A cleaning blowout  
By Barbara Isaacs
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
 
Call it spring cleaning for your nose. A remedy that's gaining popularity for sinus congestion and pain is also one of the oldest: A warm saltwater rinse of the nasal passages called sinus irrigation. It's not a pretty visual image, but those who've gotten into the habit of rinsing their nose say it reduces their stuffiness and headaches, particularly during this allergy-prone time of the year.

``It really opens my head up,'' said Kim Marcum, 38, a Versailles day-care provider.  For Marcum, tilting her head to the side and rinsing warm water mixed with one-fourth teaspoon of salt into one nostril and then the other did what sinus surgery, antibiotics, decongestants and antihistamines didn't.  These days, Marcum rinses as needed, after working around dust and grasses, or when she feels sinus pressure coming on. Rinsing and avoiding allergy triggers have reduced her problems remarkably. ``It saves a lot of money and a lot of time feeling bad,'' Marcum said of rinsing. Sinus irrigation can be done several ways.  Many  sinus sufferers swear by using the popular Grossan Sinus and Throat Irrigator Tips. A Water Pik special rubber attachment to shower the nasal passages with warm saltwater. 

``No question about it it's a good idea,'' said Dr. Richard Haydon, a University of Kentucky ear, nose and throat specialist. . ``It's safe, natural, basic and old, but very effective.'' The gentle blast of warm water in the nose works the same way that a hose rinses leaves off a sidewalk.  Haydon added that irrigation has been long appreciated in surgery as an effective cleanser; chemicals, soap or alcohol can't beat it.

``A lot of our patients are doing it,'' said Dr. Bert Laureano, a Lexington ear, nose and throat specialist. ``Nose and sinus irrigation devices can be very useful, if used correctly.''

Laureano said it's important to use clean water (boiled is best, cooled to a little warmer than body temperature). Clean the device you're using daily, so you don't contaminate your nose with bacteria. If mixing in salt, use the kind without iodine. Most people rinse once or twice daily. And if using an item like the Water Pik, make sure to use it on its lowest setting. You'll want to lean over a sink as you do it, and blow the nose gently after the rinse.

In cases of sinus inflammation due to allergens in the nose, the rinsing can flush out the irritants. ``With so-called chronic sinusitis, it can also loosen secretions,'' Laureano said. The saltwater can help reduce swelling inside the nose.

Laureano said some people are nervous about doing it at first, but those who try it find out it's not at all painful. ``Most actually enjoy the cleansing,'' he said. He added that it's best used in conjunction with traditional sinus treatments like daily nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines and decongestants.  Dr. John S. Hill, a Lexington allergist, said sometimes people who don't want to use medications prefer the nasal rinsing methods. But he cautions that sometimes structural problems or other abnormalities are to blame for sinus pain, and that won't be helped by saltwater rinsing. ``People need to be evaluated, have a good history taken and a clinical exam,'' he said

If you wish to order the Grossan Sinus Irrigator™ attachment through our on-line order form click here.