Nasal Irrigation Beneficial for Pregnant Women With Allergies

Italian researchers have reported in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology in Sept 2009 that saline nasal rinsing is a safe and effective treatment option for nasal problems in pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis. In their paper titled "Nasal Lavage in Pregnant Women with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Study," the researchers instructed the study group to perform hypertonic saline lavages to the nose 3X per day. Of note, HYPERTONIC saline solution was used instead of the more usual isotonic saline solution.

A statistically significant improvement in rhinitis symptoms (rhinorrea, obstruction, nasal itching and sneezing) was found during the observed weeks 2-6. Furthermore, the mean number of daily antihistamines use per patient per week was significantly reduced at weeks 2, 3 and 6. No adverse effect was reported in the active group.

Read the abstract here.

In our office, we recommend the Neilmed Sinus Rinse bottle as the cheapest and most effective way to perform nasal irrigations. Of note, the Neilmed sinus rinse bottle also comes with hypertonic saline version (along with the more common isotonic version). For convenience, irrigation devices (shown below) are also sold, but much more expensive.

Click here to watch a video of how to perform nasal rinses.

The Perfect Nasal Bulb Suction and Aspirator for Infants and Small Children

Regardless of the cause of a snotty nose in a young child, it is recommended that parents use a saline spray or saline bullets to the nose followed by nasal bulb suctioning as often as 3 times a day. The problem is finding the perfect nasal suctioning device with the following characteristics:

• Make sure the nasal tip is rounded to prevent nasal trauma no matter how firmly you push against your child's nose
• Make sure you can see into the bulb to ensure adequate suctioning as well as to know when it needs to be cleaned
• Make sure it can be taken apart for cleaning

There are TWO devices that we found meet these criteria illustrated below. We also sell them in our office!


This nasal bulb suction is a regular nasal bulb suction. Note the rounded tip, clear window to see into the bulb, as well as the fact that it can be taken apart (the blue bulb can be separated from the clear plastic).

Nasal bulbs can be purchased from Amazon.com. This particular nasal bulb suction is sold in our office for $12.




This device uses suction produced by the parent in order to remove nasal drainage. Just like the nasal bulb, it has a rounded tip, clear plastic, and can be taken apart for cleaning.

This Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator can be purchased from Amazon.com. Sold in our office for $15.

New Webpage on the Evaluation and Treatment of the Snotty or Runny Nose in Kids

A new webpage has been created going over causes and treatment of the snotty nose or runny nose that kids less than 5 years of age often get. Treatment is often frustrating as young kids and infants do not know how to blow the nose. Read here to see what you can do about it!