Neti Pots
What are they?
Neti pots, or nasal saline irrigation is a system of
cleansing out the sinus and nasal cavities. in order to help a range of nasal
symptoms from colds, allergies, sinusitis or just for hygiene. Although the idea of the Neti pot has
been around for centuries but has recently been increasing in popularity. This is especially true for those with
hay fever because of it acts as effective maintenance of clearing out the
allergens with minimal side effects. This especially applies for those year
round hay fever sufferers.
How do they even
work?
To understand how the Neti pot works, the anatomy and
physiology of the sinuses needs to be stated. Sinuses are air cavities in the cranial bones which help
reducing weight of the skull, create resonance in the voice, and most relatable
for this, for humidifying the air in the nasal passageway. The paranasal
sinuses include the maxillary, frontal, sphenoid, and ethmoid. The body is
constantly producing mucus in these cavities which normal works as a protective
and lubricating barrier and should just go down the throat as a post nasal drip
and be swallowed. However if infectious agents, allergens, dirt,
dust or other particles are present this mucus can thicken up and have a harder
time being removed. This build up causes pressure in the sinuses, worsening
symptoms of nasal congestion and rhinitis, and even can lead to cough, sore
throat, and hoarseness. With the Neti pot, the solution is designed to thin out
the mucus and irrigate it through the sinuses and out the nostrils. Attached is
a youtube video of a more in depth explanation.
So do they work?
Studies show that they do help in relieving symptoms. Ear
nose and throat [ENT] surgeons
often recommend them to their patients after having nasal surgery because how
effective their irrigation works. Research has backed up the claims of both
companies and users of the Neti pot. However this may vary from person to
person. Don’t start a new regime without constulting your primary care physician.
My Personal Results
As a fellow hay allergy sufferer I decided to give this
device a whirl. I bought the Neil
Med Nasal Flow one at Target for 17.99. When I first started it made my head
feel full and I had to make sure my head was tilted just right over the sink
otherwise I would taste the salty solution in the back of my throat. However,
it didn’t take long and was painless- the best news is I saw results almost
instantly. I physically saw mucus in the sink (gross I know, but better out of
my sinuses than in!), also I felt better. I was able to breathe better almost
instantly. There was the occasional trickle of solution for then next fifteen
minutes but nothing bad. I did however feel a little lightheaded for about an
hour. I have now tried this regime three nights in a row- deciding I would slow
down as soon as I had a successful (little or no mucus left) go around. I have
noticed have had little or no congestion in the morning and throughout the day
and barely even sneezed. Personally I am loving the Netipot.
Attached are some links you may be interested in about the
products.
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