Nasal Irrigation: Can A Sinus Rinse Provide Relief From Sinus Problems?
If my parents had known about nasal irrigation, my childhood would’ve been less miserable. I’ve struggled with sinus problems for my entire life. I remember sitting in my third-grade classroom struggling to breathe. I needed to blow my nose once again, but had just come from the bathroom and was too embarrassed to do it in class.
My sinuses were always either clogged or dripping. Nasal sprays and nasal decongestants were no help at all. The sinus problems continued into adulthood. I thought it would always be the case. That is until I learned about nasal irrigation.
Dr. Oz, Oprah, and Nasal Irrigation
I learned about nasal irrigation from the Oprah Winfrey show. Her resident doctor, Dr. Oz, mentioned that a sinus rinse was the best way to deal with sinus problems.
Dr. Oz explained that rinsing your nasal passage could help you breathe easier, reduce allergies, and keep your sinuses clear. Then he suggested a Neti Pot, which is a small pot for rinsing the inside of the nose.
It was the perfect solution to my sinus problem. But the thought of letting water run through one nostril and out the other was too much. There was no way I was going to do that. So I scratched nasal irrigation off of my to-do list.
I forgot about the sinus rinse until coming down with a bad cold. My baby nephew gave me some kind of super-strength baby germ, and I was miserable. The desire to clear my sinuses was stronger than the fear of pouring liquid in my nose.
Trying Nasal Irrigation for the First Time
I was still apprehensive about using the Neti Pot. It seemed easy enough, and I followed the instructions carefully. After putting the saline solution into the pot, I put the pot’s spout in my left nostril, tilted my head, and attempted to let the mixture flow through. Most of the mixture spilled because the pot didn’t have a top. But I tried again.
Nasal irrigation is an odd feeling, at least at first. I could feel the warm saline solution moving through my nasal passage. For a moment I worried the solution would get stuck. It took longer than I expected for it to pour out the opposite nostril.
I felt relieved when the saline solution finally made its exit. Then as instructed, I bent over the sink and cleared my nostril of the remaining liquid. This is where the story gets gross.
I’ll skip the gory details, but you’d be surprised at what washes out with a nasal rinse. It’s even worse when you’re sick. But that’s the whole point of nasal irrigation – to get the gunk out.
I felt immediate relief after the first rinse. Getting the gunk out of my sinuses helped a lot. I used the Neti Pot again before going to bed, and slept peacefully for the first time since getting sick. Nasal irrigation is now a regular part of my life.
Anyone with sinus problems should try nasal irrigation. You might be nervous, but it’s worth facing your fear. The relief you’ll feel outweighs any fears you might have. I can say from experience that this is one natural home remedy that works.
