Sax on the Web Forum banner

Anyone else try the Neti Pot?

20K views 66 replies 42 participants last post by  Jazz Is All 
#1 ·
#2 ·
Nov. 9, 2009 -- Long-term use of a neti pot to clear stuffy noses and blocked nasal passages may actually encourage more sinus problems rather than keep them away.

A new study shows people who used nasal saline irrigation for a year and then discontinued use the following year had 62% fewer cases of sinusitis in the year that they didn't use the device.

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20091109/long-term-neti-pot-use-may-backfire
 
#12 ·
Interesting! That reference is, of course, a secondary source, and and referred to a study of those who used the neti pot on a daily basis. Thus, the conclusions are not really relevant to those who use it only selectively to treat congestion or irritation.
 
#3 ·
I have a history of sinus polyps and have had 2 surgeries to fix in the past. I was very prone to sinus infections because of the fluid pooling up behind the polyps. Since I've been using the Neti Pot, I've had almost no infections. Generally, after playing in a smoky club, I'd get a sinus infection within a few days. Now, I come home and use the warm saline and the Neti Pot to wash everything out, and no more problem.

I highly recommend it.
 
#15 ·
Interesting! That reference is, of course, a secondary source, and and referred to a study of those who used the neti pot on a daily basis. Thus, the conclusions are not really relevant to those who use it only selectively to treat congestion or irritation.
I'm a NeilMed user. When I had the scratch allergy test I was positive to 108 out of 112 allergins. From cats to cactus. Singular is amazing too and I don't do the nasal lavage daily. Just when it's concrete in there. Everything in moderation grandma used to say.
 
#5 ·
I always had sinus issues. Even had surgery years ago for a deviated septum. I started using one about 6 months ago and I now use it almost daily. I've never felt more clear to breath through my nose. It's been a great relief for me. It's helped my air support control an my sax too.

This is the one I'm using. It comes with the saline packs pre measured for daily use.

 
#6 ·
I've known about Neti Pots for a long time, and I'd really like to be able to use one...but ever since being traumatized as a young child in the hospital by having my sinuses forcefully flushed out with one of those rubber squirt-ball syringey thingies...I just can't bring myself to do it. Those damn nurses tortured me every other hour for four solid days with that thing, and almost drowned me in the process.
 
#8 ·
Oh yeah---I've had one for several years---got it well before Dr. Oz and Oprah made them mainstream, so mine is a quite pretty little blue ceramic thing that I found in the Whole Foods store; no plastic neti pots available then----doesn't work any better or different than TJ's, but it is aesthetically more pleasing. And parenthetically, I see no reason to bother buying the pre-packaged salt----I use sea salt, the same as I use in my kitchen. Measuring it isn't exactly rocket science, after all.

I use the neti pot if I have congestion or irritation from a URI or from environmental irritants. It seems to me to be really helpful, and I credit it with being helping me to recover more quickly from the cold I have had recently without developing a secondary sinus infection, something that I used to get often.

I would be interested in having the exact reference to the research mentioned by a previous poster about the neti pot being associated with an increased risk of infection. I would like to read that article.

Word of caution---don't ever forget the salt!

Ruth
 
#9 ·
Oh yeah---I've had one for several years---got it well before Dr. Oz and Oprah made them mainstream, so mine is a quite pretty little blue ceramic thing that I found in the Whole Foods store; no plastic neti pots available then----doesn't work any better or different than TJ's, but it is aesthetically more pleasing. And parenthetically, I see no reason to bother buying the pre-packaged salt----I use sea salt, the same as I use in my kitchen. Measuring it isn't exactly rocket science, after all.

I use the neti pot if I have congestion or irritation from a URI or from environmental irritants. It seems to me to be really helpful, and I credit it with being helping me to recover more quickly from the cold I have had recently without developing a secondary sinus infection, something that I used to get often.

I would be interested in having the exact reference to the research mentioned by a previous poster about the neti pot being associated with an increased risk of infection. I would like to read that article.

Word of caution---don't ever forget the salt!

Ruth
I'm assuming I.....am that previous poster. I included the link in my post.
 
#11 ·
I thought Neti Pot was a Cambodian Maoist.
 
#16 ·
Here in Spain the pharmacies sell a couple of different brands of areosol sprays with a nozzle of either saline or real sea-water to rinse your nasal passages. They are low pressure so they don't hurt you and are very convenient. The ENTs always recommend swimming in the sea as a way to shrink your sinuses, but of course if your problems are in the winter, that is not really worth much as advice. I use one of these sprays occasionally first thing in the morning to clear out my nasal passages of accumulated snot, but what really has solved the terrible sinus problems I used to have has been allergy injections. Fact is that many so-called sinus infections are really the result of allergies to any number of the myriad things floating in the air we breath.

Back about 5 years ago after 3 winters of choking on an increasingly worse post-nasal drip and making the rounds of ENTs in search of the cause and a cure, I went to a respiratory surgeon to see about operating to correct my deviated septum which I had decided was the problem. This doc was of the conservative type however, and advised me that it was a delicate operation and before taking an extreme course of action I should go to an allergist to see if that was not the root cause.

She sent me to a fantastic allergy clinic where I discovered that my whole problem was caused by 2 specific allergens and had nothing to do with my sinuses or my deviated septum. I had never done shots when I was younger for one reason or another but I never had choked half to death like I was either. I had always just taken anti-histamines and muddled through. Fed up with that endless routine, I was convinced that shots were the only real way to end the problem once and for all, and in fact they have done just that. I don't even have to take anti-histamines anymore and my breathing is great.

If you have sinus problems and have never had allergy tests done I highly recommend doing it to find out the real cause of your problems. Shots will change your life, I can tell you, so don't suffer for most of it like I did before getting them.
 
#17 ·
I've used one successfully for sinus issues, however, I have problems with the water getting into my ear canal, and having swimmers ear for a few days after one use - this affects some, and is something to be aware of.

Something else that has been helpful is a steamer specifically designed for breathing through the mouth and nose.
 
#18 ·
I use the neti pot when I've got allergies, cold, or think a sinus infection is coming on. Not daily, or as a prophylactic - only when there is an active issue. It works well and it's cheap. But I make sure to use kosher salt so there is no iodine or other extras in there. Plus you get that unmistakable waterboarding-lite sensation.
 
#20 ·
Does it make any difference what kind tea i use in my "Neti pot"? I've got Earl Grey and Darjeeling in stock. Also Sainsburys basics. I don't want to waste good tea pouring it up my nose. That's just silly.
 
#21 ·
I've used it for three years now. I do it each morning as part of my morning routine. I have gone from many years of three or four heavy doses of antibiotics to zero antibiotics. It does seem to be working for me. I work in an elementary school and am subject to every germ a child can carry. Neti pot use is the difference for me.
 
#22 ·
I have been using a neti pot for a number of years--not very often, maybe once or twice a month depending on sinus/allergy issues. I think that it definitely helps keep things flushed out of your sinuses.

The one caution that I would put forward is: DO NOT USE TOO MUCH SALT IN YOUR SALINE!

My very first experience with a neti pot was traumatic. I had the water way too warm (virtually hot) and unknowingly had put way to much salt in the water for my "saline solution". Needless to say, it did clean me out.....and I saw through time into a parallel universe for a brief period.
 
#24 ·
It burned really badly---very painful. Luckily I didn't scald or wound my sinuses (that I know of at least--the water wasn't quite that hot), but the high concentration of salt made for a very intense experience.

It hurt like crazy, but the whole time I was laughing out loud at myself for being so stupid. I will say that it really did a thorough job of cleaning out my sinuses though:)
 
#25 ·
Yep,

I use a Neti Pot now and then when my sinuses get messed up. It works like a charm even though it does take some getting used to.

I've found the stinging pain is pretty well proportional with the degree of irritation or infection in your sinuses. If it hurts a lot, then you probably really need it.
 
#31 ·
Yeah, the Neilmeds stuff. Only I use the baby snot syringe and blast away. I want it to get in my ear canal because often, that's where the worst collection point is.

Anyway, I get this weird buzzing when singing if I have an ear canal full of gunk. The nasal lavage has completely cleared that up.
 
#33 ·
Use fine sea salt with no additives (chemicals to stop the salt from "clumping" or iodine). Just find the "mix" that is not too intense for you. The first two weeks will problably be brutal, but it does get way easier. The thing you must do is to get the solution into the upper sinus cavities. Pour it in, plug your nose and turn your head upside down. Let gravity do it's thing. Then pour it through. Repeat that process for both nostrils. The really nasty stuff grows in the sinus cavities above your eyes.
 
#34 ·
I'm an allergy sufferer with asthma. I tried using the pot and the sinus rinse.

For a person with normal sinuses I can't see a need in using it as it's not going to do much and it poses a lot of risks as far as introducing a potential pathogen into your nose which of course would be the ideal environment for such things.

I found that my sinuses didn't drain all that well after using them, I felt like I had swimmers ear and stopped using it because who wants to shoot saline up their nose every day.

I personally consider it a worthless fad for the masses and those little pH neutral packets of salt and baking soda are making someone rich.
 
#35 ·
I'm an allergy sufferer with asthma. I tried using the pot and the sinus rinse.

For a person with normal sinuses I can't see a need in using it as it's not going to do much and it poses a lot of risks as far as introducing a potential pathogen into your nose which of course would be the ideal environment for such things.

I found that my sinuses didn't drain all that well after using them, I felt like I had swimmers ear and stopped using it because who wants to shoot saline up their nose every day.

I personally consider it a worthless fad for the masses and those little pH neutral packets of salt and baking soda are making someone rich.
Have you considered allergy shots, and if not, why not? Changed my life I can tell you and I know it did for others I have known. Frankly, as I said in my earlier post, all this Neti Pot business will often be unnecessary for all those people whose sinus problems are caused by allergies, like mine were, once they get allergy shots. I'm talking about people who who are told or think that they have sinusitis, which I too was diagnosed as having, and/or a deviated septum, which I also have. I was convinced I needed an operation and it turned out that all I needed was three years of monthly vaccinations for my two main allergies--alternaria, which is a mold, and dust mites--to make the problems disappear.

Anyone who has Chronic Sinusitis or asthma ought to read this from The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases about their cause in 50% of the cases:
The causes of chronic sinusitis are largely unknown. The condition often occurs in people with asthma, the majority of whom have allergies. It is possible that constant exposure to inhaled allergens that are present year-round, such as house dust mites, pets, mold (a kind of fungus), and cockroaches cause chronic inflammation of the nose and the sinuses.

An allergic reaction to certain fungi may be responsible for at least some cases of chronic sinusitis; this condition is called "allergic fungal sinusitis." At least half of all people with chronic rhinosinusitis do not have allergies, however.
So what I am saying is that anyone who suffers from what has been labeled as chronic sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis really needs to see a allergy specialist first before taking any other course of action or merely relying on OTC palliatives or nasal douches like the neti pot. And ENTs don't always tell you this either. Although expensive out of pocket, allergy shots are usually covered by insurance, and they aren't painful except at the beginning when the injection site might get a bit sore because you aren't immunized against the reaction. But anyway they bring the concentration up slowly so the soreness is minimized. Other than that it is just a matter of going once a month for your shot(s) and having tests every year to check your progress.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth, but it's based on real results which saved me from constant misery so I am not just voicing a mere opinion. And unlike the neti pot which its users will have to use every day for the rest of their lives, I don't have to do anything for the rest of my life because the shots eradicated my sinus problems and that will stay that way for life.
 
#36 ·
My wife uses the NeilMed bottle daily. she has asthma brought on by a dust mite allergy and the doc reccommended the rinse in addition to the meds. She says it helps. I have used it when needed, but most times find I'm "leaking" afterwards, try as I might to drain it properly. lovely image huh? :lol:
 
#38 ·
Leaking while playing?? Ouch. Salt water! Bad for sax!!

(Actually that's a ripoff line from the scene in Chinatown where the Japanese gardener tells Jake, "Salt water! Bad for glass!")
 
#42 ·
Could we please keep this thread about the Neti Pot and move more general health care comments to their own threads? Just speaking for myself, I would really appreciate that. The two topics are different enough to merit their own threads, and the health care topic is likely to get closed down. I'd like to see this thread stay alive.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top