Sunday, April 19, 2009

Idea File: Neti Pots

I just read a fascinating piece that claims that nasal irrigation with a neti pot may actually reduce the need for steroid nasal sprays. Since I suffer from occasionally debilitating rhinitis (i.e. everything in my sinuses gets so clogged up that I end up with an inner ear imbalance and intense vertigo that keeps me prostrate on the nearest flat surface), this was good news! I had heard of temporary relief from the neti pot, but had no idea that there might be longer term benefits.

Oddly enough, when I started to get a bout of the sinus congestion and accompanying vertigo a couple of months ago, my husband took me to an ear/nose/throat specialist here in Osaka. The doctor sprayed some stuff up my nose and then used a tool similar to the one that the dentist's use for suction while cleaning your teeth and sure enough, she suctioned my nose. I swear I felt better instantly and had zero vertigo after that (it usually takes a couple of days at minimum for the congestion to reduce enough such that I can walk upright again). Was this another version of the neti pot action?

Maybe this will help other allergy sufferers out there. As for me, I'm pretty sure that owning a neti pot should be on my list of things to do, but just in case I forget, I'm tagging it for the idea file!

4 comments:

  1. My Dad has had sinus problems FOREVER, and when we were kids, he used a water pick (like for your teeth) to irrigate his nose. His doc gave him a special head for it, so he didn't "blow his brains out" as he put it. LOL He said it did help!

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  2. I've heard amazing things about the neti pot!

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  3. My friend recommended one for my sinus infection, though it cleared up with some antibiotics and nose spray so I didn't bother. Maybe next time I'll try the neti pots. If that mext time happanes during this pregnancy, without a doubt. Thanks for the informative post.

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  4. I have the same problem and depending on which ear I feel like i get water or fluid there as well (which makes me feel dizzy) or that side of my face near my ear feels swollen but for all different reasons.

    A long time ago I had picked at my ear out of nervousness which (and I always get itchy dry skin) but since I flared that up, went the the dermatologist and took care of it... if I clean it the wrong way or get a cold .. it affects my sinus now... usually I am just patient and take off a few days from work...but I HATE it.. I get that too but for different reasons but effects the same things you are or was feeling... you know what I mean...lol

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