Surprising Side Effects Of Using A Neti Pot
A Neti pot is a nasal irrigation device that cleans out your nasal passages with water and salt. The typical Neti pot looks like a tiny version of a teapot, but you can find other styles — bulb syringes, small bottles, and pulse irrigation systems. In addition, you can find plastic, ceramic, or porcelain Neti pots (via The Strategist).
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Neti pots work by moving saline — saltwater — through your nasal passages. The saline goes into one nostril and comes out of the other nostril. It can take some getting used to, but it isn't painful when done correctly.
Neti pots can help relieve allergy and cold symptoms by cleansing the nasal passages. Nasal irrigation can also help with dryness by adding moisture to the linings of the sinuses. However, you won't enjoy these health benefits if you use a Neti pot incorrectly. According to the FDA, if you don't follow the instructions, you can end up with sinus irritation or infection.
There are some good health benefits from using a Neti pot. Plus, it's inexpensive and easy to use — once you get used to it.
Health benefits of Neti pots
Your sleep quality can be affected by sleep apnea or snoring, and mucus in the nasal passages can make both worse. Using a Neti pot can clear the mucus and help you sleep better (via Verywell Health).
Dr. David Rabago from UW Health has studied nasal irrigation benefits for 15 years. His studies have shown that people with chronic sinus symptoms experienced decreased runny noses and congestion from using a Neti pot regularly. The participants also had a decrease in the need for antibiotics and nasal sprays.
Dr. Rabago recommends using a Neti pot daily while you're having sinus symptoms and says it can be used as a preventative measure for seasonal allergies. Nasal irrigation can help when the symptoms are frequent, and you find daily Neti pot use is working for you.
According to WebMD, you could get cold and allergy symptom relief with a Neti pot. However, there need to be more studies on how nasal irrigation can help prevent allergies and other sinus symptoms.
While nasal irrigation seems to be safe when used properly, you should consult your doctor or allergist to see if you can use it as a preventative measure against seasonal allergies or other sinus symptoms. Are you ready to try it?
How to use a Neti pot
You'll need a Neti pot, saline solution packets, and water. Clean your Neti pot before the first use and after each use to avoid getting an infection. Then, use warm water and soap to clean, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely (via Verywell Health).
You can use filtered, boiled, or distilled water, according to NeilMed. Use warm water by warming in the microwave five seconds at a time until it's warm but not hot. Pour in the saline packet first, then the water. Hold your finger over the hole and shake to mix the solution.
It's time to rinse your nose! Do this over a sink. Tilt your head 45 degrees to the left and gently put the spout of the Neti pot over your right nostril. Breathe through your mouth so the saline solution can go through your nasal passages. The solution will go into your right nostril and come out your left nostril. After the Neti pot is empty, repeat the steps to fill it again and switch sides. You might need to blow or wipe your nose after use (via Healthline).
NeilMed recommends rinsing once or twice a day unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve.