I am still having sinus problems. For several months now I've lived with sporadic sinus pressure and almost constant post nasal drip. Just what you wanted to know, right? I recall my general physician telling me that if my sinus issues didn't improve, I should go see an ENT so he could "tweak" my allergy medications. I am skeptical. First of all, the term "tweaking" to me implies a long, systematic exploration of various medications which I do not have the patience for. Second, my mom and stepdad (who I've already mentioned both work in a pharmacy) have explained to me that most allergy medicines are nearly the same and switching medications usually involves finding one your body isn't used to yet, using it for a year or two until you are completely acclimated to that one and moving on to the next. That sounds even less appealing as far as a long term strategy for coping with sinus issues. I don't really want to be dependent on medications for anything and one of my goals is to be drug-free when we start trying for a baby (NOT YET NOT YET NOT YET).
Awhile back, my stepmom suggested trying a Neti pot. This completely terrifies me, but I'm starting to feel persuaded. Over the last couple of days I've done a lot of reading up on sinus irrigation and it seems like an all-natural, yet medically proven, successful treatment for chronic sinus sufferers. So why don't more people do it? Like I said, it looks pretty strange (you should watch the video) but after the last six months of feeling like I'm drowning in my own mucus, I am willing to try pretty much anything. I've asked a couple of people about it. No one I know has actually tried it, but everyone seems to "know someone" who "swears by it". What do you you guys think? Anyone own one? Tried one? Got any hilarious shoving-liquid-up-your-nose stories?
UPDATE: I bought one yesterday (Sunday). It felt kinda funny the first time, like getting water up your nose when swimming. But now it actually feels pretty refreshing. The only difference I've noticed with my sinuses (which as I mentioned don't always feel congested) is that the post nasal drip feels thinner and not quite as thick and gross. I don't know if it is supposed to take awhile to reach its maximum effectiveness, but I think I'll continue using it either way. Even if it keeps me from getting sick and/or developing another sinus infection it will be worth it. Plus as fermi mentioned it will help keep allergens and dust from accumulating which is another bonus. Will update after it's been a little longer.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I just wanted to clarify something. After poking around the internets it has come to my attention that Oprah had this product on her show awhile back. This is not, I repeat IS NOT why I bought the Neti pot. I think I mentioned before that my step mom suggested it for me several months back. I don't think she watches Oprah either.
Awhile back, my stepmom suggested trying a Neti pot. This completely terrifies me, but I'm starting to feel persuaded. Over the last couple of days I've done a lot of reading up on sinus irrigation and it seems like an all-natural, yet medically proven, successful treatment for chronic sinus sufferers. So why don't more people do it? Like I said, it looks pretty strange (you should watch the video) but after the last six months of feeling like I'm drowning in my own mucus, I am willing to try pretty much anything. I've asked a couple of people about it. No one I know has actually tried it, but everyone seems to "know someone" who "swears by it". What do you you guys think? Anyone own one? Tried one? Got any hilarious shoving-liquid-up-your-nose stories?UPDATE: I bought one yesterday (Sunday). It felt kinda funny the first time, like getting water up your nose when swimming. But now it actually feels pretty refreshing. The only difference I've noticed with my sinuses (which as I mentioned don't always feel congested) is that the post nasal drip feels thinner and not quite as thick and gross. I don't know if it is supposed to take awhile to reach its maximum effectiveness, but I think I'll continue using it either way. Even if it keeps me from getting sick and/or developing another sinus infection it will be worth it. Plus as fermi mentioned it will help keep allergens and dust from accumulating which is another bonus. Will update after it's been a little longer.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I just wanted to clarify something. After poking around the internets it has come to my attention that Oprah had this product on her show awhile back. This is not, I repeat IS NOT why I bought the Neti pot. I think I mentioned before that my step mom suggested it for me several months back. I don't think she watches Oprah either.
8 comments:
I did this a few times. It didn't help at all BUT my friend also did it and her sniffling and her headache and the drip disappeared like magic.
Perhaps my nasal passages are beyond redemption?
I say absolutely try it. You have nothing to lose, the worst that will happen is nothing.
MB: It's worth a try, can't do any harm.
And I thought me and you were gonna share a doobie, man...
I know several stories about people shoving funny things up their noses, but I don't think they're what you had in mind.
Do it. Not only did it clear my sinuses, it also gave me this odd visual and mental clarity. You'll see. Just make sure the water temperature is perfect.
When you try it, you should post a video. :-) OK, not really. But let us know how it feels and if it works. My allergy problems flare up with spring pollen, mold (any time of year), and dust (any time I clean house). I sneeze a lot. Would love to have that stuff get better without drugs.
We used to snorkle salt water all the time for sinus stuff... haven't done that in a while though, but it did help.
Spitting it out through your mouth though is not the most pleasant of experiences...
The hippie yoga guy who has an office next to mine showed me how it works, and he swears by it. Does it every day, says he hasn't had a cold in 6 years or some crap like that. Anyway, if it's even a small chance of alleviating the misery, maybe it's worth trying??? I say: Go for it. Pot it up Nat!
Jala neti, though relatively less known in Western culture, is a common practice in parts of India and other areas in South East Asia, performed as routinely as brushing one's teeth using a toothbrush. It is performed daily, usually as the first thing in the morning with other cleansing practices. It may also be performed at the end of the day if one works or lives in a dusty or polluted environment. When dealing with problems of congestion it can be performed up to four times a day. This from wikipedia.
Hey, a whole subcontinent couldn’t be wrong. Cleansing with saline seems like a much more attractive option that pharmaceutical roulette or surgical excavation. I hope it helps. Keep us posted!
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