Use a Neti Pot to Heal Your Sinus Problems

How Salt Water Can Soothe Your Sinuses

If you have sinus problems, consider treating with saline irrigation of your nose. I see patients several times a day in my clinic with various sinus problems including sinus infections and allergies. Most of these problems can be treated effectively without antibiotics, decongestants or antihistamines. I saw a patient recently who had been on daily allergy medicine for more than 15 years. He started using a neti pot to irrigate his sinuses daily with a saltwater (saline) solution. He no longer has to take antihistamines.

Each year, approximately 37 million people develop sinus infections resulting in billions of dollars in treatment costs. In many situations, the sinus infections can be treated with saline irrigation. In fact, medical studies show that saline irrigation of the sinuses is as effective as antibiotics for treating sinus infections. The more frequently that antibiotics are used, the more likely that bacteria will develop resistance to the antibiotics. If you develop sinus problems, consider using the saline irrigation technique described below.

What Are Sinuses, Anyway?

The sinuses are air filled cavities located in your nasal bones and facial bones. They are lined with cells that produce mucus to trap bacteria, viruses, dust and other pollutants to prevent them from entering the deeper respiratory system. These substances are trapped in the mucus which is then either swallowed or expectorated. The sinuses normally produce approximately 1 1/2 quarts of mucus per day. Allergies and sinus infections cause an increase in the mucus and also cause swelling of the nasal passages which blocks the natural drainage of this mucus. The principle of saline irrigation is to thin out the mucus and wash it out of the sinus cavities and nasal passages.

Saline Irrigation Technique

To irrigate your sinuses, use the following technique. Mix one half teaspoon of uniodized salt (sea salt) with a pinch of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Flush your sinuses with the saline (salt) solution using a syringe bulb or a neti pot. Do this at the onset of sinus symptoms. During the acute symptoms, perform this irrigation 2 to 3 times daily. You can do this on a daily basis for prevention of allergy and sinus symptoms. You can find more specific information about the technique at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center website.

There are many other causes of sinus problems. If your symptoms do not improve within 7 to 10 days, you should see your physician. If you smoke, you should strongly consider quitting because smoking damages the lining of the nasal cavities and increases sinus problems. Of course, stopping smoking is also important to reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and other smoking-related illnesses.

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