You’re at the pharmacy, staring down countless brightly colored boxes of medicines that all promise to get rid of your sinus infection. But could the real answer be a few aisles over in the baby section? New research indicates it is helpful to use baby shampoo for sinus infections.
Baby Shampoo for Sinus Infections
Surprisingly, baby shampoo is creating a buzz as a possible way to wash away sinus symptoms. Experts at Baylor College of Medicine are advising many patients to use baby shampoo for sinus infections by adding just a bit to saline nasal irrigations. Saline nasal irrigations are the technique some people use to flush out irritants and mucus from the sinuses.
Research has shown that adding baby shampoo might be more effective than the standard irrigation rinse, featuring just water and salt. A 2013 study from the University of Pennsylvania showed that 60 percent of patients significantly improved after using the concoction for twice-daily irrigations over four weeks.
How Does It Work?
Some experts compare it to washing hands: It’s clearly more effective when done with soap vs. water alone
“There are reports that some chronic sinus infections are caused by biofilms — sort of a bacterial coating along the sinuses,” says Dr. Robert L. Pincus, an expert at The New York Otolaryngology Group. “Nasal irrigations can help break up these films, and a drop or two of baby shampoo in 16 ounces of irrigation may be even more effective.”
Nasal Irrigation Steps
The basic steps for a nasal irrigation are:
- Draw the irrigation liquid into the irrigation device of your choice. Many pharmacies carry a variety of types.
- Tilt your head down over the sink or bathtub, and rotate left.
- Squeeze a few ounces (your doctor can tell you how much) of liquid into your right (top) nostril. As you breathe normally through your mouth, the liquid should flow out your left nostril in a few seconds. Throughout the process, adjust your head if needed so the liquid doesn’t go into your throat or ears.
- Repeat the process with the opposite side.
- Blow your nose gently to help keep liquid out of your ears.
Check with your doctor before trying nasal irrigation. Each patient’s sinus symptoms are unique, so they require a unique treatment program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, baby shampoo can be added to saline nasal irrigations to help treat sinus infections. Research indicates that a small amount of baby shampoo enhances the effectiveness of saline rinses by breaking up bacterial biofilms in the sinuses, which may contribute to chronic infections.
To use baby shampoo for nasal irrigation, add a drop or two of baby shampoo to 16 ounces of saline irrigation solution. Use an irrigation device to gently flush each nostril while tilting your head over a sink, allowing the liquid to flow through your nasal passages and out the other nostril. Repeat on the opposite side and blow your nose gently afterwards.
Baby shampoo contains mild detergents that help break down biofilms—bacterial coatings that can protect bacteria in chronic sinus infections. This action makes the nasal irrigation with baby shampoo more effective in clearing sinus infections compared to saline rinses alone, which only flush out mucus and irritants.
Nasal irrigation can be safe when done correctly, but you should first consult your doctor to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific sinus symptoms. Using the right dilution of baby shampoo and following proper irrigation steps can help avoid irritation or complications.
According to studies, performing nasal irrigations twice daily for about four weeks can significantly improve sinus infection symptoms when baby shampoo is added. However, frequency and duration may vary based on individual needs and doctor recommendations.
First, fill your irrigation device with the saline and baby shampoo solution. Tilt your head down and to one side over the sink. Squeeze the liquid into the upper nostril, letting it flow out the other nostril. Repeat on the opposite side. Finally, gently blow your nose to clear remaining liquid.