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It's a growing trend for people who suffer from sinus problems, but it isn't pretty. More and more people are turning to nasal rinsing to relieve some symptoms that can be brought on by dry winter weather.
Somewhere in a dark corner of YouTube, you can see demonstrations of people using saline to flush the crud out of their sinuses. More and more people are doing it on a daily basis, and they say it promotes health.
Dr. Duane Harris of the Intermountain Allergy and Asthma Clinic says if you don't have any symptoms, it probably isn't necessary, though it won't do any harm.
"I recommend this to anybody that has an ongoing sinus infection," Harris said. He also recommends it for people who have chronic problems with nasal congestion or drainage.
The process involves using a syringe, squeeze bottle or a tea pot-looking device to fill the sinus. In addition, Harris says saline tends to soothe irritated sinus tissues. He says it's important that you use only a mild saline solution and that you don't use plain tap water.
Many products are available in pharmacies that can provide the right mixture.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
