syringing

Syringing is a medical procedure in which fluid is flushed into a body cavity with a syringe to remove debris, wax, mucus, or other material. The term is most often applied to ear syringing for cerumen removal and to nasal syringing for nasal irrigation.

Ear syringing is used to relieve blockage from impacted earwax and to improve hearing or comfort. It is typically performed by a clinician using warmed saline or water and a specialized syringe. Before the procedure, the ear is examined with an otoscope, and it is avoided if there is suspected tympanic membrane perforation, active ear infection, recent ear surgery, or significant ear pain. The fluid is gently delivered into the ear canal with low pressure, directed toward the wax but not forced into the middle ear. If resistance or pain occurs, the procedure is stopped. Afterward, the ear is dried and inspected for continued occlusion or injury.

Nasal syringing, or nasal irrigation, uses a bulb syringe or squeeze bottle to flush isotonic saline through the nasal passages. The user leans forward with their head to one side, inserts the tip into the upper nostril, and gently squeezes the saline so it flows through the nasal cavity and out the other nostril. Water should be body-temperature and sterile or distilled to minimize infection risk. Nasal irrigation is contraindicated in cases of facial trauma, recent nasal surgery, severe nosebleeds, or suspected nasal polyps with obstruction. Hygiene and proper preparation are important to reduce contamination.

Risks for both procedures include discomfort, minor bleeding, or infection. Cerumenolytics or suction removal by trained professionals are alternatives for ear blockage, while saline sprays or rinses without syringing may be used for nasal care.