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By Melissa Rifkin, MS, RDN, CDN
A neti pot is a nasal irrigation tool that washes out mucus and debris in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Neti pots come in several forms and offer many benefits when used regularly in your personal hygiene routine. They are used with a saline solution made with a specific type of water. Read on to learn how a neti pot may help improve any nasal symptoms you may be experiencing and how to incorporate it into your wellness routine.
There are three main types of neti pots. While different in form and usage, each helps clear debris and mucus from the nasal cavity:
Incorporating a neti pot into your regular personal hygiene routine offers benefits ranging from clearer nasal passages to reduced nasal inflammation and relief from sinus infections and allergies.
Dust, dirt, debris, and mucus can get caught in your nose, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. One of the main reasons adults decide to use a neti pot is to clean out their nasal passages. Whether you are trying to improve congestion from a cold or have seasonal allergies causing an itchy nose, irrigating your nostrils and nasal cavity may help.
Congestion is a major cause of nasal inflammation. This sinus inflammation can lead to trouble breathing, which may impact your sleep and more. The saline solution used with a neti pot can thin mucus, leading to less congestion and, in turn, less inflammation. Reducing your nasal inflammation may improve your breathing without the use of medications and could potentially lead to other benefits, like more restful sleep.
If you have ever suffered from a sinus infection, you understand why so many are on the hunt to relieve the pounding in their sinuses. Sinus pressure from mucus build-up and inflammation can be incredibly uncomfortable. Using saline solution with a neti pot can provide relief without medication. In addition to thinning mucus and reducing inflammation, the neti pot can also flush out bacteria and viruses, helping to lower the chance of further infection.
Your ears, nose, and throat are all connected by a series of tubes and comprise part of your upper respiratory system. Because neti pots can wash away bacteria and viruses and clear away debris, nasal irrigation can promote a healthy respiratory system. Cleansing your nasal passages of irritants and illness helps your respiratory system maintain a healthy environment to reduce infection and breathing troubles.
An itchy nose and congestion are common symptoms of allergies. Sure, an over-the-counter medication can alleviate the discomfort associated with allergies, but a neti pot may help, too. As the saline solution from a neti pot travels through your nasal passages and eventually exits your nostril, allergens are also expelled. During the spring, when many people notice more allergens, daily use of a neti pot may be especially helpful.
The stuffy nose that is synonymous with a cold isn’t just annoying—it can also lead to increased pressure in your sinuses and, possibly, an infection. A nasal decongestant medication may be a traditional form of relief, but the neti pot should be part of your treatment, too. This can thin mucus, allowing you to expel it more easily and reducing your chances of infection. Check out this blog to learn more holistic ways to manage your cold symptoms.
The way you use your neti pot will vary slightly depending on the type you have. However, all versions share a few similarities in their usage. Always follow the directions provided in your neti pot’s package.
Thoroughly clean your neti pot after each use by rinsing it with sterile water and dish soap. Be sure to clean all parts of the neti pot—including the nozzle, arm, and the water-holding compartment—as nasal backwash may contaminate it during treatment. Lastly, dry your neti pot with a clean dish towel or single-use towel. If you are using an automatic neti pot, clean the nozzle using an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely before storing or using again.
Although using a neti pot is generally safe and without concerns, possible side effects exist. One of the most common symptoms is a burning sensation in the nasal passage. This can be caused by the salt concentration in the solution. Although this sensation usually passes quickly, add a small amount of baking soda to your saline solution if you find it irritating.
Always use sterile tools and ingredients to prevent infections. However, even when following best practices, there is a slight chance of introducing bacteria or viruses into your nasal cavity while using a neti pot. Using non-sterile tap water in the solution may lead to nosebleeds, and overusing the neti pot may dry out the nasal cavity.
While the individual salt packets make it easy to create a saline solution, you can also create your own using this recipe:
As you can see, using a neti pot as part of your wellness routine offers many benefits. And with few side effects, a neti pot is a good, effective alternative to some over-the-counter cold, allergy, and sinus medications. Whether you are trying to alleviate the discomfort of a sinus infection or cold or experiencing nasal symptoms from allergies, a neti pot may be just what the doctor ordered to get you feeling better!
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