Dealing with a stuffy nose and congestion due to allergies? If so, you may simply be trying over-the-counter medications to help alleviate your symptoms; however, instead of just resorting to medications, you may be looking for a natural and medicine-free approach to treating your allergy symptoms. If so, an at-home nasal irrigation system could help.

Can a sinus rinse help with my allergies? How?

After all, your body is reacting to the offending allergen because it may still be lingering in your nasal passages. Fortunately, whether you are dealing with year-round allergies or seasonal allergies, the reason you’re dealing with them in the first place is that there is something in the environment that is triggering an immune response. Your body is reacting to the offending allergen because it may still be lingering in your nasal passages.

Fortunately, by rinsing out the sinuses with a saline solution (or a saltwater solution that you make yourself), you can rinse away those allergens. Plus, this solution can ease inflamed, painful sinuses, and provide you with relief without having to turn to medications.

If there is any mucus buildup present within the sinuses, this can increase your risk for bacterial infections within the nasal cavity. If you find yourself dealing with frequent sinus problems, then a sinus rinse can help clear out the mucus bacteria to prevent future infections.

How does nasal irrigation work?

You can find nasal irrigation systems at your local drugstore. One of the most commonly used nasal irrigation systems is a Neti pot, a small ceramic pot that typically comes with saline solution (however, it is easy to make your own: simply add ½ teaspoon of sea salt to 16 ounces of distilled water).

Place the solution into the Neti Pot, tilt your head to the side and then place the spout of the Neti pot directly into the nostril before letting the stream of solution go through the nasal passages. Blow your nose after and repeat with the other nostril. We know that the Neti pot can be a bit messy, so it’s best to do it over the bathroom sink so that it can catch the leftover saline solution or salt-water.

If the Neti pot just isn’t for you, this doesn’t mean you’re just out of luck! There are nasal sprays that you can find in your local drugstore that contain the saline solution. These can also flush out allergens and help alleviate your symptoms.

If you find that home remedies just aren’t cutting it, or you’re having to use your Neti pot regularly all year long, then it’s time to talk with a qualified allergist for a customized treatment plan. Talk to an allergist today and get your allergies under control.