Does Neti Pot Help With Sinusitis?

Published June 21, 2022

There are lots of ways to get rid of a sinus infection. But one thing you’ve probably heard most about is the neti pot. So does using a neti pot really help with sinusitis?

In general, using a neti pot does help with sinusitis. It helps clear your nasal passages thus relieving pressure and facial pain. But there are also risks involved in using neti pots. So if you’re planning to use it, make sure to do so in moderation and exercise some caution.

If you’re not sure whether or not you should use a neti pot for your sinusitis, this post will help you decide.

What Exactly is a Neti Pot?

In a nutshell, a neti pot is a vessel or container typically filled with salt water and used to irrigate the sinuses. It’s commonly used to relieve congestion and other symptoms of sinus infection, allergies, and colds.

The practice of nasal irrigation traces its roots to Ayurvedic medicine and was introduced to the west in the early 1900s. But it’s only in the 21st century that the neti pot and other nasal irrigation devices have gained significant popularity.

Traditionally, neti pots are made of ceramic with a kettle or teapot-like shape and a long spout. But today, they are made of a wide range of materials in varying shapes and sizes. You can even buy disposable ones for sinus rinsing on the go.

How Neti Pots Can Help With Sinusitis

As mentioned, neti pots have been used for sinus relief since ancient times, and for good reason.

Our sinuses, if you didn’t know, are four paired cavities at the back of our nose connected by narrow channels. Their main function is to produce mucus that helps keep the nose clean by draining out bacteria and other debris.

But sometimes, viruses and bacteria can enter through those cavities and trigger inflammation. As they swell up, they block your air passages making it hard for you to breathe.

To fight the infection, your sinuses will also start producing thicker mucus. But since the passages are blocked, they can’t drain into your throat. So they build up within your sinuses and mix with the dirt and bacteria, causing further inflammation.

Irrigating your sinuses with a neti pot helps clean out your sinus walls by flushing out all the built-up dirt and bacteria. It also loosens the hardened mucus making them easier to drain our flush out of your nose. With no bacteria, viruses, or mucus plaguing your sinuses, the inflammation will subside and so will most of the sinus symptoms.

Salt also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. So rinsing your sinuses with saline solution helps prevent bacterial growth and also reduces inflammation.

Remember, however, that nasal irrigation only works for sinuses caused by allergies or viral infections. If your sinus problem is due to more serious concerns like nasal polyps or a deviated septum, you may need surgical treatment.

How to Use Neti Pot for Sinusitis

Using a neti pot is pretty straightforward:

1. Fill the neti pot with a saltwater solution. Make sure to use distilled or sterilized water.
2. Tilt your head sideways. Make sure to level your head and chin to avoid water flowing into your mouth.
3. Place the spout in the upper nostril.
4. Gently pour the saltwater solution until the water drains out of the other nostril.
5. Repeat with the other nostril.

Since it involves water draining out of your nose, it’s best to do this on your sink or in the bathroom. If not, you can also use a bowl or washbasin to catch the dripping water.