Sinus rinses

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I've been reading all the talk about the sinus rinses. Here is what I

learned from my ear, nose throat (ENT):

First, NEVER use tap water. Any water used MUST be boiled for at least

5 minutes and then cooled. You can boil the water, keep it in a covered

container in the fridge and then warm it a bit (slightly) in the

microwave before using.

Second: If you use salt, it must be canning salt (not iodized). I can't

remember the exact recipe that the ENT told me, but it had canning salt

and baking soda.

Third: It must go in one nostril and come out the other for it to work.

I used a Water Pix with a special nasal irrigator. We are talking

serious sinus problems here.

My PCP at the time had me switch from the salt/baking soda recipe to

Betadyne. Betadyne is available over the counter in any pharmacy. It is

commonly used to cleanse wounds. He cited the antiseptic qualities of

it. Mix a few drops of Betadyne into the boiled, cooled water until it

resembles WEAK tea. A word of caution.. it stings a bit, but sure

clears up any sinus probs. I also use a prescription nasal spray

(Generic Fluticason) twice a day.

As I said earlier, I take a generic Sudafed whenever I feel a sinus

attack coming on and beef that up with warm packs over my eyes/sinus

area.

I hate the Water Pix.. hate any water up my nose LOL, but use it to

fend off another chance of needing my sinuses either rinsed (not bad)

or drained (ick) by the ENT.

Take care,

Zazzy