Neti Pots and Health Benefits

A humongous populace of individuals across the globe suffer from chronic sinus issues and have to tackle unremitting wretched headaches, pains in the facial area and nasal blockages. In their hunt for some kind of respite, several people ailing from sinus have opted for nasal saline irrigation, a treatment which comprises of saline or salt water solution for flushing out the nasal cavities.

Despite numerous nasal irrigation techniques are existent, but Neti pots appear to be the most sought after remedy. Neti pot is a centuries-old treatment and has been widely being used in the United States. It is small ceramic pot that has its origins from yoga or Ayurveda medical practice.

Neti Pots – Are they Truly Beneficial?

ENT (Ear, nose, throat) surgeons suggest Neti pot or other techniques with nasal irrigation for people that have been through sinus operation for clearing crust formations in the nasal passage. Several people having incessant sinus symptoms due to some form of allergy, bacteria-caused infection and environmentally present irritant, have started using Neti pots or other nasal irrigation mechanisms, asserting that such tools assist in allaying congested feeling, pains and pressure felt over the face and reducing the requirement for antibiotic course and any forms of nose spray. Several studies appear to substantiate such declarations, outcomes of which suggest that nasal irrigation could be an effectual means of allaying sinus symptoms when employed alongside benchmark sinus therapies.

The fundamental elucidation on the manner of functioning of Neti pots is that it helps in thinning out the mucus to facilitate flushing it out from the nasal passages.

Biologically explained; Neti pots help in apposite movement of the small, hairy structures known as cilia that are present in the nose and sinus cavity lining. The forwards and backwards movement of the cilia help in pushing the mucus either to the backside of throat where it could be ingested or towards the nose for being blown outside. Cilia movements are slowed and become un-coordinated due to chronic sinus issues. Saline solutions are capable of increasing the pace and improving co-ordination in the cilia hence they function with better efficacy in removing bacteria, allergen and several other irritant types which are contributory to sinus issues.

Neti Pot – Method of Use

Neti pots are generally available alongside inserts that explicate the manner of usage. One would like to discuss with an ENT doctor about the right way of using it so that it could be used comfortably and effectively.

Characteristically, Neti pot use comprises of mixing together sixteen ounces or a pint of tepid water along with a teaspoonful of salt. A number of individuals also put about halt teaspoon of baking soda for buffering the solution and making it milder on the nose, however there is no actual evidence that it could improve the experience.

On filling the Neti pot, head has to be tilted at approximately forty-five degree inclination and the spout be placed inside the nostril and in a gentle manner pouring saline mix inside the nostril.

Saline solution would pass via the nasal cavity and even reaching the other nostril at times could be felt in the throat. The saline mix could be spitted out in such a case. The nose could be blown out for getting rid of any remnant solution and then refilling the Neti pot and repeating the above steps on the other side as well. Thrice per week usage of Neti pot is advisable till the time the niggling sinus signs have subsided. Those individuals suffering from very acute sinus signs find respite with day-to-day use of Neti pots.

Safety Quotient

Studies have proven that Neti pot use is usually free of any risks. Approximately ten percent of everyday users experienced mild-ranging side effects like irritation and piercing sensations in the nose. Rarely nose bleeds have been reported with Neti pot use. By decreasing the quantity of salt in the mix, amending the regularity of Neti pot usage, and varying the water temperature seems to lower the side-effects.