How to use neti pot correctly to clear your nasal congestion

A stuffy nose, also known as nasal congestion, is a feeling of blocked or fullness in our nose or surrounding areas on the face. You might also feel some mucus or fluid running out of your nose or back down the throat. It’s an unpleasant feeling that is rampant during season change. Congestion or allergies become commonplace. While you may try various medicines to treat it, have you tried using an effective equipment called neti pot to ease nasal congestion?

What is a Neti Pot?

A neti pot is a small, teapot-shaped device used to perform nasal irrigation, a technique that involves rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution. This can help alleviate symptoms of congestion, sinusitis, and allergies. A neti pot is a container, typically made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, designed for nasal irrigation. It is used to flush out mucus and debris from the nasal passages through the nostrils.

Why use a neti pot for congestion?

There are multiple benefits of using a neti pot for nasal irrigation and sinus relief.

1. Effectively clears mucus

“Firstly, it effectively clears excess mucus, diminishing congestion and providing relief from nasal discomfort,” says pulmonologist Dr Hari Kishan.

2. Alleviates sinus

Additionally, this practice alleviates sinus pressure by promoting drainage, while the saline solution used in the process moisturizes and soothes irritated nasal tissues.

3. Reduces allergies

Nasal irrigation with a neti pot is instrumental in reducing allergens, irritants, and bacteria, thereby lowering the risk of infections and allergic reactions.

Overall, incorporating a neti pot into your nasal care routine can contribute to improved respiratory health and enhanced comfort.

How to use a neti pot to ease congestion?

Congestion in the nasal passages can significantly impact respiratory health. For individuals with lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), keeping the airways clear is crucial. Trusting the good old Jal Neti Kriya can be helpful.

A neti pot helps clear excess mucus, reducing congestion and facilitating better airflow. By doing so, it can contribute to improved breathing and overall respiratory comfort, making it a valuable adjunct to the management of respiratory conditions.

Step-by-step instructions to use neti pot the right way

1. To perform nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot, start by assembling your supplies: a Neti pot (5 best neti pots in India), saline solution (either pre-made packets or a homemade mixture of non-iodized salt and distilled water), and sterile water.

2. Following the Neti pot’s instructions or utilising a pre-made saline packet, mix the solution with warm sterile water.

3. Stand over a sink and tilt your head slightly forward. Insert the neti pot spout into one nostril, gently pouring the saline solution.

4. Allow the solution to flow through your nasal passages and exit the other nostril, breathing through your mouth. Repeat the process on the opposite nostril.

5. To conclude, let any remaining solution drain, and meticulously clean the Neti Pot after each use as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring a hygienic and effective nasal irrigation routine.

Is using neti pot safe for children?

Nasal allergies can happen to anyone – a child as old as 2 years old or an adult at any age and stage of life. If a child is too young, he or she may be unable to tolerate the procedure or self-clean the nostril to remove any excess water properly. You should ideally not use this procedure on children without a paediatrician’s recommendation, says the US Food and Drug Administration.

Even for adults, it is advisable to first learn how to use a neti pot correctly before trying it out on your own.