The neti pot, a vessel for irrigating sinuses, has been around for centuries but its popularity has increased dramatically since Oprah gave it her stamp of approval. Some natural health devotees even promote its use on a daily basis to rid the body of toxins and pollutants, even in people who appear to be symptom free.
The neti pot is filled with warm (never hot) water and salt. You lean over a sink tilt your head to one side and insert the spout of the neti pot into your nostril and pour. The water fill flow though your nasal cavity and come out your other nostril. Blow your nose and then repeat the procedure on the other nostril.
Rinsing the nasal cavity with a saline solution can provide relief in three ways. It can clear away irritants and bacteria in the nasal cavity, the salt has mild anti-bacterial properties and the water thins the mucous so it will drain leaving the cilia in the nasal passages free to protect against irritants and bacteria. Which, if any, of these mechanisms actually provide the benefit is, as yet, unproven.
What the Studies Say
The studies to date on neti pot use indicate cause for cautious optimism. All sinus problems are not equal however, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the neti pot is more effective for some conditions than others. According to a study of the literature and studies conducted on nasal saline irrigation (published by David Rabago, MD, and Aleksandra Zgierska, MD, PhD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin in 2009), nasal irrigation use is effective in reducing time off work, drugs taken and improving quality of life for those with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Unfortunately the benefits of neti pot use for those with upper respiratory infections, including acute sinusitis are less encouraging with most randomized trials showing no or little difference between the two groups. One study conducted by Talal M. Nsouli, MD, director of the Watergate and Burke Allergy & Asthma Centers, Washington, DC. found that those who use neti pots on a regular basis are actually far more likely to suffer from acute rhinosinusitis than those who don’t irrigate regularly. It should be kept in mind however, that this was a fairly small study (68 participants) and has yet to be duplicated.
A very encouraging result of all the studies conducted to date is the lack of serious side effects. Users have reported some minor irritation to the nasal passages and discomfort during use but these problems are usually remedied by adjusting the amount of salt used in the solution. Given the well documented and occasionally catastrophic side effects of antibiotics, decongestants and antihistamines, it would certainly seem worthwhile to give the neti pot a try first.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Katherine Scrimshaw - Katherine Scrimshaw is a freelance writer and editor with a background in public relations, broadcasting and not-for-profit administration ...
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