ease allergies with sinus rinsing (2025)

Sinus rinsing is a natural remedy that helps relieve allergy symptoms. At first, the idea of putting salty water up your nose might sound daunting. But many people with allergies find sinus rinsing really helps. It just takes practice!

Safety Tips for Sinus Rinsing

While irrigating your sinuses is a great way to help with allergies, it can have risks. Make sure to read and follow this safety advice when you’re using a neti pot, bulb syringe or squeeze bottle to rinse your sinuses.

  1. Wash your hands first. This is always the number one step in preventing infection.
  2. Make sure your neti pot or similar device is clean and dry. Clean it with hot soapy water or run it through the dishwasher after each use.
  3. Use distilled water or water that’s been boiled for at least one minute, then allowed to cool. It’s crucial to use sterile water to avoid a life-threatening infection from Naegleria fowleri, a parasitic amoeba.
  4. Use a packaged saline solution (recommended) or make your own.
  5. Avoid cold water or very hot water — for comfort, the water should be close to your body temperature.
  6. Talk to your doctor first if your symptoms are worsening or you have a facial or oral infection.
  7. Never try nasal irrigation on an infant.
ease allergies with sinus rinsing (1)

How To Rinse Your Sinuses

Rinsing your sinuses comfortably can include some trial and error. With practice, you’ll figure out what works best for you. Follow these steps:

  1. Lean over a sink or tub and tilt your head, then tilt your head to one side. Your face should be horizontal to the floor.
  2. Insert the spout of your device fully into your upper nostril so water doesn’t leak out of that side.
  3. Breathe through your mouth while slowly pouring half of the solution into your nostril.
  4. Try to relax — this may feel awkward at first — and wait a few seconds until the water streams out of your lower nostril. Don't worry if some solution drains into your throat. Just spit it out and keep going.

When you’re finished with your first nostril, stand up slowly and blow your nose very gently to clear it. Now bend over again, tilt your head in the other direction and repeat for the second nostril. Then stand up and give your nose a final — gentle — blow so you don’t drive any lingering solution farther up into your sinuses. That’s it! Make sure to clean and dry your device so it’s ready for next time.

There are no set rules for how often to use a neti pot. Many allergy sufferers do it daily, sometimes both morning and evening. Getting on a consistent schedule during allergy season may give you the best shot at avoiding symptoms.

Do Saline Sprays Work?

Some people just don’t like the idea of a neti pot. That’s OK because saline solution sprays sold at drugstores can work very well, too. With these remedies, you stand upright and shoot the solution up into your nostrils to flush out allergens and mucus. These are much more convenient and easier to use throughout the day as needed, even at work.

Aerosol cans of saline solution are a good portable option because there's no chance mucus will get pulled back into the container. Carry one in a hiking pack or purse. If used within five minutes of encountering a strong allergen, you can head off your body’s allergic response. Take it on your hike, or when you might encounter perfume, smoke or other irritants.

Although sinus rinsing is a great way to respond to your body’s allergic reactions, it’s a temporary solution. If you’re using a neti pot or sinus rinse year-round, consider long-term allergy treatments. Cortisone nasal sprays work to reduce your body’s overall response to allergens. They don’t work immediately, but if used correctly, they can calm the allergic response and bring real, lasting relief.

ease allergies with sinus rinsing (2025)
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