Nasal Irrigation

The Benefits of Neti Pots on FoxNews.com features Dr. Manny Alvarez discussing use of the neti pot. Click the link above to hear what he has to say and to see a demonstration of the NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot.

For more information on neti pots, see:
Neti Pot Saves the (Turkey) Day
NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot Customer Reviews
Nasal Irrigation and Sinus Relief

In the wake of the FDA's warning against giving young children cold medicines (see FDA Warns Parents Against OTC Cold Meds for Young Children), many parents may wonder how to treat cold symptoms in their young children.

The ABC News Medical Unit reported yesterday, in an article entitled Saline Rinse May Cut Cold Symptoms, that "treating stuffy noses with a saline wash could represent a drug-free, potentially effective approach."

A study conducted by Czech researchers looked at 401 children between the ages of 6 and 10 who were suffering from cold or flu symptoms. Some participants received standard cough or cold medicine, while the others received the medication plus a saline nose rinse. The research demonstrated a marked improvement in symptoms including stuffy nose, sore throat, coughs, and nasal congestion in the group that had received the saline nasal rinse.

Not only so, but Dr. Ivo Slapak, the leader of the investigation, adds, "The study results show that saline nasal wash significantly improved nasal symptoms in the common cold in children, and shows potential to prevent the recurrence of upper respiratory tract infections."

The study also showed that those who used the saline nasal rinse used less drugs than the those who didn't use the nasal wash: only 9 percent in the saline group used fever-reducing drugs, while 33 percent who didn't use the saline rinse used these drugs. The use of cold medications showed similar results: while 47 percent of the non-saline rinse group used nasal decongestants, only 5 percent of the saline wash group felt the need to use them.

To add to the good news, the study showed that the saline wash had no significant adverse effects. The saline rinses are believed to aid in the treatment of nasal congestion and other problems by clearing out the nasal passages. Clearing out the nasal passages in turn reduces the amount of inflammatory compounds in the respiratory system.

Dr. Anne Moscona of the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center states, "[H]ere's a simple remedy that has no risk, that is not only good, but intrinsically better than over-the-counter cough and cold medications. I would suggest my patients choose this approach." Now that should reassure parents.

President of the American Rhinologic Society, Dr. Marvin Fried, confirms: "I would encourage parents to use this method, and have long advised the use of saline spray in kids."

Sprayable sinus rinses and other sinus relief products are useful in performing saline nasal washes. This news coincides with the recent surge in popularity of the neti pot, which was endorsed on Oprah last year. The neti pot facilitates saline nasal washing,and may well become a standard household product for cold-prone children, allergy sufferers, and anyone who needs relief from nasal congestion.

A British study suggests that routine sinus infections are not helped by the antibiotics and other medicines that are regularly prescribed.

The study tested amoxicillin, steroid nose spray, and fake medicine on people suffering from symptoms of acute sinusitis. Results showed that the drugs did nothing to speed recovery.

Dr. Vinceza Snow, director of clinical programs and quality care at the American College of Physicians, states that the drugs "don't really change the course of the illness." She also adds that drugs designed to treat bacterial sinus infections have a hard time even reaching the sinuses.

This confirms the conviction voiced in guidelines issued in 2001 by a U.S. group of physicians. The guidelines advise against using antibiotics for most sinus infections in healthy people, and blamed overuse for contributing to the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.

Sinus infections affect about 31 million Americans every year. Allergy sufferers are particularly prone to develop them. Sinus infections can also trigger asthma attacks.

Rather than prescribing antiobiotics, Dr. Ian Williamson of the University of Southhampton in England says that "physicians can focus on effective remedies that improve symptom control," including over-the-counter pain killers.

Furthermore, he states that inhaling steam and flushing out thick mucous by squirting saline solutions into the nose also provide realief.

The Mayo Clinic suggests similar sinus infection care in its Acute Sinusitis Treatment section. In addition, the Clinic advises "treating an underlying allergic condition that contributes to sinusitis."

As in many allergy relief regimens, environmental control is key. Exposure to mold increases the risk of upper respiratory infections that often lead to sinus infections. Clean moldy areas of your home, making sure to wear a mask to protect you from inhaling spores.

Dry air in the home, such as that created with the use of forced hot air heat, is also known to contribute to sinus infections. A humidifier may help prevent sinusitis by adding moisture to the air.

If symptoms develp even while taking these precautions, self-care is usually effective:

• Make sure to drink plenty of fluid to dilute mucous and promote drainage.
• Avoid alcohol, which can worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.
• Consider taking over-the-counter decongestants.
• Moisturize and flush sinus cavities.

See Dr. Wellington S. Tichenor, M.D., on Sinusitis Treatment for more information. Also visit Sinus Relief Products for more sinus infection relief products.

An article on associatedcontent.com explains the wonder of the Neti Pot:

"The neti pot is an ancient tool that originated in India, spread through Europe, and has been increasingly popular in the United States over the last several years. Resembling Aladin's lamp, the neti pot allows warm water to gently trickle into one side of the nose, tenderly flow through the sinus glands, and then exit on the opposite side of the nose taking the mucus with it as it goes."

Indeed, practitioners of Ayurveda and Yoga in India have used Neti (nasal cleansing) for thousands of years as one of the six purification techniques to prepare for yoga.

I use the Neti Pot at home often, especially when I'm experiencing sinus irritation - and it definitely helps.

We offer several other products for sinus relief as well.