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Do you have a stuffy or clogged nose from allergies or sinus problems? Many people are turning to nasal saline irrigation methods (such as a neti pot or sinus rinses) for relief.
Mary Doellman, DO, an ENT (ear, nose and throat) and allergy specialist at Phelps Health, answers common questions about neti pots and sinus rinses as well as offers recommendations on when and how to use them.
What is nasal saline irrigation?
Nasal saline irrigation is a remedy to help relieve nasal congestion, clear thick mucus and remove viral or bacterial infections. This treatment can be used to reduce nasal swelling, a runny nose or mucus from allergies and viruses.
What are the types of nasal saline irrigation?
A common type of nasal saline irrigation is a neti pot, which is shaped like a teapot that contains a saline solution (salt water). You place the neti pot spout into one of your nostrils and tilt your head to the side. The saline solution flows out of the neti pot and through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril.
Most ENT providers prefer the NeilMed sinus rinse, an 8-ounce squeeze bottle with a tube at the end. With this sinus rinse, you lean your head forward and squeeze the bottle, which causes the saline solution in the bottle to go up your nostril. The solution goes to the back of your nose (nasopharynx) and comes out your other nostril.
Neti pots and saline rinses are different than nasal sprays.
What type of water or solution should I use?
Use previously boiled or distilled water that is mildly warm. Tap water, and especially well water, have natural bacteria or amoebas that could give you an infection.
Who can use a neti pot or nasal rinse?
Infants through adults can use the NeilMed sinus rinses. If your child can hold up their own head, they can try it. Nasal saline irrigation should not be used on newborns.
Are neti pots and nasal rinses natural remedies?
Yes. Since they use saline, and nobody is allergic to saline, nasal rinses do not interact with other medicines. The saline solution rinses out any particles that are causing the allergic swelling in your nose. These rinses can stop the allergic reaction from continuing and decrease swelling and drainage.
How often should I use a neti pot or nasal rinse?
Use a nasal rinse as often as you need, whether it be a few days or once a week. When your allergies are bad, you can use a neti pot or nasal rinse one to two times per day. Many sinus surgery patients may need a sinus rinse up to six times a day for a short time.
What are the benefits of using a neti pot or nasal rinse?
Neti pots and nasal rinses can help break up and drain mucus and rinse away allergens in your nose that are causing you to be congested. These treatments are natural, easy-to-use and highly effective. Nasal rinses also may help prevent sinus infections, headaches and worsening allergy symptoms.
How should I clean my neti pot or sinus rinse bottle?
Manufacturers strongly recommend you handwash and thoroughly dry nasal irrigation products after every use. For your product’s specific cleaning recommendations, refer to the instruction manual or website. While sinus rinse bottles and neti pots are often dishwasher safe, a dishwasher will not adequately clean them. A dishwasher’s water jets cannot enter the neck of the bottle/spout of the pot, so portions of the product’s interior may not get cleaned thoroughly. Finally, instructions say to get a new neti pot or sinus rinse bottle every 3 months.
Where can I get a neti pot or nasal sinus rinse?
Many pharmacies carry neti pots and sinus rinses, or you can order them online.
FAQs
Neti pots are a popular nasal irrigation device that can help relieve stuffy or irritated nasal passages. It's generally safe to use and may only cause minor side effects like stinging and burning. However, only use boiled water left to cool, sterile, distilled, or filtered water for your nasal saline irrigation.
What to know about neti pots? ›
A neti pot is a container made to rinse debris or mucus from the nasal cavity using saltwater. You might use a neti pot to treat symptoms of nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. Using a neti pot can help when indoor air dries out nasal passages. Neti pots use saltwater to avoid irritating nasal passages.
Is bottled water safe for neti pots? ›
Due to potential concerns regarding infection, patients are commonly recommended to use distilled, bottled, or boiled tap water when mixing these solutions.
Are there any side effects from using neilmed sinus rinse? ›
Some people may experience minor side effects when using Neilmed Sinus Rinse, such as a temporary stinging or burning sensation in the nose. These side effects are generally mild and should resolve on their own.
Can water get stuck in your sinuses from a sinus rinse? ›
Yes, it is possible to get water stuck in your sinuses from a sinus rinse. This can happen if your sinuses are swollen or if your head is not tilted properly. If you feel like water is stuck, keep your head upright for a while and try blowing your nose. The water should work its way out.
Can I clean my sinus rinse bottle with tap water? ›
Rinse the cap, tube and bottle using running water. Fill the bottle with previously boiled, distilled or drinkable water. Always Use Distilled or Micro-Filtered (through 0.2 micron) or Commercially Bottled or Previously Boiled & Cooled Down Water at Lukewarm or Body Temperature.
Does a sinus rinse reach all sinuses? ›
Participants used a neti pot, which delivers the irrigation fluid to the lower part of the nasal cavity. However, the openings of the sphenoid, ethmoid and frontal sinuses are located at the top of the nasal cavity. Irrigation can only reach these openings when the head is positioned upside down.
Why use baking soda in nasal rinse? ›
Nasal washes or rinses containing baking soda can be particularly helpful in thinning the mucus out and making it clear. People with allergic rhinitis and acute or chronic sinusitis might consider using baking soda nasal rinses regularly. This can help keep airways clear from mucus and reduce the risk of infection.
How to make homemade nasal rinse? ›
Saline Nasal Washes for Sinusitis
- Add 2 cups (500 mL) distilled water to a clean container. If you use tap water, boil it first to sterilize it. Let it cool until it's lukewarm.
- Add 1 tsp (5 mL) non-iodized salt to the water.
- Add 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda.
This can happen if your sinuses are swollen or if your head is not tilted properly. If you feel like water is stuck, keep your head upright for a while and try blowing your nose. The water should work its way out."
Usually, there are no side effects. Some people experience burning or stinging in their noses after doing nasal irrigation. If this happens, reduce the amount of salt you use in your saline solution. Also, make sure that boiled water has cooled to lukewarm before you use it.
When should you not use a sinus rinse? ›
If the rinse is helping, you can irrigate your nose up to three times a day. But nasal rinses should not be used as a preventive measure when you don't have symptoms. It won't prevent sinus issues and can cause infections to develop.
What is the safest rinse for sinuses? ›
DO use boiled or distilled water. Make sure the water is mildly warm. While rare, nasal rinsing can cause serious health problems when unsterilized water, including tap water, is used. Tap water is safe for drinking and bathing or showering.
What comes out when you flush your sinuses? ›
Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu.
What happens if you sinus rinse too much? ›
Your sinuses and nasal passages are lined with good mucus — it traps the irritants and germs that enter your nostrils and can kill some bacteria. Regular flushing can hinder those protective features and increase the risk of infection.
Can sinus rinse go in the ears? ›
Because your ear, nose and throat are interconnected, using sinus rinses or neti pots can sometimes cause water to get stuck in your ears. If this happens, try one of the self-care tips mentioned above to drain the water from your ear or book an appointment with a hearing care specialist.
What is the best time of day to do a nasal rinse? ›
Nasal rinses can be done at any time of day.
Do neti pots keep you from getting sick? ›
Neti pots are a type of nasal irrigation device. They can help clear the sinuses in cases of allergies or sinusitis. However, it is very important to use sterilized water and follow the correct steps. If not, a person risks contracting a bacteria or amoeba that can reach the brain and cause life threatening illnesses.
Do neti pots help you get better faster? ›
Using a neti pot forces saline, or saltwater, through the nasal cavity to help reduce mucus and debris that cause nasal congestion. As a result, using a neti pot can help relieve sinus infection, cold, and allergy symptoms like post-nasal drip, sinus pressure, and stuffy nose.
