Can't swim
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What does the baking soda do? I use saline solution every night, two squirts each side, I've put a little rubbing alcohol in the solution but never heard the baking soda idea.
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How much salt do you use (per oz or rinse bottle)?
Nasal irrigation is used when greater volumes of saline are needed, for example, when large mucus crusts build up or nasal/sinus polyps block mucus clearance.
To irrigate your nasal passages, a bulb syringe (used to clear the nasal passages of babies) can be used.
To make your own nasal irrigation solution, mix:
¼ tsp. of kosher or pickling salt
¼ tsp. baking soda
8 oz. of warm tap water
[FONT=Arial,Arial](1 tsp. of salt, 1 tsp baking soda per 32 ounces of water)
[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Arial]Sinus Rinse SystemPremixed salt packets [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]Since tap water may have some bacterial impurities, you may choose to use distilled water instead. Boil the distilled water and store in a refrigerator until you add the salt and baking soda. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]Or, you can purchase the "Sinus Rinse" system available at most pharmacies, which comes with single use salt packets. The Sinus Rinse system may be easier and more comfortable to use than a bulb syringe. [/FONT]
How do I do saline irrigation?
[FONT=Arial,Arial]Use 8-16 ounces of solution in each nasal cavity 1-2 times daily, or as often as is prescribed by your health care provider. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial] Lower your head over a sink and turn your head so that your left nostril is down. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial] Pour solution from the container into your right nostril. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial] Water will drain from your left nostril into the sink. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial] Gently blow your nose. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial] Repeat the same process for other nostril. [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Arial]University of Michigan Health System 734-936-4000 [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]Breathing through your nose during irrigation will prevent a mess and minimize the amount that enters the throat. You should use only enough pressure to move the solution to the back of your nose so it comes out though your mouth or nose. This should not cause major discomfort once you are used to it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]Prepare fresh solution each day and clean the Sinus Rinse bottle after each use. [/FONT]
May 2006
[FONT=Arial,Arial]Written by Melissa Pynnonen, M.D. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]Information maintained by the UMHS Clinical Care Guidelines Committee [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]© copyright 2006 Regents of the University of Michigan [/FONT]
What does the baking soda do? I use saline solution every night, two squirts each side, I've put a little rubbing alcohol in the solution but never heard the baking soda idea.
That's an excellent deal! I think I paid about $10-12 for one bottle and 50 packets at Target or similar store.