Neti pots are small vessels that are filled with a cleansing solution, usually warm, salty water, and are used to flush out the nasal cavities. They originated as part of the practice of yoga, and were initially used as devices to keep the nasal passages clear to make proper yoga deep breathing techniques possible. Today, neti pots are widely available at drugstores and are used to treat multiple conditions related to nasal respiratory health, though improper use can result in unpleasant complications.
Improper Flushing Solutions
Most neti pot therapies call for a mildly saline solution, and pre-mixed bottles of saline nasal solution are often available where neti pots are sold. You can also mix your own saline solution at home by combining a half pint of lukewarm water with 1/8 tsp. of salt, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, when other types of solutions are used or when saline solutions are accidentally mixed in improper proportions, the results can be painful and may even lead to infections, according to Christopher Martin's book, "Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become An Empty Nose Victim!" Excessive levels of salt can cause prolonged irritation, and undesired effects from other ingredients may vary. Solutions can also be tainted by impurities in the water, so it is best to use distilled or purified water whenever possible. The temperature of the solution may also cause problems; water that is too hot or too cold may cause pain, scalding and over-drying of the nasal passages.
Solution Becoming Trapped
While most commercially available neti pots come with detailed instructions, these are not always sufficient to prepare a first-time user for the process or the sensations it generates. Novice users may reflexively cough, sneeze or gag during the flushing process, which can cause some amount of the solution to become trapped in the nasal cavity, according to the book "The Neti Pot for Better Health" by Warren Jefferson. Trapped solution in the nasal cavity can be uncomfortable, if not painful, and can lead to sinus infections. It can take several days for this liquid to drain out on its own, and it may come out suddenly through the nostrils at an inopportune moment. If and when this happens, it is best to seek medical care from a licensed physician to help prevent infections before they begin.
Improper Spout Insertion
Proper neti pot use involves inserting the spout of the pot inside each nostril. While this can be done safely, lack of experience with neti pots or simple carelessness can result in the spout being inserted too far, with too much force or at an awkward angle, according to Martin's book. This can lead to multiple problems; if the spout is inserted slightly too far or with just a bit of excess force, it may cause immediate temporary pain or may become a distraction during the flushing process, potentially resulting in the solution becoming trapped in the nasal cavity as described in Section 2. In severe cases, the spout may actually damage the nasal passages or mucous membranes, in which case medical attention may be required.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Neti pot solution--Can I make my own?
- "Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become An Empty Nose Victim!"; Christopher Martin; 2007
- "The Neti Pot for Better Health"; Warren Jefferson; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Neti pot--Can it clear your nose?
- "Neti: Healing Secrets of Yoga and Ayurveda"; David Frawley; 2005
