Neti Pots

[itself]

Ok, call it crazy, but since I moved to Arizona, and hike and bike in the desert, my allergies and sinuses are hating me. I started using a neti pot (I actually purchased a generic pot at Whole foods. Use 1/4 tsp of Kosher salt with purified water).

Amazing. My sinuses feel great. It's one of those things you either love or hate. My partner hates it! But give it a try, it's an old fashioned remedy!

Lisa :)

[firenze11]

Hi Itself - my allergies have been getting really bad over the last year. So bad I've been taking medication even in the winter now. I've heard great stuff about neti pots and allergies. I'm glad it's worked for you. I'll probably try one when I can find one/remember to look for one.

~E.

[OakLeaf]

+1, although mostly I can't be bothered unless I'm getting a sinus infection. In which case it's totally disgusting and totally worth it. Just about any drug store has them now, and they also have a squeeze bottle gizmo that you don't have to tilt your head for.

[firenze11]

Just thought of a question about this. Does it hurt or is it uncomfortable? I would think it would feel like getting water up your nose at the pool or something.

[OakLeaf]

Well, define "uncomfortable." The cleansing solution is a buffered normal saline (neutral pH with the same water content as human body fluids). If you mix it too strong or too weak, or if it's too hot, it will sting a little (like pool water). If it's properly mixed, to me it actually feels good on the sinus tissues.

Sure, you have to get used to the idea of water up your nose, and there is a feeling of fullness while you're irrigating. But millions of contact lens wearers had to get used to the idea of sticking our fingers in our eyes twice a day. And that stings a LOT if you have the wrong something on your fingers. Not a lot different IMO.

[Velobambina]

I use a neti pot every day. I don't have any discomfort unless my sinuses are congested. Then sometimes, I get water "back up" into my ear tubes. Like Oakleaf, I find it soothing.

I think using it every day--warm salt water--goes a long way in preventing colds & sinus infections.

[Zen]

This is really weird (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8sDIbRAXlg)
Like something you'd see on Letterman.

[makbike]

I too flush the sinus cavities - i make up my own solution - 2 oz of distilled water and 1/8 teaspoon of tablesalt. I use a spray bottle and gently flush. I can feel a sinus infection building and when i do i break out the flush - helps and gives me a lot of relief.

[KathiCville]

I occasionally do the neti pot routine, too. Definitely helps soothe nasal passages, especially if your house or workplace has dry heat.....I've been trying to get my BF to try it---he broke his nose years ago playing ice hockey and always has trouble keeping his sinuses clear during cold and allergy seasons.

[firenze11]

Finally found and bought one of these. Apparently, thanks to Oprah, stores are having a hard time keeping them in stock. I used it as soon as I got home and I must say it's not uncomfortable at all. It's a bit odd to use it and see the water coming out of my nose like that but other than that it's not painful or anything. Not at all like getting water up your nose at a pool. ;) Thanks everyone for giving me an idea of what it was like before I bought.

I hope it helps these allergies out.

[Wahine]

for those of you who use these... haw do you manage to make is work when you're already pugged up. I do fine when all's clear, then I have an allergic reaction to something and within 15 min I'm clogged. I tried to flush but really, nothing was coming through. Suggestions??

[firenze11]

for those of you who use these... haw do you manage to make is work when you're already pugged up. I do fine when all's clear, then I have an allergic reaction to something and within 15 min I'm clogged. I tried to flush but really, nothing was coming through. Suggestions??

The brand I bought also has a sinus flusher thing that apparently has more pressure. The booklet that came w/ the neti pot says that it is more effective for sinuses that are plugged because the neti pot only works on gravity. So that might be something to look into. I don't know how much pressure would be good for sinus tissue though. I hope someone else has a little more experience/info for you.

[makbike]

Wahine,

Have you tried filling your bathroom with steam and sitting in there for a short period of time? The warm, moist air should help to open the air ways.

I recently saw a new PA for a sinus infection I was battling. She recommended Snuffle - a nasal spray which contains, saline, sodium bicarbonate, spearmint oil, alum, menthol, eucalyplto, cinammon, etc. It kept my sinuses open and seemed to quickly reduce the inflammation.

[Wahine]

those are both good suggestions. I like the idea of the Snuffle - first of all I like eucalyptus and cinamon. Secondly - the name reminds me of Seasame Street.:D

[OakLeaf]

I generally only resort to a heating pad across my face when I have a really bad sinus infection, but moist heat does open it up.

Be careful of using too much pressure to irrigate when you have an infection. I've given myself pinkeye that way (drove the infection into my eyes via the sinuses) and I've read that you can give yourself an ear infection, too.

[sundial]

Does it hurt or is it uncomfortable? I would think it would feel like getting water up your nose at the pool or something.

I'm glad to see this discussion because I used a sinus rinse tonight after my ride. I have chronic allergies (but no sinus problems) and I get a little stuffy after riding and usually go to bed with congestion. Then I wake up with more congestion, sneezing, runny nose, the works. I have to tell you I feel a lot of relief and my nose is really clear. I may not have to use my nose spray tonight. :)

I use NeilMed Sinus Rinse Bottle Kit. I squeeze the bottle ever so gently and a steady stream of water comes out--with the bottle held upright. The bottle cleans the sinuses better than a neti pot in my opinion and comes with premeasured, pH balanced solution that does not sting when irrigating the sinuses. This product is recommended for both allergy and sinus sufferers.

Here's some information provided by NeilMed manufacturer:


Principles of Nasal Irrigation

Allergies and Sinus disease cause excessive mucus production in the nasal passages. Nasal irrigation will wash away the excess mucus and allergens such as pollen, dust particles, pollutants and bacteria and reduce the inflammation of the mucus membrane. A normal mucus membrane will fight infections and allergies better and thus reduce symptoms of sinus disease and allergies.
Neti Pot Principle:

All Neti Pots operate on the principle of gravity. Tilting your head and simultaneously raising the neti pot device allows the solution to flow down the nasal passages due to the effect of gravity. A limitation of all Net Pots is that gravity cannot create sufficient pressure to wash away all the undesirable mucus and nasal irritants. The neti pot is preferred by a small number of users, but it is not as effective or as easy as NeilMed's SINUS RINSE™ positive pressure system.
Positive Pressure bottle system:

This easy-squeeze bottle system allows the user to deliver the solution with sufficient pressure to thoroughly clean the nasal passages. The user has complete control of the pressure and the volume of solution as it enters into the nasal passages, allowing for a gentle, soothing and therapeutic experience. The NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™ system, is the #1 recommended, positive pressure system by ENT and Allergy specialists. There is a consensus among a lot of Ear Nose and throat specialist at leading Medical institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and U.K. that positive pressure nasal irrigation systems provide the most relief to users suffering from allergies and sinus disease.

Wahine --sometimes when I get completely stopped up, I'll find a sauna to sit in and it always seems to help. I wonder if a humidifier would help you.