Neti Pots - Traditional Solution for Nasal Cleansing

A container designed to rinse debris or mucus from the nasal cavity.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available at pharmacies, health stores, and online retailers.
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Neti Pots FAQ


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Why would you use a neti pot?

And why would you use one? A neti pot is a container designed to rinse debris or mucus from your nasal cavity. You might use a neti pot to treat symptoms of nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. If you choose to make your own saltwater solution, it's important to use bottled water that has been distilled or sterilized.

Are Neti pots good for allergies?

People have been using neti pots and other forms of voluntary nasal irrigation for many years to relieve the annoying symptoms of allergies. Among the worst symptoms of nasal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis, are excess mucus production, stuffy nose, runny nose, and irritated nasal passages and sinuses.

Where can I buy a neti pot for nasal rinsing?

Neti pots are often available in pharmacies, health food stores and online. Other devices, such as squeeze bottles and pressurized canisters, also can be used to rinse or irrigate the nasal passages. Talk to your doctor to see if nasal rinsing is right for you.

Are Neti pots good for nasal congestion?

Neti pots are a great, natural way to relieve nasal congestion and allergies, as long as you use sterile water and don’t use them too frequently. They have been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any concerns about nasal irrigation.

What are Neti pots used for?

Neti pots are used to improve sinus and nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies (allergic rhinitis), or sinus infections (rhinosinusitis or sinusitis). When someone is infected with certain germs, the nasal cavity can become blocked due to mucus and inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses.

Are Neti pots safe to use?

For the most part, neti pots are safe to use as long as you properly follow directions, especially with the saline solution, and keep your neti pot properly cleaned. And, as mentioned earlier, if you don’t clean your device thoroughly, you do risk putting bacteria right back in your nasal passage for additional infection.

How often should you use a neti pot?

In studies, people with daily sinus symptoms got relief from using a neti pot or other nasal irrigation system daily. Three times a week was often enough once their symptoms eased. But using it too often can irritate your nasal passages. And it might be counterproductive to use it daily for a long time.

Neti Pots References

If you want to know more about Neti Pots, consider exploring links below:

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