Have you tried Neti pots?

Have you tried using Neti pots?

 

Neti whats?!

They look like a tiny plastic magic lamp (think of the lamp from the movie Aladdin.) Or they can be a squat squeeze bottle with a pointed lid with a hole in it. See the photo above.

What is a Neti Pot used for? 

 

It's for all of us plagued by allergies, it's a tool used with a saline rinse that cleans out your sinuses. 

 

Isn't that exciting? Well, not really- but necessary.

Sinus infections are really common for those with allergies, and they can trigger asthma attacks. Asthma Doctor said that Neti pots are as effective at antibiotics at clearing up sinus infections. 

 

Who knew? 

 

And since antibiotics are over prescribed and their overuse is causing antibiotic resistant bacteria, it might help to try another option.

You simply fill the neti pot with warm STERILE water. 

 

Do not use tap water. You can get a brain infection. Not kidding. 

 

 I mix the purified water and a packet of saline solution, then lean over the sink and squirt the mixture up one nostril, tilt my head to the side and let it run out the other side. 

 

Then you switch nostrils. 

 

It's like jumping into a swimming pool without plugging your nose! It makes your eyes water and your nose run. But it's amazingly effective in clearing out sinus infections.

Sometimes when you've tried other options over and over again, you get frustrated and are willing to try anything. So, if you're at that point, you might consider a Neti pot. 

 

They're sold at most drug stores and are not that expensive. Remember to use sterile or distilled water each time. There have been rare cases of infections from contaminated water that led to brain infections. *shudder*

If you decide to try it, good luck and keep a box of tissues handy!