What is neti pot

What is a neti pot? How do you use a neti pot to treat nasal congestion, allergies, sinus infections, and snoring? Explore the answers and discover whether a neti pot might help difficulty breathing at night. A neti pot is a fluid-filled vessel that is used to flush or rinse the sinuses and nasal passages with warm water. It is a specially designed small container often made of ceramic or plastic that is shaped like a flattened tea pot.

It typically is lidded and has a spout on one end and a handle on the other. The size may vary, but most can hold about one cup or eight ounces of fluid. They are typically filled with sterile water and a mixture of salt or baking soda. This saline water matches the body's salinity. The use of neti pots can be traced back several centuries, and they are most often used in modern times to treat difficulties breathing related to the nose.

Environmental allergies or infection may lead to inflammation of the nasal passage and associated sinuses. This may lead to nasal congestion and difficulties breathing as well as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Some people prefer to use a neti pot rather than medications to alleviate these symptoms. The neti pot is a method of nasal irrigation. In other words, it is used to rinse out your nose and the connected sinuses.

The rationale for this is that the process clears out any debris, such as mucus, that may be obstructing your ability to breathe. You may consider using a neti pot if you have difficulty breathing through your nose, especially if you have a history of environmental allergies or sinusitis or sinus infections. It may be helpful for people who have colds or are exposed to large amounts of dust as part of their jobs i.

Studies have shown saline irrigation methods like the neti pot to be more effective than steam inhalation for sinus symptoms.

If one side of your nose is completely blocked, you should not try to force water into it. People with a deviated septum or prior ear surgeries may wish to speak to their doctors prior to using a neti pot.

The neti pot is filled with sterile water and, often, a mixture of salt sodium chloride and baking soda sodium bicarbonate. Salt alone may also be used. There are recipes available to make your own solution at home. For example, you can take equal parts of non-iodized salt and baking soda, mix them thoroughly, and store them in a dry place. Then 1 teaspoon of the mixture can be added to 2 cups of warm water. If you prefer, you can also buy professional-grade ingredients that are pre-mixed.

It is very important that you use sterile distilled or boiled water in any neti pot rinse, because there is a risk of serious, life-threatening infection if you use plain tap water. When you are ready to irrigate your nose, you should start by washing your hands with soap and water. You can then fill your neti pot with warm sterile water. Add the salt or mixture of salt and baking soda.

Put the lid on the neti pot and cover the spout with your finger before agitating the solution to dissolve the mixture. Next, stand over a sink with your head tilted slightly to the side. You may wish to tip your head forward and tuck your chin to prevent water from getting into your mouth or throat. Put the spout of the neti pot to your nostril and begin slowly pouring the fluid into your nose. The water should pour into one nostril and gradually flow into your nose and out of the other nostril the nostrils are connected at the top.

You can breathe through your mouth during the irrigation. After you have finished pouring in the solution, you can blow your nose very gently to clear out the residual solution. A small amount of water remaining in your nose is not harmful.

You may perform these rinses several times per day as needed. Because your ear, nose, and throat are all interconnected, you may accidentally get water in your ear while using a neti pot. This can cause some temporary hearing loss, which should clear up once the water is gone. The bottom line, says Dr. Good question! But if you follow a few simple instructions, you can hopefully avoid unwanted water works:. Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories.

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If you find it to be effective, you may want to start using it twice a day while you still have symptoms. You can buy a neti pot online. Here are some tips to help you use the neti pot safely:. Preparing a solution for a neti pot can be done at home. Some water can carry organisms that may be harmful to you. Using a neti pot is a safe, effective way to reduce upper respiratory congestion at home.

Make sure to prepare your saline solution safely and clean your neti pot after every use. You should only continue using a neti pot if it relieves your symptoms. If you find the neti pot to be ineffective or if it irritates your nasal passages, talk with your doctor about alternatives. Some people find them easier to use. Neti pots have been used for many years as a remedy for allergies and other conditions. Learn what the benefits are and how to practice nasal….

Neti pots can help relieve cold or allergy symptoms. Safe neti pot use requires using sterile, distilled, or boiled water. Make sure to boil water for…. Most sinus infections resolve on their own within 10 days, but here are some things you can do to help get rid of sinusitis and improve your symptoms.

Saline solution, which is a simple mixture of salt and water, has many handy uses, from clearing nasal passages, cleaning wounds, and rinsing contact…. If your nasal discharge is any color other than clear, it could be a sign of an infection.