FAQs
Nasal lavage is a procedure where fluid is flushed into your nostrils through a tube inserted into each nostril. Flushing out mucous and debris helps clear out the nasal passages.
No, nasal lavage doesn't hurt at all. In fact, most people don't even feel anything when they're doing it.
You'll want to perform nasal lavages once per day. If you have allergies, however, you may want to perform nasal lavages more frequently than this.
If you've ever had a cold, then you know how annoying it is to get a runny nose. Nasal lavage will help to dry out your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe without having to constantly blow your nose.
Most doctors recommend against drinking alcohol while performing nasal lavages. Alcohol can thin your blood, causing it to flow less easily through your body. As a result, you could end up inhaling too much air.
Yes, you can eat right after nasal lavage. However, you shouldn't eat anything spicy or greasy.
Some medications can interfere with the effectiveness of nasal lavage. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what types of medications you can safely take while performing nasal lavages.
Exercise isn't advised while performing nasal lavages. Exercising makes breathing harder, which can increase the amount of mucous flowing through your nose. As a result, you could end up inhaling more air than usual.
Smoking isn't allowed while performing nasal lavages. Smoking increases mucous production, which can clog your nasal passages.
Swimming isn't advised while performing nasal lavages. Swimming causes water to enter your lungs, which can dilute the amount of oxygen available to your brain. As a result, you could end up experiencing headaches or dizziness.
Sleep isn't advised while performing nasal lavages. Sleeping reduces the amount of oxygen circulating through your bloodstream, which can reduce the amount of oxygen available to your brain. As a result, you could experience headaches or drowsiness.
Showering isn't advised while performing nasal lavages. Showers can wash away the protective layer of skin around your eyes, exposing you to bacteria.
Brushing your teeth isn't advised while performing nasal lavages. Brushing your teeth removes the protective film that covers your gums, which can expose you to harmful germs.
Ice packs aren't advised while performing nasal lavages. Ice packs constricts blood vessels, which can restrict the amount of oxygen reaching your brain. As a result, you could experience headaches or dizziness.
Cosmetics aren't advised while performing nasal lavages. Cosmetics can irritate your nasal membranes, leading to inflammation.
