How Do You Prevent Colds Using Nasal Irrigation?
In a study published in the Archives of Otolarygology in 2008, researchers found that children who performed daily saline nasal irrigation (SNI) had significantly fewer symptoms of upper respiratory infections, like runny nose, congestion, cough and sore throat, than children who did not perform the irrigation. SNI is thought to enable the nasal mucosa to more efficiently remove germs that can lead to the common cold and influenza by increasing ciliary (the small hairs lining the nasal and sinus cavities) action and reducing the presence of inflammatory agents. Daily irrigation can help reduce upper respiratory tract infections. Add one tsp. of salt and one-half tsp. of baking soda to one pint of lukewarm water in a pint container. Stir until dissolved. Fill the irrigation pot from the pint container. If using a bulb syringe, first squeeze the bulb, then submerge the tip into the saline solution. Allow the syringe to fill with solution. Stand at a sink. Position your head by looking di
