anybody try a neti pot?

EMT

I have a cold and am pretty stuffed up. I tried a neti pot yesterday. It didn't help my nose at all (and I'm pretty sure I was doing it right...I youtubed how to videos and I think some of the "run-off" when into my ear canal because I now have a pretty bad earache (which started just after using the neti pot).

Wonder if I should call the doc? Any experience with this?

SumnerBride

I've tried for years to use one regularly, but it never works out that great for me.  I end up crap running down my throat.  I think in your case, I might go into the doc.

Temp108743750006959

I use something like it - but it's a bottle and it jets up your nose. I use distilled water and these little tablets that come with it and it's pretty good. I follow up with baby saline spray to soothe/coat my sinuses a bit. I've never had it go in my ear.

EMT

Yeah I think I will if I don't feel better tomorrow:

"While using the neti pot can be extremely beneficial, the most dangerous and highest risk chance of infection with a neti pot is the dreaded ear infection.  If you allow the neti pot solution to drain into the ear cavity, it is possible to carry bacteria and fungii from the sinus passage into the ear cavity, and this can lead to some painful ear infections."

https://www.netipotsecrets.com/netipotdanger/

 

ladymantha

I've had horrible sinus infections at least twice a year since I was a teen.  They always result in a trip to the dr. for antibiotics.  Two years ago someone suggested I try a neti pot and I fell in love!  As soon as I feel my sinus problems starting I use it (normally with nasacort or another prescription nose spray too) and it takes care of the problem.  I'm sure it doesn't work that well for everyone but I highly recommend trying one.

omurray

vccake:

I use something like it - but it's a bottle and it jets up your nose. I use distilled water and these little tablets that come with it and it's pretty good. I follow up with baby saline spray to soothe/coat my sinuses a bit. I've never had it go in my ear.

 DS and DH have been using this recently.  They call them their "booger shooters" and they've been working out great.

NewNameSameGame

I think the key with the neti pot is to use it as SOON as you start feeling the nose issues and use it often. I love my neti pot...LOVE it.  but if I wait until I'm fully clogged, then I have it get into my ears too and I'm miserable.

lizard76

I use the version that's basically a squirt bottle.  I agree that it's difficult to use if you're very plugged up.  It works best for me if I've got a very runny nose or am just starting to get stuffed up from a cold or allegies.  Last night I was really plugged up on one side, but the solution didn't go into my ears, it drained into my throat.