Nasal Irrigation for Asthma Relief: How It Helps & How to Do It Safely

People with asthma often struggle with nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and sinus inflammation, all of which can worsen breathing difficulties. Nasal irrigation is a simple practice of rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution. It can be an effective way to manage these issues and improve overall respiratory health.

What Is Nasal Irrigation?

Nasal irrigation involves flushing out allergens, mucus, and irritants from the nasal passages using a sterile saline solution. It is commonly done with a neti pot, squeeze bottle, or saline spray. This technique helps keep the airways clear, reducing inflammation that can contribute to asthma flare-ups.

How Nasal Irrigation Helps People with Asthma

✅ Clears Nasal Congestion: Blocked nasal passages can make it harder to breathe, forcing people to breathe through their mouths, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Irrigation helps remove excess mucus and open the nasal airways.

✅ Reduces Postnasal Drip: Postnasal drip (mucus trickling down the throat) can irritate the airways and cause coughing or wheezing. Regular nasal rinsing reduces mucus buildup.

✅ Removes Allergens and Irritants: Dust, pollen, pet dander, and pollution can accumulate in the nasal passages and trigger both allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms. Nasal irrigation helps flush out these irritants.

✅ Lowers Sinus Inflammation: Inflammation in the sinuses can contribute to asthma exacerbations. Keeping the sinuses clear reduces the likelihood of infections and inflammation spreading to the lower airways.

✅ Prevents Sinus Infections: Sinus infections can worsen asthma symptoms. Nasal irrigation helps prevent bacterial growth by keeping the nasal passages clean and hydrated.

✅ Enhances Medication Effectiveness: If you use nasal corticosteroids or antihistamine sprays, nasal rinsing before application can help these medications work more effectively by clearing away mucus and debris.

How to Perform Nasal Irrigation Safely

1. Gather Your Supplies

• A neti pot or squeeze bottle (available at pharmacies)
• Sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water
• Saline packets or a homemade saline solution (mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt + ½ teaspoon of baking soda in 1 liter of sterilized water)

2. Prepare the Solution

• Use sterile, lukewarm water to dissolve the saline mix.
• Never use tap water directly unless it has been boiled for at least 5 minutes and cooled. Tap water may contain harmful microorganisms that could lead to infections.
• Learn how to prepare the nasal saline solution.

3. Perform the Rinse

• Lean over a sink and tilt your head slightly sideways.
• Insert the neti pot’s spout or squeeze bottle into one nostril and gently pour or squeeze the solution.
• Allow the saline to flow through the nasal passage and exit through the other nostril.
• Repeat on the other side.
• Gently blow your nose afterward to remove excess liquid.

4. Clean Your Equipment

• Wash the neti pot or bottle thoroughly with hot, soapy water after each use.
• Let it air dry completely to prevent bacterial growth.

Recommended Products for Nasal Irrigation (Based on Personal Experience)

If you’re new to nasal irrigation, starting with a simple pre-mixed saline spray can help you get comfortable before moving on to a more advanced solution. Here are two recommended products:

1. For Beginners: Abbott Solspre Saline Spray

If you’re just starting out and unsure about nasal irrigation, Abbott Solspre is a great option. It’s a gentle, pre-mixed saline spray that helps clear nasal congestion without the need to mix your own solution.

✔ Easy to use – Just spray and breathe.
✔ Pre-sterilized – No need to worry about water contamination.
✔ Great for travel – Convenient to carry and use anywhere.

2. For Advanced Users: Cipla Nasowash Nasal Rinse Kit

Once you’re comfortable with nasal irrigation and want a more thorough rinse, switch to Cipla Nasowash. This comes with a squeeze bottle and saline sachets, allowing you to do a full nasal rinse.

✔ Deeper cleansing – Flushes out allergens and mucus more effectively.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the flow of the rinse for comfort.
✔ More cost-effective – Buying saline sachets is cheaper in the long run.

👉 Tip: Start with Solspre for a few weeks, and once you’re comfortable, move to Naowash for a more complete nasal rinse experience!

Precautions & Best Practices

⚠️ Use only sterile water – Avoid unfiltered tap water to prevent infections.
⚠️ Don’t overdo it – Rinsing once or twice daily is beneficial, but excessive use may irritate the nasal lining.
⚠️ Check for discomfort – If nasal irrigation causes pain, stop and consult a doctor.
⚠️ Avoid if you have an ear infection – The process may push fluid into the ears and worsen the infection.

Who Should Try Nasal Irrigation?

Nasal rinsing is particularly helpful for:
1. Asthma patients with allergic rhinitis
2. People living in high-pollution areas (like Delhi NCR)
3. Those prone to sinus infections
4. Individuals with frequent nasal congestion

By incorporating nasal irrigation into your daily routine, you can breathe easier and reduce asthma triggers caused by nasal congestion and inflammation. Give it a try and see if it makes a difference in your respiratory health!