Neti Pot, Nasal Irrigation Pros and Cons
Find out when it's OK to use a neti pot or other forms of nasal irrigation, and when you may need more help.
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Cons of Nasal Irrigation
Using nasal irrigation to clear stuffed sinuses can be helpful from time to time for relieving symptoms, but a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in 2009 shows that it may actually be counterproductive when used regularly over the long term. The study showed that patients who used nasal saline irrigation for a year and then stopped using it for a year had a 62% lower incidence of sinusitis during the year in which they stopped.
The idea behind this finding is that nasal mucus serves a beneficial function, helping to protect the body against infection. "The nasal mucus we have in the nose contains very important immune elements that are the first line of respiratory defense against infections," explains Talal Nsouli, MD, who headed the study.
As it helps remove the bad mucus, saline may also dilute or wash away these beneficial antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents, says Nsouli, who is a clinical professor of pediatrics and immunology at Georgetown University's medical school and the director of the Watergate & Burke Allergy and Asthma Centers in Washington, D.C.
Nsouli doesn't advise stopping nasal irrigation altogether. He only suggests using it in moderation.
"I don't have anything against nasal saline. But I have something against nasal saline being used long-term on a daily basis," he says. "People who are using nasal saline on a regular basis, it makes them feel like it is helping them, but they are only patching the problem."
Nsouli advises using nasal irrigation for no more than one to three weeks. If your symptoms don't improve during that time, see your doctor, who can diagnose the underlying problem and get you the appropriate treatment.
Keep it Safe and Clean
Nasal irrigation is generally considered to be safe, but a small percentage of regular users experience mild side effects such as minor nasal irritation. People whose immune system isn't fully functioning should ask their doctor before trying nasal irrigation because they are at greater risk for infections.
Also, anyone who is prone to frequent nosebleeds or who doesn't have a good swallowing mechanism might want to avoid nasal irrigation.