Do cold, sinus, or allergy symptoms have you all stuffed up? A neti pot could bring you relief. Neti pots have been around for a long time, and they are easy to use. According to a recent article in the New York Times, a substantial amount of medical research confirms that, when administered correctly, using a neti pot is both safe and effective.
Your nose does a great job of trapping and filtering much of the bad stuff we all inhale each day, such as viruses, bacteria, and pollutants. But if you are congested, rinsing the sinus cavities with a warm saline solution will wash it all away, and can help you feel better without the use of drugs or medications.
You can pick up a neti pot online or at any local drugstore. Fill it with a saline solution made with distilled water, tilt your head, and pour the spot through one nostril and it flushes out the mucous and other irritants that are causing discomfort and difficulty breathing out the other.
“It’s important to always use distilled water when using a neti pot,” said Lakes Urgent Care medical director Dr. Haidar Al-Saadi. “There have been many instances of infections caused by using regular tap water, but if you always use distilled water you are safe. You can also boil tap water for three to five minutes and let it cool before using.” Before using a neti pot for the first time, here’s a step by step guide from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for making the saline solution with the distilled water.
If you have chronic sinus or congestion issues, regular and consistent use of a neti pot can help you feel better. If you still need help, the staff at Lakes Urgent Care in West Bloomfield or Livonia can offer additional treatment options.