is obvious choking or coughing, or the child cries as soon as you start, you can pause and use another way to ease symptoms.

If you get ear pain, a severe headache or nosebleeds during rinsing, stop and do not continue.

When to see a doctor

If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor as soon as possible:

Symptoms get worse, or do not improve with nasal rinsing and daily care; you also have asthma and it is getting harder to control; symptoms affect sleep and daytime study or work; nasal mucus turns yellow-green, with fever or facial pain and pressure; repeated nosebleeds, or long-term blockage on one side.

Also, if you are not sure what is causing your symptoms, or your symptoms are fairly severe, you can ask a doctor to assess you and do further tests if needed. How to handle it will be decided by the doctor based on your situation.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.