Blog Post

Neti Pots for Nasal Irrigation

lemaster • May 17, 2018
An image of a neti pot next to a small bowl of salt on a bamboo placemat

In recent years, the use of neti pots for the process of nasal irrigation has been touted as a safe and effective form of relief for those suffering from sinus issues. Neti pots resemble small ceramic teapots and are used to flush a saline solution through the nasal passages. With the rise in popularity of these devices, ENT’s are often asked about their safety and effectiveness.

The Pros of Using Neti Pots

Nasal irrigation can be beneficial for clearing nasal passages after sinus surgery. Neti pots, of course, are an easy and inexpensive way to accomplish this in the comfort and convenience of one's home. Those suffering from seasonal allergies or chronic sinus issues can find relief from their typical symptoms, such as sinus pain & pressure, through regular nasal irrigation with a neti pot.

The Cons of Using Neti Pots

When used too often, a neti pot can flush too much good bacteria from the nasal cavity, particularly when used incorrectly. Only sterile or distilled water, along with salt that is free from iodine and preservatives, should be used to irrigate the sinuses. Tap water or regular bottled water can contain bacteria and microorganisms, and salt containing iodine and anti-caking agents can cause irritation. The contaminants in tap and bottled water are tolerated in our acidic stomachs but can lead to illness and infection when introduced into the delicate sinus system. In some extreme cases, these contaminants have even lead to death.

How To Use a Neti Pot

To safely and effectively irrigate your sinuses with a neti pot, you must first make sure the neti pot is clean and dry. Use 1 teaspoon iodine-free and preservative-free salt and 8 ounces of lukewarm sterile or distilled water to create a saline solution and pour this solution into the neti pot. Next, you will want to lean over a sink and tilt your head slightly to one side. Place the spout of the neti pot to the opening of the upward facing nostril and slowly tip the pot to start the flow of solution. You may find that you need to adjust the angle of your head to keep the solution from running into your throat. Once you have found the correct positioning, the solution should flow freely through your sinus cavity and out the other nostril. Once you have finished, blow your nose using a tissue to remove any excess fluid, re-fill the neti pot, and repeat the process with the other nostril. Always rinse your neti pot after use using sterile or distilled water, and allow it to air dry.

Speak with Your ENT Specialist to Learn More

Neti pots are generally considered safe when used correctly, and most neti pots on the market are sold with an instruction card to help guide you through use. Always consult with an ENT Specialist before beginning a sinus irrigation regiment to be sure this treatment is safe for you. If you are in the Laredo, TX area and would like to discuss whether neti pots may benefit you, give Dr. Erik Sloman-Moll a call today !

May 31, 2022
Learn How Sinus Infections Can Affect You
Throat discomfort
February 21, 2022
Throat Discomfort is a common symptom among people in the Laredo, TX area. There are many causes of it. Click here to learn more about them!
January 3, 2022
Breathing Problems & What Can Help
sleep apnea treatment
November 2, 2021
Dr. Erik Sloman-Moll, MD PA is an ENT specialist and physician surgeon serving the Laredo, TX area. Here are some tips he gives his patients in regard to their sleep apnea treatment. Click for more.
By proadAccountId-325444 November 2, 2018
It is important to know the dos and don’ts when it comes to hearing aids in order to keep them working properly and to avoid potential damage. The following is a list of do’s and don’ts to keep your hearing aids performing optimally.
By proadAccountId-325444 September 11, 2018
There’s no doubt about it; today’s hearing aids are discreet, comfortable, and highly effective. But even though you know that you’re not likely to find your grandmother’s (or great-great grandmother’s) hearing aids at a modern doctor’s office, technology is moving quickly enough that it’s hard to keep up with all the advancements being made. We’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of the three most amazing, cutting-edge advancements in hearing aid technology. We hope this list will give you some food for thought, and if you’d like to learn how to access any of this new technology, please give us a call today! Cloud-Based Machine Learning This sounds complicated, so let’s break it down. Basically, modern hearing aids can now access the cloud (i.e., the internet), sharing information with manufacturers and other hearing aids. Because of this, hearing aid manufacturers now have access to reams of data that simply didn’t exist before. They can use this data to drive innovation and improvement, and the hearing aids themselves can learn from the data in the cloud, becoming better and better the longer you use them. Smartphone Integration Many hearing aids already come with integration for a certain type of phone (the one made by a company named after a fruit). Users who had this type of phone could stream music, talk hands-free, watch movie and videos, and more, all right from their hearing aids. However, users who didn’t have this type of phone often felt left out. Now, manufacturers are coming up with systems that use Bluetooth technology to connect with any smartphone. Users will no longer be locked into one type of phone to access the latest bells and whistles. Hearing Aid Sensors Hearing aid manufacturers are experimenting with adding more sensors into smaller and more discreet packages than ever before. Right now, one company is creating hearing aid sensors to detect falls and notify emergency services if one occurs. As time passes and technology develops, hearing aids could become personal assistants, giving turn-by-turn directions, monitoring health data like blood sugar and steps taken, managing schedules, handling calls, and much more – the sorts of things we use our phones, memories, and other people for now. These are just a few of the promising hearing aid advancements of today. There are many more in development! However, no matter how hearing aid technology advances, you can count on us to remain ahead of the curve and committed to connecting you with the hearing aid that works for you. If you have questions or want to learn more about any of this new hearing aid technology, please contact us today!
By lemaster March 22, 2018
How to safely and effectively clean your ears.
By lemaster January 17, 2018
Hearing loss can be a struggle, not only for the individual experiencing the hearing loss but also for their friends and loved ones. No one enjoys shouting to be heard, and those experiencing hearing loss can often feel a sense of isolation, due to not being able to hear those around them. Sometimes individuals experiencing hearing loss are hesitant to address the issue or in denial. Hearing loss is unfortunately associated with old age and can be perceived as a sign of deteriorating health. Many individuals with hearing loss feel there is a stigma associated with wearing a hearing device. There are a few effective ways to approach this delicate subject with your loved one. Have your loved one speak with an audiologist. Some individuals have an easier time speaking about hearing loss with a medical professional, rather than a friend or family member. Don’t make it seem like hearing loss is your loved one’s problem. Explain how their hearing loss is affecting those around them. Knowing that their family members are concerned about their isolation can be enough to convince some individuals that they should consider a hearing appliance. This also makes it less about them, and more of a whole family matter. If your loved one is worried about how a hearing aid may look, inform them of many advances in hearing aids. Some modern hearing aids are very comfortable and discrete. Maintaining a positive attitude when approaching this subject is key. Make sure your loved one knows that you’re in this with them and that your goal is to make sure they are not alone in this. If you or your loved one may be in need of a hearing aid in the Laredo, TX area, give the experts at Sloman-Moll Erik MD PA a call.
Share by: