Nasal irrigation involves flushing your nasal cavity with a saline, or salt water, solution. This process helps clear debris from your nasal cavity and keeps your nasal membranes hydrated. Two common products you may use for nasal irrigation are the neti pot and Nasopure. While both accomplish the same overall purpose, you may favor one over the other based on your personal preference in how they perform.
Background
Nasal irrigation dates back to ancient times, according to Dr. David Rabago of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The neti pot technique was a part of Ayurvedic medicine in India for treating sinus conditions, and it continues in Western medicine as a complementary and alternative medicine. Nasopure is a commercially available system for nasal irrigation, developed by pediatrician Dr. Hana Solomon in 2001.
Description
A neti pot resembles a small teapot, often constructed of plastic or ceramic. A neti pot employs passive positive pressure in which gravity allows the liquid to pass through your nasal cavity, explains Dr. Rabago. Nasopure, on the other hand, uses active positive pressure in which you push the liquid into your nasal cavity with a squeeze bottle. The Nasopure plastic squeeze bottle contains an angled tip that fits snugly into your nostril.
Technique
Fill the neti pot with saline. Tip your head sideways over a sink and fit the spout tip into your upper nostril. Breathe through your mouth as you tilt the pot until fluid runs through your upper nostril and into the sink through your lower nostril. After flushing one side, repeat on your other side. Alternatively, fill the Nasopure bottle with salt water. Lean over a sink and fit the tip, tilted upward toward the back of your throat, into one nostril. Look straight ahead and hold your breath. Gently squeeze the bottle to push liquid up through that nostril and allow it to drain out the other nostril into the sink. Whichever method you use, gently blow your nose after the liquid has drained to remove residual debris.
Advantages
Both the neti pot and Nasopure help relieve congestion and sinus irritation associated with the common cold, sinus infection, allergies, dry air or particulate pollution, states Dr. Terence Davidson of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. The neti pot does not require the purchase of special equipment if you have a teapot at home. Nasopure offers the ability to control the fluid pressure as it moves through your nasal cavity, and it does not require any bending or twisting of your body.
Disadvantages
Although nasal irrigation is safe and may be done several times a day as needed, side effects are possible. Using water as the irrigation fluid in either system may cause burning or stinging compared to using salt water at a concentration of 2 percent. You may experience dry nasal passages between treatments or fullness in your ears. Also, the sensation of flushing fluid through your nasal cavity may feel unpleasant until you become accustomed to it.
