Neti Pot questions | Arthritis Information

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I am done with this placeLibby22009-02-10 01:32:34Hi Libby, and welcome to the board!  Sorry to hear you're fighting a sinus infection, they can be so hard to get rid of, and they really make you feel lousy.

 
One of our members has talked about using a Neti Pot here awhile back and swears by it.  I haven't used one personally, but my son, who has a lot of sinus and allergy problems has recently started using one.  Basically it is a small teapot shaped container that you put warm water or a premade "sinus wash" in and pour it into one nostril, while tipping your head over the sink, and allow it to run through and out the other nostril.  The idea is that it washes out germs, allergens, mucus, etc. and makes your sinuses healthier.
 
Hope that helps answer your question.  Perhaps others who use it can tell you more.
 
 
I swear by my neti pot.  You can pick up a cheap neti pot kit at most drugstores here in the USA.  The brand is either "Sinucleanse" or "NeilMed" and they will be in the cold/allergy aisle.  Both brands come with 10-20 packets of salt to make the buffered saline rinse, and both brands sell boxes of the salt packets as well (usually the cost is less than 10 cents/packet).

I went from having nearly constant sinus infections and being on multiple rounds of antibiotics, to just having one major sinus infection requiring antibiotics in the past year or so.  I've had a couple minor sinus infections but they've cleared up quickly without antibiotics. If I feel one coming on, I just increase the neti pot usage.
[QUOTE=Libby2]

hello,

[QUOTE=kweenb] [QUOTE=Libby2]

hello,

Yikes- I think I would drown myself. I can't picture it going up one and how it comes out of the other. [QUOTE=kweenb]Jasmine,

I'll bet that water pik really cleans it out.  I'm like you, I haven't had any major problems since I started rinsing.  I even think it feels good right after. 

Do you prefer the pot over the bottle type?

I have a lot of "stuff" that comes out too.  It's really gross isn't it?

[/QUOTE]

Yea, I prefer the neti pot - specifically the one made by Sinucleanse.  I also have the NeilMed neti pot but I don't like it as much.  And I just don't like the squeeze bottle at all. 
I didn't like tilting my head to the side for the pot. [QUOTE=kweenb]I didn't like tilting my head to the side for the pot. [/QUOTE]

For me, the tilting helps the saline reach all the different nooks and crannies of the sinuses.  I also tilt if I'm using the water pik.
I am done with this placeLibby22009-02-10 01:31:55My husband tried it ...after he said "what the heck is this" laughing, like I was nuts for buying it.  He really liked it. Said it really cleared up his nose and helped him feel better. He has horrible allergies in the summer.Youtube has everything!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zYLvSMAprg


I use the bottle type---i think it is oceana or something.  Basically, you spray the solution up one side of the nose, and it comes out the other side.  
 
I am actually seeing my ENT again on Monday due to a never ending sinus infection.  I have been through 3 rounds on antibiotics-not helping.  Basically, I broke my nose playing rugby in college.  It isn't obvious from looking but it does create sinus issues.  According to the ENT, the swelling with my jaw if affecting the other side-swelling pressing down.  So,  basically, the sinus gunk is just sitting there. Feels like a golfball is wedged under my eye.  I have said no to sinus surgery for the past 2yrs.  I hope I finally haven't reached the point where I can't say no.  Or, how about when I have the jaw surgery, they do the sinuses at the same time?  Don't you wish life worked that way?
 
OK....sorry to ramble.  My ent reccommends a Neti pot for his patients.  Especially those with alllergies.  He did mention that it won't be very helpful if you have a set in infection.  But, it is wonderful in preventing one.  Also good for flushing out allergens.    I have been using warm compresses.  This has provided some relief.  He also said that if the pain is on one side, it is most likey an infection.  If it is on both sides, it is most likey viral. 

Kween, lol, I'm going to vomit.  Why did I look at that.  I have a sinus infection now, am on antibiotics and the doctor recommended trying the neti pot.  Eeww.  I have a weak stomach, eeewwww.

Thanks for sharing though.... I am done with this placeLibby22009-02-10 01:31:22Honestly guys.  It's not bad at all.  I was really nervous the first time I did it, but it was a piece of cake.  I kept thinking I was going to swallow it.  I didn't.  I also was afraid it would come down my throat and into my mouth, but I've never experienced that either.  I actually think it feels good.  I always fill the bottle and nuke it for 30 seconds so it's just slightly warm.  Feels good! I agree, kweenb.  I love it!  No fear, just do it and be surprised! My ENT told me to do it daily after my sinus sx, for the rest of my life (ugh). I use the squeeze bottle type and I was less than enthusiastic about it, but it really isn't as bad as you think. You do get all kinds of goo out... I do it in the shower so that I can avoid looking so closely at the "product". I don't do it everyday, but I will when I feel I might be coming down with something. It isn't sexy but it does help.
Hope you feel better soon!I have been so incredibly stuffed in the nose today..... I bought one on the way home...

 
I'm going to bed now..... and I'll ty it....
 
thanks..
 
[QUOTE=babs10]I have been so incredibly stuffed in the nose today..... I bought one on the way home... i love my neti pot use it in the morning and the evening or when i have been around (alot of people) someone sick.   use warm water, salt, and baking soda.   i use 1/8 teaspoon of salt and baking soda and fill the pot up.  it is awesome!   i am sure this has kept me well on many different occasions.  i would not recomend doing this right at bedtime because sometimes water runs out unexpectedly after you are finished.    wonderwoman[QUOTE=JasmineRain] [QUOTE=babs10]I have been so incredibly stuffed in the nose today..... I bought one on the way home...
 
I'm going to bed now..... and I'll ty it....
 
thanks..
 
[/QUOTE]

Definitely try it BEFORE bed.  Using a neti pot IN bed could get messy.[/QUOTE]
 
you funny!!! 
 
I did get it.. and used it a little before bed...  and it was very cool.. I could almost feel the snot (excuse the graphics
I slept great.... w/ my cool mist humidifier (which I run every night regardless) I haven't taken anything for the cold yet.. hopefully (cause I HATE Meds.. how ironic) hopefully, I won't have to.
 
Good idea, wonderwoman.. to use when you've been exposed!! 
 
 
[QUOTE=wonderwoman]i love my neti pot use it in the morning and the evening or when i have been around (alot of people) someone sick.   use warm water, salt, and baking soda.   i use 1/8 teaspoon of salt and baking soda and fill the pot up.  it is awesome!   i am sure this has kept me well on many different occasions.  i would not recomend doing this right at bedtime because sometimes water runs out unexpectedly after you are finished.    wonderwoman[/QUOTE]
 
I used to mix my own solution, too, Wonderwoman.  But a few times I must not have gotten the the ratio right because it stung a little.  That ever happen to you?
Done with this placeLibby22009-02-10 01:26:27Libby2,
 
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel queasy.  I was just trying to give people an idea what it was and how easy it is to do.
 
I hope you feel better soon.
 

Libby2,

Something else that might help is a Nasal Saline Solution.  Just spray it up your nostrils.  I use it occasionally too.  It helps thin things out so it comes out easier when you blow your nose.

Again, hope you feel back to normal soon.

Done with this placeLibby22009-02-10 01:26:08yes i have made it too strong before but now i use it so much there is rarely a problem. [QUOTE=wonderwoman]yes i have made it too strong before but now i use it so much there is rarely a problem.[/QUOTE]

Been there done that!  Also if you make it too weak it feels like when you get a nose full of pool water - ouch!  When first starting out, the premeasured packets are the way to go.  Once you get the hang of it, it's easier to make your own.  Just be sure to use pure salt (kosher/canning salt - no iodide or anti-caking agents) and about 1/2 as much baking soda (regular old Arm and Hammer - don't use baking powder!!!) as salt.  I use the little spoon that comes with the Sinucleanse pot to measure out my premix salt/baking soda mix into the pot - a bit less than 1 level spoon.  I don't know what the actual size of the little spoon is, though.
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