Asthma can be a life-altering condition that affects 25 million people in the U.S. alone. Fear of when the next chest pain, tightness or breathless situation will arise wakes many sufferers to the harsh reality of living with asthma. While steroid inhalers are the usual recommendation from doctors, they come with their own set of undesirable side effects. Researchers have now discovered an alternative, more natural method to alleviate your asthma symptoms: nasal rinsing.
The Research: A Natural Boost to Asthma Control
At the British Thoracic Society, compelling research was presented about the significant impact of nasal rinsing on asthma control. Asthma sufferers often experience rhinitis, resulting in nasal congestion and abnormal breathing patterns such as mouth breathing. This unusual pattern and the exposure to cold dehumidified air can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Nasal rinsing has been shown to provide immediate relief from congestion, leading to better breathing and improved sense of smell and taste.
A study conducted with 30 patients suffering from severe asthma and rhinosinusitis showed remarkable results. The participants were taught to rinse their nasal passages with a simple saline rinse kit, one to two times per day. Assessing their symptoms before and after treatment determined that 88% reported improved nasal symptoms, 62% reported improved chest symptoms, 69% showed a significant decrease in nasal symptoms, and 83% showed a clinically significant improvement in ‘asthma control’ scores.
Researchers concluded that nose breathing is an essential part of an efficient breathing pattern and helps asthma patients feel they can breathe more comfortably.
Nasal Rinsing: A Step-by-Step Guide
- First, purchase a nasal rinsing kit with a pre-mixed saline solution. You can choose a prefilled container or opt for a bulb syringe or neti pot, all of which are available at local drugstores and online.
- If not using a prefilled container, follow the packet instructions to mix the saline solution. For DIY saline solutions, mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda with 1-2 cups of warm, distilled, sterile water or water that’s been boiled and cooled.
- Lean forward over the sink and tilt your head at a 45° angle. Keep one nostril pointing down toward the sink and take care not to tilt your head back.
- Place the spout of the neti pot or the tip of the syringe or squeeze bottle just inside your nose – no further than a finger’s width.
- Keep your mouth open as you squeeze the bulb, syringe or bottle, or tilt the pot to pour the water into your nostril. Continue to breathe through your mouth.
- As the salt water runs through your nostrils, it will drain out the other side.
- Gently blow your nose and repeat on the other side.
- Perform this process at least 1-2 times a day for the best results.
Don’t let asthma dictate how you live your life. With nasal rinsing, you can regain control of your asthma symptoms and breathe with ease.
