- With Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist
James T. Li, M.D.
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James T. Li, M.D.
James T. Li, M.D.
"People with allergy or asthma can lead full and healthy lives." — Dr. James Li
Dr. Li is chair of the Division of Allergic Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine and a board-certified asthma and allergy specialist. He hopes his expertise and the information on the site educates health care consumers in an area of rapid change both in medications and diagnoses.
"There are a lot of misperceptions about allergy and asthma," says Dr. Li, a New York City native who has been with Mayo since 1985 and works with a group of subspecialists in allergy, asthma and immunology. "I believe it's important to provide truthful, accurate information about allergy and asthma to the public. The more people know, the better they can take care of these conditions."
Dr. Li is a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He is a past director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He is a fellow in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology honored him with the Distinguished Service Award and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology with its Special Recognition Award.
Definition (1)
- Cold or allergy: Which is it?
Complications (1)
- Plugged ears: What is the remedy?
Lifestyle and home remedies (7)
- Warm-mist vs. cool-mist humidifier: Which is better for a cold?
- Vicks VapoRub: An effective nasal decongestant?
- Neti pot solution: Can I make my own?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (1)
- Echinacea: Can it prevent common colds?
Prevention (1)
- Flu germs: How long can they live outside the body?
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Question
Neti pot solution: Can I make my own?
Is it OK to make my own neti pot solution? Or is it better to buy a buffered neti pot solution?
Answer
from James T. Li, M.D.
A neti pot is a container designed to rinse the nasal cavity. Neti pots are often used to treat nasal congestion, sinus problems and colds.
When you use a neti pot, a homemade saltwater solution is just as effective as an over-the-counter nasal saline rinse or buffered neti pot solution. To make your own neti pot solution, simply dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of table salt into 8 ounces of distilled or purified water — which contains no chlorine or other impurities. You can also use tap water, as long as you bring it to a boil and then cool it to room temperature before you add the salt.
Next questionHoney: An effective cough remedy?
- Li JT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 1, 2008.
- Rabago D, et al. Nasal irrigation for chronic sinus symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, and nasal polyposis: A hypothesis generating study. Wisconsin Medical Journal. 2008;107(2):69-75.
