- With Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist
James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
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James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
James Li, M.D.
"People with allergy or asthma can lead full and healthy lives." — Dr. James Li
Dr. James 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 College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. He's a past director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He's a fellow in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
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)
- Neti pot solution: Can I make my own?
- Neti pot: Can it clear your nose?
- Vicks VapoRub: An effective nasal decongestant?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (3)
- Zinc for colds: The final word?
- Echinacea: Is it effective for the common cold?
- Do the benefits of vitamin C include improved mood?
Prevention (1)
- Flu germs: How long can they live outside the body?
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Question
Neti pot: Can it clear your nose?
What is a neti pot? And why would you use one?
Answer
from James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
A neti pot is a container designed to rinse the nasal cavity. You might use a neti pot to treat nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. In fact, some neti pot enthusiasts say that regular use of a neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications. First, fill the neti pot with water that's distilled, sterile, previously boiled and cooled, or filtered using a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller. Then tilt your head over the sink, place the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril and gently pour in the water. As you pour, the water will flow through your nasal cavity and out the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side.
Be sure to rinse the irrigation device after each use with similarly distilled, sterile, previously boiled and cooled, or filtered water and leave open to air dry.
Ceramic and molded plastic Neti pots typically cost less than $20. Stainless steel Neti pots are more expensive. Several brands are available in pharmacies and health food stores, and you can find an even wider selection online.
Next questionVicks VapoRub: An effective nasal decongestant?
- Barrett B. Viral upper respiratory infection. In: Rakel D, ed.: Integrative Medicine; 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders (Elsevier). 2007. www.mdconsult.com. Accessed Dec. 10, 2009.
- Neti pot. www.wallgreens.com. Accessed Dec. 10, 2009.
- Neti pot. www.CVS.com. Accessed Dec. 10, 2009.
- Neti pot. www.drugstore.com. Accessed Dec. 10, 2009.
- Neti pot. www.Amazon.com. Accessed Dec. 10, 2009.
- Naegleria FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/faqs.html. Accessed Dec. 30, 2011.
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