Nasal lavage or irrigation aids in relieving symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of the condition include nasal congestion, facial pressure, persistent coughing, and thick yellow or green discharge. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that nasal washing using a neti pot decreases antibiotic use and reduces complications associated with sinus infections. Sinusitis often does not require aggressive treatment; instead, home care treatments, such as the neti pot, can relieve symptoms in many patients, though severe symptoms or symptoms that do not go away should be evaluated by a doctor.
Step 1
Mix together 1 tsp. of table, kosher or sea salt with 2 cups warm water in a glass. Add a pinch of baking soda, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 2
Stir the solution with a spoon until the salt dissolves into the water. Place the mixture into the neti pot.
Step 3
Stand over the sink and tilt your head to one side. Place the neti pot spot into the top nostril. Continue to inhale through your mouth as you pour the solution into your nose. The University of Maryland explains that the solution will run from the top nostril to the bottom nostril, then drain out. Blow your nose and then rinse out the opposite nostril.
Tips and Warnings
- Brown University suggests taking an oral decongestant 20 minutes prior to using the neti pot. The decongestant will loosen mucous in preparation for the lavage. Brown University recommends using the neti pot in the morning and at night; however, there is no harm in using the neti pot several times a day. As of 2010, ceramic neti pots generally cost about $20. Use a bulb syringe or even a small shot glass if a neti pot is not available.
- The treatment can be slightly uncomfortable at first; however, the treatment should never cause pain.
Things You'll Need
- Table, kosher or sea salt
- Water
- Baking soda
- Glass
- Spoon
- Neti pot
