For allergy sufferers, the beauty of spring often brings misery in the form of congestion, sneezing and relentless sinus pressure. While antihistamines and sprays are common methods of alleviating allergy symptoms, another solution is rising in popularity: the neti pot.

It’s important to remember, though, that neti pots can be dangerous when used improperly.

How a Neti Pot Works

Neti pots are designed for nasal irrigation – flushing your nasal cavities with saline, or salt water.

Nasal irrigation works by helping to speed up the waving motion of cilia in your nasal and sinus cavities. This helps them more quickly move mucus either to your nose, where you can blow it out, or to the back of your throat, where you can swallow it.

Nasal irrigation with a neti pot can help relieve symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy nasal passages
• Dry nasal passages

Neti pots can be especially useful if you have chronic sinus issues. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether a neti pot is right for you.

How to Avoid Danger

The first rule of thumb: To make your saline rinse, never use tap water that hasn’t been properly boiled and cooled.

Though it's rare, people have died from nasal irrigation using tap water containing the amoebas Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if these amoebas go up the nose and to the brain, they can cause brain infections that are nearly always fatal.

The following kinds of water are safe, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

• Distilled or sterile water, available in stores. Look for the words “distilled” or “sterile” on the label.
• Boiled and cooled tap water. Boil it for three to five minutes, then cool it until it is lukewarm. You can store it in a clean, sterile, closed container for use within 24 hours.
• Water that has been disinfected or filtered according to the CDC’s guidelines.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience a headache, fever, confusion or vomiting after rinsing your sinuses or nasal passages.

How to Use a Neti Pot

The neti pot manufacturer should provide instructions for making your saline rinse and using the neti pot. Make sure your neti pot is clean and sterile before filling it. Most neti pots work in similar ways, says the FDA. You will:

• Lean over a sink and tilt your head sideways with your forehead and chin roughly level. This keeps the liquid from getting into your mouth.
• Breath through your open mouth. Insert the spout of the saline-filled container into your upper nostril so that the liquid drains through the lower nostril.
• Clear your nostrils. Then repeat the procedure, tilting your head sideways, on the other side.

Always clean your neti pot with distilled, boiled or filtered water after every use and let it dry.

Additional tips:

• Never use nasal irrigation with infants and children younger than age 2. Use saline nasal spray and a suction bulb instead according to your healthcare provider's instructions. For children older than 2, consult with your child’s healthcare provider before using nasal irrigation.
• Avoid overuse. Don’t use the neti pot more than once per day for a few weeks at a time while you have symptoms.
• Don’t use a neti pot if you have an ear infection or pressure in your ears, have a blocked nostril or have recently had ear or sinus surgery.

Used correctly, a neti pot can be an effective way to wash away your misery during allergy season. For more details, visit the FDA website.

Looking for a Provider?

If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has many providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthline
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
U.S. Food and Drug Administration