Got snot? Try a neti pot

If you have a stuffy nose from a cold, allergies or the latest seasonal bug, you will do just about anything to breathe easier, even if it means trying something new.

You likely are familiar and may have already tried some of the more common solutions, like decongestant medications and nasal sprays, but Dr. Shishir Sheth, an otolaryngologist at Aurora Health Care, often recommends a neti pot.

“Neti pots, along with other nasal irrigation systems, can help flush the nose of congestion with a high volume of saline,” says Dr. Sheth. “These devices are one tool in our toolbox that we can use to treat patients. It’s a low-risk intervention that can help, so it’s often one of the first things we tell patients to try.”

Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems use salt water to rinse out the nasal cavities, which can help relieve a lot of nasal congestion symptoms. The instructions are simple: use distilled or sterile water, mix it with the packet of salt that comes with the irrigation system and follow the directions from the manufacturer.

“We don’t recommend using tap water as it may contain germs that you don’t want in your nose. Buy a gallon of distilled or sterile water at the store,” says Dr. Sheth. “Try the neti pot and see how it makes you feel. If it helps you, you can use it as often as you like. Some of my patients use it three times a day.”

While a neti pot can help provide some relief, there are times when you need to see a health care provider.

“If you try this and have persistent symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. They can try some low-risk interventions and can refer you to an otolaryngologist if you have persistent symptoms,” says Dr. Sheth.

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