Neti Pots

[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.

[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.