At three months average RSDI scores had reduced slightly by 2.51 points with nasal irrigation compared no irrigation (95% confidence interval [CI] ‑4.65 to ‑0.37). Comparatively with steam inhalation scores had reduced by an average 0.73 points compared to no inhalation (95% CI ‑2.85 to 1.39). Suggesting a small effect of nasal irrigation and no effect of steam.

Don’t use tap water. Instead use distilled water, filtered water, or water that’s been previously boiled. Allow the solution to pour out your other nostril and into the drain. Breathe through your mouth, not your nose, at this time. Steam inhalation, meanwhile, seems to have minimal effect on quality of life compared with no inhalation. Neither treatment caused side effects or affected the rate of respiratory infections.Buy a nasal wash kit with salt solution or make your own solution. Nasal washes are good for relieving nasal symptoms if you have chronic nasal issues or sinus problems. Washing the inside of your nose with a salt solution will reduce swelling, improve airflow, and open up your sinus passages. It will also remove mucus from your nose and help to relieve any stuffiness or congestion. Look for nasal wash kits at your local pharmacy or make your own salt solution using household products. There’s also professional extraction. This topical procedure takes place at a dermatologist’s office or during a facial. Sun damage can also emphasize pores, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. People need to perform nasal irrigation effectively to get maximum benefit and this may be difficult to maintain. Why was this study needed?

Clean out your neti pot, bulb, or squeeze bottle with hot, soapy, and sterile water or run it through the dishwasher after each use. Allow it to dry completely. This leaflet has been produced to give you general information. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team. What is nasal douching?Avoid using cold water, especially if you’ve just had sinus surgery. For people who recently had surgery for chronic sinusitis, there’s a risk of developing bony growths in the nose called paranasal sinus exostoses (PSE) if you use a cold solution. Alert | Saline irrigation and corticosteroid spray are effective first choice treatments for chronic sinusitis Do not worry if you swallow some of the solution as it will not cause you any harm. It is best to continue until no more debris is washed out of the nose. You should then repeat this process with the other nostril. Some people find the solution stings a little at first but this eventually settles after a few days. Usually this entails wetting your nose, applying the strips with pressure, and then waiting for the adhesive to firm up. Little P, Stuart B, Mullee M, et al; SNIFS Study Team. Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2016;188(13):940-9.