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Neti pot: Can it clear your nose?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/neti-pot/AN01755
- With Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist
James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
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.
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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 your nasal cavity. You might use a neti pot to treat nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. In fact, many people believe that regular use of a neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications.
If you are making your own saltwater solution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using bottled water that has been distilled or sterilized. Tap water is acceptable if it's been passed through a filter with a 1-micron pore size or if it's been boiled for several minutes and then left to cool.
To use the neti pot, tilt your head over the sink, place the spout of the 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.
Neti pots are often available in pharmacies and health food stores, and you can find an even wider selection online.
Next questionHoney: An effective cough remedy?
- Ivker RS. Chronic sinusitis: Integrative therapy. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html. Accessed Dec. 6, 2011.
- Hwang PH, et al. Acute sinusitis and rhinosinusitis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 6, 2011.
- Naegleria FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/faqs.html. Accessed Jan. 23, 2012
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