Nasal Lavage (the “Cuckoo” method)

Prolonged rhinitis, nasal congestion, and headaches are common companions of sinus inflammation. If drops and sprays no longer help, ENT doctors at St. Luke’s Clinic use one of the most effective and safest methods of conservative treatment — nasal lavage using the Proetz displacement method (popularly known as the “Cuckoo” method).

This procedure allows for quick cleansing of the nasal passages and deep sinuses from pus, mucus, and bacteria, reducing swelling and restoring free breathing without surgical intervention (puncture).

When does an ENT doctor prescribe nasal lavage?

The procedure is an integral part of the treatment of many respiratory diseases in adults and children. Main indications:

• Acute and chronic sinusitis: maxillary sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses).
• Prolonged rhinitis: infectious, viral, or allergic rhinitis that does not subside for a long time.
• Adenoiditis in children: inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsil.
• Nasal polyposis: as part of complex therapy to reduce inflammation.
• Rehabilitation after surgical interventions in the nasal cavity.

How is the procedure performed (why is it called “Cuckoo”)?

The lavage is completely painless and takes only 10–15 minutes. It is performed on an outpatient basis in the ENT office of our clinic.

1. Preparation: Before starting, the doctor may instill vasoconstrictor drops into the nose to reduce mucosal swelling and open access to the sinuses.
2. Process: The patient lies on a couch, with their head slightly tilted back. The doctor slowly pours a warm therapeutic solution (antiseptic) through one nostril, and through the other nostril, using a special vacuum aspirator (suction device), this solution is pumped out along with the washed-out pus and mucus.
3. Why “Cuckoo”? During the lavage, the patient is asked to constantly and clearly pronounce the syllables “coo-coo-coo-coo”. This is necessary for the soft palate to rise and block the nasopharynx — so the therapeutic solution does not enter the throat and respiratory tract, but circulates exclusively in the nasal cavity.

Advantages of the procedure at St. Luke’s Clinic

• Alternative to puncture: A timely course of lavages (usually 5–7 procedures) in most cases allows for the treatment of sinusitis without painful sinus puncture.
• Double action: Vacuum effectively extracts pus, and the antiseptic destroys bacteria directly at the site of inflammation.
• Suitable for children: Our otolaryngologists know how to communicate with children, turning the procedure into a “cuckoo” game so that the child does not feel stressed.
• Instant relief: Patients note a significant improvement in breathing and a reduction in headaches after the very first session.

How to behave after the procedure?

Immediately after the lavage, it is not recommended to go outside abruptly (especially in cold weather). It is better to sit in the clinic’s hall for 15–20 minutes. Also, avoid hypothermia for several hours.

Do not tolerate nasal congestion and headaches! Make an appointment with an ENT doctor at St. Luke’s Clinic for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.