• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

What Is Nasal Irrigation And Is It Effective?

ByDaniel Steinberg, M.D., Director, Allergy and Asthma Center of Massachusetts
October 07, 2008, 10:23 PM

— -- Question: What is nasal irrigation and is it effective?

Answer: Well nasal washes serve a variety of functions. When people think about what their nose does -- your nose essentially performs a variety of functions which you don't generally appreciate. In addition to sense of smell, your nose humidifies the air, warms the airs, filters the air which your lungs see, and also there's a series of immunological functions that go on in your nose that help prevent viral and bacterial and other forms of infection.

Saline irrigations can help with all of those functions, particularly hygiene for the nose and helping facilitate removal of infectious organisms and other irritants in the airway which then sets someone up for other nasal and sinus problems.

Up Next in News—

What to know about new Apple HomeView smart home display hub

November 13, 2026

Pilot father of 20-year-old co-pilot in Learjet crash says he's still searching for answers

November 12, 2026

Americans' credit card debt reaches nearly $1.3 trillion

November 11, 2026

Daredevil couple who scaled Empire State Building speak out, say they're 'ready to take responsibility'

November 11, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News