Inflammation of the nasal membranes caused by sinus disease leads to excessive mucus production and blockage of the sinuses. Washing this excess mucus away along with any irritants helps to reduce the amount of inflammation and relieve symptoms. Why use medicines in the douche?
In some instances it is preferable to use medication topically. Research shows that an effective method of delivering topical therapy to the sinus cavities is by adding the medicines to your saline douche.
Following nasal surgery, your doctor may ask you to rinse your nose regularly to keep your sinuses clean. Douching will help wash away clots and crusting, promote good nasal hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. Generally it will take 3 months for the lining of your nose to settle following surgery and feelings of congestion may persist for some time. Carrying out regular nasal douching once you return home will aid recovery and provide symptomatic relief during the healing process.
If you have been given a Neilmed Sinus Rinse bottle you may use this douching solution recipe when the sample sachets run out.
1 pint of water - boiled and allowed to cool to body temperature Then add (until dissolved):
Place a little hot boiled water into the douche bottle. Add about a 2 cm slug of ointment to the water and gently shake to dissolve. Top this up with the ‘base’ saline solution.
Squirt 6-8 sprays into your rinse bottle contianing the ‘base’ saline solution.
Rinse bottles can be cleaned by using some washing up liquid or by microwaving the bottle for a 1.5-2 minutes with a little water in the bottom. Alternatively bottles can be rinsed with Milton baby solution.
Ideally at least twice a day or as directed by your specialist.