Mechanical cleansing of nasal mucosa via saline irrigation

Mechanical cleansing of nasal mucosa via saline irrigation refers to a non-pharmacological therapy in which a saline solution is flushed through the nasal cavity to physically remove mucus, debris, allergens, inflammatory mediators, and pathogens. This process aids in restoring mucociliary function, improves nasal symptoms in conditions like rhinosinusitis or allergic rhinitis, and can enhance overall nasal mucosal health. It is a safe and evidence-supported adjunct to medical therapy but is a procedure rather than a molecular, cellular, or biochemical therapeutic target.

Other names

Nasal irrigationSaline nasal irrigationNasal saline rinseNasal lavageSinus rinse

Physical removal of mucus, pathogens, allergens, and particulates from the nasal cavity. Dilution and elimination of inflammatory mediators from nasal mucosa. Improvement of mucociliary clearance by hydrating and thinning mucus, and sometimes increasing ciliary beat frequency. Possible additional effects if magnesium, zinc, potassium, or bicarbonate ions are added (e.g., anti-inflammatory, cell repair, reduced mucus viscosity).