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The History & Science of the Nasal Wash

Need some inspiration to start doing the nasal wash? Scientists have been conducting a growing number of studies that suggest the nasal wash is an effective way to relieve the symptoms of sinus discomfort and disease. According to Dr. Oz, some of this research shows that “it’s as effective as drugs for preventing sinus infections…[and] hugely beneficial for people with nasal allergies and headaches.” Several recent studies indicate that with regular use of the neti pot (and other nasal irrigation devices), patients become less reliant on medication.

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 Nasal Irrigation Makes Comeback as Cold Remedy

An age-old technique that may have developed from yoga traditions is turning out to be a simple and effective way to combat the cold. Flushing the nasal passageway with warm salt-water can help prevent colds and bring relief to allergy-sufferers.

Articles of Interest

Pot, Short and Squat, To Clear Your Nose Out

Scientific evidence supports nasal irrigation for relief of chronic nasal symptoms. The Cochrane Collaboration, in a 2007 analysis, reviewed eight papers on neti pots and other types of nasal irrigation and concluded there is evidence that it is beneficial for chronic nasal symptoms, either as a sole treatment or in conjunction with standard treatments.

All You Need to Know About Nasal Irrigation Systems

Think of it this way: Nasal irrigation is similar to brushing your teeth, but for your nose!

Are the neti pot and other nasal rinse devices safe?

“A nasal rinse is like chicken soup for the nose,” says Carla Schneider, PA, Nebraska Medicine Department of Otolaryngology. “Not only can it help relieve sinus pressure and clear drainage, but nasal irrigation may also prevent viruses from turning into a bacterial infection and may shorten the duration of an upper respiratory infection.”

Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial

Brief advice to use nasal irrigation in routine primary care for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms was less effective than prior evidence suggested, but it resulted in reduced overall symptom burden, headache, use of over-the-counter medications and the perceived need to consult primary care physicians in future episodes. Steam inhalation had no consistent benefits.

Health Benefits Of Nasal Washes Are Limited

Manufacturers of some nasal washes, which are intended to keep nasal passages moist and remove irritants and germs, claim -- or at least imply -- that their products can help air travelers and others ward off colds. In fact, there is little evidence for this, though nasal washing does appear to help relieve certain sinus problems.

How Does Nasal Rinsing Work and Is It Safe?

A nasal rinse is a common practice to clear nasal passages, especially during cold, flu, and allergy seasons. It helps remove mucus, debris, and allergens that build in the nose. “A saltwater rinse is basically brushing your teeth for your nose,” explains Kristine Smith, MD, assistant professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at University of Utah Health. “It’s flushing out all the junk that we breathe in during the day.”

Nasal irrigation as an adjunctive treatment in allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nasal irrigation with saline solution in AR results in the improvement of symptoms, quality of life, and MCT. The consumption of antiallergic medication can also be decreased. Nasal irrigation represents a safe and inexpensive, nonpharmacologic form of treatment. However, additional studies need to be performed in the future to clarify the questions as to the optimal salt concentration and mode of application.

Nasal Irrigation: An Imprecisely Defined Medical Procedure

Nasal irrigation (NI) is an old practice of upper respiratory tract care that likely originated in the Ayurvedic medical tradition. It is used alone or in association with other therapies in several conditions—including chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis—and to treat and prevent upper respiratory tract infections, especially in children. However, despite it being largely prescribed in everyday clinical practice, NI is not included or is only briefly mentioned by experts in the guidelines for treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases.

Nasal Rinses and Neti Pots: Are They Safe?

Little teapots are no longer just for a spot of tea. Teapots with long spouts, commonly known as neti pots, have become fixtures in many homes to flush out clogged nasal passages and help people breathe easier and better. Neti pots, along with other nasal irrigation methods, may not be situated next to your teacups, but many people readily have them on hand to bring relief to nasal congestion (a runny or stuffy nose), colds and allergies.

Nasal rinsing: why flushing the nasal passages with tap water to tackle hay fever could be fatal

But the practice is not without its risks, not least because if not done with sterile water it can introduce germs into the body. A small number of people, especially those with weakened immune systems, have even died from diseases caught through nasal rinsing.

People Are Obsessed With This Home Remedy for Clearing a Baby's Clogged Nose

As pretty much any parent will tell you, every baby gets a clogged nose at some point—probably more than once. And given that they don’t know how to blow or pick their noses, it can be tricky to unclog nostrils that are stuffed up. Well, as with most things, the internet found a way. And people seem to be fascinated with videos showing parents flushing out their babies' noses.

Saline Nasal Irrigation for Upper Respiratory Conditions

In liquid form, SNI has been found to be effective adjunctive care by the Cochrane Collaboration for symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. Less conclusive clinical trial evidence supports its use in spray and liquid forms as adjunctive treatment for mild-to-moderate allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory infections.

Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment

Nasal irrigation is a simple, inexpensive treatment that relieves the symptoms of a variety of sinus and nasal conditions, reduces use of medical resources, and could help minimize antibiotic resistance.

Saline Nose Spray Might Help Tame Severe Nosebleeds

Saline nose spray is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for allergies and sinus problems. And a study suggests the cheap, simple solution helps with severe nosebleeds, too.

Should You Use a Neti Pot or Another Type of Nasal Irrigation?

The water used in nasal irrigation is very important to keeping the practice safe and healthy. The CDC recommends that water used for nasal irrigation be boiled or distilled before use. Water should be boiled for at least one to three minutes, and then cooled before using. Distilled water can be purchased at pharmacies; some bottled water is distilled, but be sure to check the label. “There have been reports of primary amebic meningoencephalitis related to doing nasal rinses in the past, so the CDC recommends that if you are using tap or well water that it must be boiled. And then let it cool,” Dr. Ebert says.

The Claim: Nasal Irrigation Can Ease Allergy Symptoms

For some, the neti pot, a nasal irrigator that resembles a small teapot, has become an alternative remedy. While it is not nearly as convenient as popping a pill or using a spray, several recent studies have found that nasal irrigation can reduce symptoms of allergies and other nasal problems.

The nose bidet: can nasal rinses cure hay fever? I tried them for two weeks to find out

Recently, though, an ancient solution has been attracting renewed interest. Nasal irrigation is the practice of rinsing warm saltwater through the nostrils. It is a remedy that has been in use for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and has been the focus of scientific studies since the pandemic.

Resources

6 Nasal Rinse Myths Busted

Nasal washes are absolutely safe and it’s one of the easiest interventions that we recommend for our patients and it is going to help you breathe much better.

The 8 Best Sinus-Rinse Kits and Neti Pots

Whether you’re fighting off a cold, the flu, or seasonal allergies, a sinus-rinse kit or neti pot — nasal irrigation tools to help clear sinus congestion — can help. While not all doctors we spoke to think a nasal irrigation system is necessary for everyday use, they all said it can come in handy for symptoms like allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis.

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