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Health

Nasal rinsing for maxillary sinusitis

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Nasal lavage for sinusitis is considered one of the most popular and effective procedures. This method helps to eliminate mucus accumulating in the maxillary sinuses, which in case of prolonged stagnation can cause an inflammatory process or can fester when bacterial flora joins. And thanks to lavage, it liquefies, which helps the process of its natural removal from the nasal cavity.

Does nasal lavage help with sinusitis?

By cleansing the nasal cavity and its sinuses, swelling of the mucous membranes is reduced several times, and in addition, the tone of the capillary system is normalized and the immune properties of the epithelium are improved, which allows the body to regain the ability to independently fight the disease that has arisen.

Indications for the procedure

An indication for nasal lavage may be sinusitis, both acute and chronic.

A rinsing procedure should be performed daily, using saline solutions in various combinations - it can be a means of primary treatment or become an integral part of complex treatment. Since this method is considered safe, it is preferred to use it instead of taking corticosteroids at an early stage of acute sinusitis.

Preparation

Before you begin the rinsing procedure, you need to completely clear your nose, eliminating congestion. For this, if necessary, you can use vasoconstrictor drugs such as Tizin, Naphthyzinum or Rinzolin. This will temporarily remove swelling and normalize the process of air movement through the nasal passages. After 5-10 minutes after using the drops, you can begin the procedure of removing mucus from the nose.

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Technique nasal lavage for maxillary sinusitis

The easiest way to wash your nose is to use a syringe or a simple syringe without a needle. A teapot called "jala neti" is also considered a very convenient device for this procedure.

You need to bend over, for example, a bathtub or a sink and tilt your head slightly to the side. Having taken the desired position, insert the rinsing tool into the nostril that is on top when you bend over, and then start pouring the solution into the hole. Then you need to slowly bend over to the other side so that the medicinal liquid comes out of the nostril. Then repeat this procedure with the second nostril.

In this case, in order to prevent liquid from getting into the mouth, during the rinsing process you need to draw out the sound “ee-ee-ee” or clearly repeat the phrase “cuckoo” - such actions raise the soft palate, thereby closing the opening between the throat and the nasopharynx.

Nasal lavage for sinusitis at home

The easiest way to rinse your nose with sinusitis at home is to use your palm. This procedure is carried out in the following way - take the medicine in your palm, then tilt your head slightly and try to draw the liquid through your nostril. Then pinch this nostril and slowly tilt your head to the other side. If the procedure is done correctly, the solution will flow out of the nose through the opposite nostril.

Solutions for washing the nose with sinusitis

Among the most effective means used for sinusitis as liquids for medicinal rinsing, a propolis solution stands out. You can make such a medicine in this way - in 1 glass of water (warm), drip 15 drops of propolis, and in addition to this, 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 drops of iodine, and mix. The resulting mixture should be used to rinse the nose three times a day.

Among other solutions that help clear the nose are tinctures of various medicinal herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect. These are usually the following herbs: chamomile and St. John's wort, eucalyptus leaves, succession, and oak bark. To prepare the solution, use a few drops of any of the tinctures, which are added to warm water (0.5 cups). In addition, a pinch of salt should be added to the solution.

Rinsing the nose with salt for sinusitis

In case of sinusitis, the nose can also be washed with a special saline solution. The properties of salt are well known to everyone – it can remove inflammation and relieve swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose. To make the solution more effective, you need to add soda to the water along with the salt (the same amount of both – for example, 0.5 teaspoons).

Washing the nose with furacilin

One of the cheapest medicines that is used as a medicine for washing the nasal cavity is furacilin - it is an effective antiparasitic and antimicrobial medicine.

Furacilin is effective against microbes, so it is used to eliminate various diseases of an inflammatory or purulent nature. It has almost no side effects, only in some cases dermatitis may develop. It is not recommended to use Furacilin for those who have increased sensitivity to the substance nitrofuran, as well as for kidney disease.

To prepare the medicine, you need to dissolve 0.5 tablets in 500 ml of warm water, then pour the resulting solution into the device selected for rinsing and begin the procedure.

Rinsing the nose with saline solution

Saline solution is a special liquid that is made by dissolving sodium chloride in plain water. When making it, you need to maintain the ratio of salt to water - 0.9%. You can get such proportions as follows - mix plain water with salt (ratio of 1 g of salt per 100 ml of water) - a glass of 250 ml and 2.5 g of salt (about 0.5 tsp) will be enough. The proportion of 0.9% corresponds to the level of salt in blood plasma, and this makes this solution most suitable for the human body.

Dolphin Nasal Wash

Dolphin is a complex preparation containing many different microelements and salts. The components of the solution include sulfates, bromine, chlorides, iodine, organic acids, as well as rose hips and licorice extract. In addition to the nasal rinsing liquid itself, the kit also includes a special device for cleaning the nose.

The drug is used for rinsing in case of sinusitis or rhinitis, sinusitis or adenoiditis, as well as after nasal surgery. Possible side effects include eustachitis or nosebleeds. Dolphin is not allowed for use in children under 4 years of age, in case of any tumors, and also if the patient has a deformed nasal septum or obstructed nasal passages. It cannot be used in case of complete nasal congestion.

Antibiotics for nasal irrigation

Antibiotics for nasal irrigation are only allowed to be used with a doctor's prescription. These days, this method is becoming increasingly popular, as many bacterial agents have become resistant to less potent drugs.

The following preparations can be used for rinsing: Protargol, Miramistin, Levomycetin. Miramistin is usually used in case of purulent sinusitis.

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Rinsing the nose with chamomile

In case of sinusitis, it is recommended to use a chamomile solution to rinse the nose.

This plant contains flavonoids and essential oils that have a positive effect on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, and also have strong anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, chamomile has a calming and analgesic effect, and also eliminates or reduces the manifestations of allergies.

The solution for washing is made quite simply - take a pharmacy chamomile (in a ready-made bag) and pour boiling water over it. After that, it needs to be infused, covered with a lid. The ready solution is used for washing the nose.

Contraindications to the procedure

Nasal rinsing is contraindicated in cases where the following problems exist:

  • Swelling that cannot be eliminated;
  • Benign or malignant tumors in the nasal cavity;
  • Otitis or risk of its occurrence;
  • Tendency to nosebleeds;
  • Allergic reaction to any of the components of the solution used;
  • Severe curvature of the nasal septum or other obstructions that may prevent the solution from moving through the nasal cavity;
  • Ruptured eardrum.

Complications after the procedure

Washing the nose during sinusitis should be done as carefully as possible - so as not to damage the nasal septum.

It should also be taken into account that the procedure can only be performed if the patient's sinuses are not blocked. If the nasal passage is obstructed, the solution can penetrate into the middle ear, which can lead to hearing problems or even more serious consequences in the form of otitis media.

You also cannot use any solutions to rinse the nasal cavity - this can also cause complications. The following problems may arise:

  • Inflammation of the mucous membrane and the appearance of microcracks on it;
  • Increased tissue swelling;
  • Development of allergies.

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