The neti pot is a specialty nasal irrigation tool that distributes a cleansing solution to the nasal passages. It is used to fight excess mucus from ailments like allergies, colds and sinus infections. While the neti pot may improve the symptoms of an infection, it is important to discuss this treatment with a healthcare professional, as nasal irrigation may have limited impact on the infectious agent itself.
The Neti Pot
The neti pot resembles a tea kettle with a handle and a narrow spout for pouring. Consumers can purchase a ceramic, stainless steel or plastic version of the pot. Some retailers even offer colored or decorated neti pots. The device has an opening in the center to allow the irrigating solution to be poured in. There may or may not be a lid that goes over the opening.
Infection Characteristics
A neti pot may be useful in relieving common sinus infection symptoms, including congestion, nasal irritation, excess mucus and post nasal drip. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases states that some nasal infections can cause thick yellow, green or brown mucus in the nose. This thick mucus can make breathing difficult and contribute to head pressure or pain when the sinuses are congested.
Nasal Irrigation
The irrigation solution is typically made with water and salt, called saline solution. This can be purchased pre-mixed as nasal saline solution or other similar names. Consumers can also purchase packets of the salt mixture to mix with warm water at home. Homemade saline solution can be made from basic table salt, but some neti pot proponents recommend using the purest form of salt available, such as sea salt. The mixture is typically 1 tsp. of salt with 1 cup of warm, filtered water.
Function
Once the saline mixture is prepared and poured into the neti pot the user must stand bent over a sink with the head turned to the side. The neti pot spout is inserted into the upper nostril, and the saline solution is allowed to run into the nasal passages and drain through the lower nostril. Breathe through the mouth during the procedure. This is repeated on the opposite side. Users then allow the solution to drain naturally out of the nose for 30 to 60 seconds before gently blowing the nose on a tissue.
Placing the saline solution in the nasal passages with the neti pot can thin thick mucus that leads to coughing, stuffiness and general nasal irritation. The idea is that the thinner mucus can be blown out of the nose. Some nasal irritants, such as allergens or environmental debris, can be flushed out of the nose in this manner.
Considerations
Removing mucus, soothing irritated nasal passages and clearing debris from the nose can improve the symptoms of a sinus infection or similar nasal infection. However, although salt is a natural antiseptic, the neti pot and solution do not have specific infection-killing properties. The ABC News reports that using a neti pot once per day may actually lead to infection, because the natural environment of the airways is disrupted due to the frequent cleansing. If symptoms of infection persist it is best to consult a health care professional. Antibiotics or other medications may be needed to cure an infection.
