Proper care of nasal-rinsing devices can help avert infections

Nasal-rinsing devices use salt-based solution to treat congested sinuses, colds and allergies and to moisten nasal passages exposed to dry indoor air. To avoid any kind of infection, it is very important to clean the same properly. Ideally distilled or sterile water should be used to clean. Water filtered with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller traps potentially infectious organisms. Tap water boiled for 3-5 minutes and cooled till lukewarm can also be used. Boiled water stored in a clean, closed container should be used within 24 hours. One’s hand should be cleaned and dried thoroughly before using such rinsing devices. FDA recommends that after using and washing the device with water, the inside should be dried with paper towel and then air dried. Nasal rinsing devices should be used on doctor’s recommendations and if the conditions don’t improve or worsen, the doctor should be contacted immediately.