Irrigation of the nasal passages soothes irritated mucous membranes and washes away crusted mucus, secretions, and foreign matter. Left unattended, these deposits may impede sinus drainage and nasal airflow and cause headaches, infections, and unpleasant odors. Irrigation may be done with a bulb syringe or an electronic irrigating device.

Nasal irrigation benefits patients with acute or chronic nasal conditions, including sinusitis, rhinitis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, and Sjögren’s syndrome.¹ In addition, the procedure may help people who regularly inhale toxins or allergens-paint fumes, sawdust, pesticides, or coal dust, for example. Nasal irrigation is routinely recommended after some nasal surgeries to enhance healing by removing postoperative eschar and to aid remucosolization of the sinus cavities and ostia.

Contraindications for nasal irrigation may include advanced destruction of the sinuses, frequent nosebleeds, and foreign bodies in the nasal passages (which could be driven farther into the passages by the irrigant). However, some patients with these conditions may benefit from irrigation.