How do you use nasal salt?

To use nasal salt, you typically mix it with water to create a saline solution for nasal irrigation. Here’s a step-by-step guide, incorporating information from the provided YouTube reference:

Preparing the Saline Solution

1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a nasal rinse device (like a neti pot or squeeze bottle), a packet of pre-measured nasal salt (or the correct amount of non-iodized salt), and distilled or previously boiled water that has cooled.
2. Mix the Solution:
   • Fill your nasal rinse device with the correct amount of warm distilled or boiled and cooled water.
   • Add the nasal salt packet to the water.
   • As the reference states, put the lid on the rinse device and shake gently to dissolve the salt completely.
   • If your healthcare provider has prescribed any medications to be added to the rinse, add those at this stage.
3. Check the Temperature: The solution should be lukewarm. If it is too hot or too cold, it could be uncomfortable.

Performing the Nasal Rinse

1. Get in Position: Lean over a sink, tilting your head slightly forward and to one side.
2. Insert the Spout: Gently insert the spout of the nasal rinse device into your upper nostril.
3. Begin the Rinse: Open your mouth and breathe through it. Gently squeeze or tilt the device to allow the saline solution to flow into your nasal passage.
4. Let it Flow: The solution should flow out of your lower nostril.
5. Repeat: Repeat the process on the other side.
6. Blow Gently: After rinsing, gently blow your nose to remove any remaining solution and mucus.

Important Notes:

• Use Correct Salt: Only use pre-packaged nasal salt packets or non-iodized salt. Do not use table salt as it may contain additives that can irritate your nasal passages.
• Clean the Device: Always thoroughly clean and dry your nasal rinse device after each use to prevent bacterial growth.
• Water Type: Always use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water that has cooled to avoid introducing harmful bacteria or microbes into your nasal passages.
• Frequency: Follow your doctor's recommendations for how often to perform nasal rinses.

Summary Table

Step	Description
1. Prepare	Gather device, salt, distilled or previously boiled water.
2. Mix	Add salt to water in device, put on the lid and shake gently. Add any medication (if prescribed).
3. Position	Lean over a sink, head tilted slightly forward and to one side.
4. Rinse	Insert spout into upper nostril, breathe through mouth, let solution flow out of other nostril.
5. Repeat	Repeat process on the other nostril.
6. Clean Up	Gently blow nose, clean and dry rinse device.

By following these steps, you can effectively use nasal salt to help clear your nasal passages and relieve congestion.