Welcome to Rhinowise

Building a patient information platform in the field of nose and sinus disease

Some information on commonly prescribed medications

Nasal Rinse

There are many different reasons why rinsing with salt water, or saline, can be beneficial. The primary reason is the mechanical cleansing out of whatever it is that you have been breathing in through your nose throughout the day. Every single day, we all breathe in allergens, irritants, pollutants, as well as viruses, fungus, and bacteria. Because of the salt content, through a process called osmosis, the saline can act as a natural decongestant, drawing excessive moisture and bogginess out of the nasal cavity.

There are also patients who have already undergone sinus or skull base surgery. Rinsing the nose with salt water can be very helpful in the healing process, bringing out blood clots or whatever else might be causing problems.

There are many options and devices out there that help you get salt water in and out of your nose. The one that we recommend is the squeeze bottle, because it is a high-volume, high-pressure irrigation – we know that that salt water is getting into and out of the sinus outflow paths where we want it.

Once you decide which device you want to use, the question is, “how do I do that rinse?” We have found that a slightly different head position allows patients to tolerate the saline rinse much more comfortably. If you tilt your head a little bit to the side, and even hang your head a little bit forward over the sink, then you can get the nozzle into the top nostril, and squeeze gently. Most people are able to keep their mouths open and breathe, and tolerate this position much better.

In three easy steps: (1) hang head forward over the bucket, (2) tilt head slightly to one side, (3) place bottle in TOP nostril, squeeze half the fluid into one nostril. Repeat by tilting your head to the other side, and doing steps 1-3 again. 

 

Nasal Spray

The nasal sprays that require a prescription include anti-inflammatory steroid sprays. These steroid sprays have been well-studied, and are safe for use. Other types of prescription nasal sprays are things like anti-histamine nasal sprays. These can be very helpful for allergy patients. There are also prescription nasal sprays that are used to turn down the mucus faucet in your nose, decreasing mucus production for various reasons.

Other types of sprays that are generally over the counter and do not require a prescription are nasal decongestants. These sprays in general are NOT good or safe for you to use long-term. It is okay to use for short periods of time, for example just three days or less. They are actually quite helpful for patients who are having a severe nose bleed. So overall, keep in mind: some nasal sprays are very good and safe for you to use, and some can be very dangerous for you to use long-term. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting nasal spray use.

The best head position for using a nasal spray is having your head down, with your face directed at the floor, with the nozzle pointing toward your eye on either side. This helps coat the nasal structures appropriately, prevents irritation from the midline septum, and also prevents the spray from running down your throat.

In three easy steps: (1) Nose to toes, (2) use left hand for right nostril, and vice versa, (3) point spray away from midline (toward outer part of nostril).

 

Learn more about your condition.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis, and Allergic Rhinitis

Do you have nasal congestion/discharge, nasal obstruction, sinus pressure/drainage, or anosmia (decreased sense of smell) for many weeks on end? These are the classic symptoms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis, or CRS. If you have any of these symptoms, you have come to the right place. These patient resources, along with consultation from your physician, will kelp you get back on track and feeling your very best.

Allergic Rhinitis is caused by allergens, such as pollen or dust, and results in classic allergic symptoms such as watery or itchy eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose. This can occur seasonally, often times during the spring, or year round in more serious cases.