In the seasonal battle against allergies, many choose to medicate with over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Benadryl. Some seek professional advice from an allergist or primary care physician, often turning to prescription nasal sprays or pills. And still, many suffer from chronic sinus congestion and pressure, resulting in facial pain, earaches and persistent headaches. If untreated, sinus pressure can result in sinusitis, an unpleasant infection of the sinus cavities.
Many forms of alternative medicine claim to cure this chronic sinus pressure, like acupuncture and some chiropractic therapy. Regardless of how well these treatments may or may not work, many chronic sinus sufferers would prefer to steer away from such treatments, seeking more natural therapies that are still drug-free.
Is Nasal Irrigation the Answer?
One natural remedy growing in popularity is nasal irrigation. This therapy “uses a salt and water solution to flush out the nasal cavity” (WebMD) and is easy, painless, affordable, and can be done at home. The most popular form of nasal irrigation is the neti pot, a small device available in most pharmacies for $10 to $20.
Those experiencing chronic sinus symptoms from sinusitis, allergies, and environmental irritants who use a neti pot regularly may notice that congestion lessens, pain and pressure are reduced, and their use of medications becomes less necessary. Using nasal irrigation as a regular part of one’s routine improves the overall benefits.
How Does It Work?
The neti pot, which comes with an insert to explain how to use it, gently pushes warm water and saline through one nostril, thinning the mucus and congestion inside the sinus cavities and flushing it out. It doesn’t sound like the most pleasant process, but the neti pot system is harmless and painless, causing at most a tickling of the nose. Biologically, the saline solution aids the cilia (tiny hairs that line the nasal and sinus cavities) in pushing the mucus, bacteria, allergens, and irritants through the passages. Those with chronic sinus problems may have “uncoordinated” cilia that need this extra assistance to move these along.
To use the neti pot, you mix lukewarm water with a provided packet of saline inside. Tilting your head to one side over the sink, about a 45-degree angle, you place the spout into the top nostril and pour it in slowly (WebMD). The fluid flows through the cavity and out the other nostril. Blow your nose to flush out the remaining liquid and mucus, then repeat the process on the other nostril.
Are There Negative Side Effects?
Neti pots have proven to be generally safe, with very few reported incidents of adverse side effects. A very small group of participants report nasal irritation, stinging, or nosebleeds. Often, however, simply reducing the amount of saline, the frequency of use, or a cooler water temperature will reduce or eliminate these side effects (WebMD). Taking good care of the neti pot with regular washing, either by hand or in the dishwasher, will reduce the chance of bacterial build up inside the device. Always dry the neti pot after each use.
References:
Anonymous. (2009). A Guide to Your Sinuses: Help for Pain, Pressure and Drip. Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots. WebMD. Retrieved October 19, 2009 from http://www.webmd.com
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