Protocol For Saline Irrigation Of The Sinus (Saltwater)

1. Prepare irrigating solution as follows:

   Mix 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/3 teaspoon of salt and one pint of water. Boil this for 15 minutes and cool until warm, but not hot, for the first treatment (about body temperature). Store the rest of the material in the refrigerator in a sterile jar with tight fitting lid. Remake as necessary.

2. Treatment protocol

   1. Warm 60 cc of the solution up to 120 cc to body temperature.

   2. Using irrigating system, either a 60 cc lip tip syringe or the Bard ear bulb syringe or a Water Pik sinus irrigator, lean over the sink until the head is upside down and instill the solution with steady firm pressure, 30 cc per nostril. Continue irrigation until solution is entirely used. If the first 30 cc returns very cloudy and mucousy, an additional 30 cc can be utilized on that side.

   3. The solution should run out freely from the nose and back of the throat. If sinus surgery has previously been completely, the irrigant often comes out the opposite side.

   4. Repeat this treatment as directed by your physician, usually once or twice daily.

   Note: This procedure can also easily be done in the shower, if preferred.

Protocol For Antibiotic Sinus Irrigation

1. Warm one vial (2 cc) of tobramycin solution to body temperature. This contains 80 mg per vial and half of each 40 mg (1 cc) will be utilized for each sinus. If another antibiotic is used, get the drug name and dose from the ordering physician.
2. Mix the entire contents of the vial with 60 cc of saline.
3. Using an irrigating syringe (60 cc) or the Bard ear bulb syringe or the Water Pik sinus attachment, lean over the sink fully until head is upside down. Install the solution with steady firm pressure, using 30 cc per each nostril. Continue irrigation until complete 30 cc has been instilled. Move syringe to the other nostril and complete the irrigation.
4. The solution should run freely out from the nose and back of the throat, usually on the opposite side, if the patient has had prior sinus surgery.
5. Repeat treatment as directed by your physician. If this concentration is uncomfortable and causes stinging, further dilution can be made with your saltwater solution.