Neti pots

[wartknight]

After battle sinus infection for what seems like all winter and being congested for what I thought might be for the rest of my life, I went out yesterday morning and got a neti pot from Walgreens, and I cannot believe that I woke up this morning and I didn't have to blow my nose first thing.
I was very skeptical, but I feel so much better this morning its unreal, consider me a believer.
Anyone else use one?

 

[tamjam]

What type of liquid do you use? I tried one out about 2 years ago, but the tea I put in it ended up giving me a pretty nasty infection. So, all I'm saying is be careful.

 

[AmesCloneFan]

YES. I had a co-worker yapping about a Neti pot while I was sick one week this fall. Last thing I wanted to do was listen to her when I was feeling like crap and completely stuffed up. Finally I broke down and bought one. I wouldn't say that I was cured over night like you, but I felt pretty good for an hour or two afterwards, then I'd just do it again as needed. It's a great way to clear yourself out when you feel like your brain might start leaking out your nose when you blow it!

-By the way, it does say to use salt water and be sure to clean it very well between uses or can result in infection.

 

[tamjam]

Salt water? In a teapot? I'm sorry but that just sounds ridiculous.

 

[AmesCloneFan]

Salt water? In a teapot? I'm sorry but that just sounds ridiculous.

Do you know how you're supposed to use it? You used tea???

When you actually purchase one of these things, it comes with packets of solution that you mix in warm water, then you basically pour it up your nose and out the other side. It's pretty gross at the time but definately worth it. It's similar to gargling with salt water.

 

[tamjam]

That is so weird. I guess mine didn't come with directions or something. I thought that since it looked like a teapot you just use tea in it. Like I said, I made a nice Earl Grey in it, poured it up my nose and while it did realize me congestion, I ended up with a fairly serious infection.

AmesClone, I wish you and I were friends back then like we are now. That would've saved me a lot of pain.

 

[Nedrick]

I can testify to it's effectiveness as well. I use salt water too - just have to make sure not too much salt or it burns!

If you deal with sinus infections on a regular basis, it's good to use the neti pot daily. Helps keep the sinuses clean and moist -- esp. in the dry winter air.

 

[JonDMiller]

Coca-cola is also a good alternative. Embrace the burn.

 

[Cyclonesrule91]

My wife uses one and swears by it. She dealt with sinus infections quite often and it has really all but eliminated them. She also uses salt water....

Salt water? In a teapot? I'm sorry but that just sounds ridiculous.

I read her this thread and she is still trying to get a grip from laughing so hard when I read this post to her. It's a good thing it's not shaped like a gas can.....

 

[wartknight]

Coca-cola is also a good alternative. Embrace the burn.

I actually used Diet. Don't need all the calories and sugar right before I go to bed.

 

[AmesCloneFan]

Coca-cola is also a good alternative. Embrace the burn.

Wow- I never even thought of that. I'll bet that's intense!

When it burns, that means it's working. Example: Listerine. I'm completely addicted. Those little pocket pack things? Like liquid crack...

 

[clones26]

I love these, I was also skeptical but it works instantly. I hope you are just forgetting to insert the jimlad tamjam, if not, wow.

 

[4VR4CY]

My ENT Dr. had me use a neti-pot after my nasal surgery. It is really weird the first time you use it, but I swear by it! It really helps.

I bought the off-brand Wal Greens version.

 

[cycloneace55]

I too had sinus issues prior to a "roto-rooter" job done on my sinuses. One other remedy that sounds odd but actually keeps you breathing well when sleeping is to run Vick's Vapo rub on the bottoms of your feet and put socks on before you go to bed. Its great to get you through the night.

I have used a sinus rinse as well and used distilled water. MUCH better then tap water.

 

[jbhtexas]

I use something similar to a neti pot (can't think of the brand right now)...it comes in cans and has the salt water solution mixed and under pressure. You tilt you head like you would for a neti pot, and then spray it in. I guess it saves having to mix up the solution.

 

[zach]

I too had sinus issues prior to a "roto-rooter" job done on my sinuses. One other remedy that sounds odd but actually keeps you breathing well when sleeping is to run Vick's Vapo rub on the bottoms of your feet and put socks on before you go to bed. Its great to get you through the night.

I have used a sinus rinse as well and used distilled water. MUCH better then tap water.

My wife swears by this and I would have to admit that it appears to help...reflexology I guess.

Z

 

[Nedrick]

One other thing... it helps if you warm the salt water solution first.

 

[Steve]

Homemade sinus rinse from a ENT physician:

1qt distilled water
3 tsp pickling salt or sea salt
1 tsp baking soda

Buy a cheap saline solution squeeze bottle and use the recipe to just keep refilling it.

 

[cayin]

yeah, the neti pot works great for me. Never tried with the baking soda though.

 

[bos]

People have been using this technique for centuries, I would suspect it works. The theory behind it is sound.