Neti-pot Solution

BigGayBert · Post by **BigGayBert** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 7:51 am

While most of what I have been reading about nasal irrigation recommends using an isotonic solution, I have read a couple of things advocating the use of a hypertonic solution. The theory is that it "draws out" more congestion. Does anyone here use a hypertonic solution?

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:14 am

I looked at it but desided against it. Neilmeds warning about use with doctors permission only made me shy away. As i remember it was twice the amount of salt. With the recomended mixture from the board of 1/4 teaspoon of salt it would have to be 1/2 teaspoon. Seems a bit strong. Also, mentioned a possible burning sensation. The isotonic version works Ok for me.

Jerry

socknitster · Post by **socknitster** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:21 am

The idea of the neti is to rinse things away. The stronger salt solution would force the tissues to give up water--that MIGHT be ok if you are severely congested and your tissues were swollen, but it also might be terribly drying and irritating to any tissue that wasn't swollen. Could lead to cracks and bleeding--with all the germs in that area, doesn't sound like a good idea. The neti with a regular salt solution already works quite well for me at relieving congestion and inflammation. I don't thing more is better in this case.

jen

sharon1965 · Post by **sharon1965** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 3:08 pm

LOL, i read that re: line and thought it meant solution as in the answer to a problem...that's too funny

i use the regular solution, btw, and it works great for me

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 10:25 pm

I've been using the neti-pot for congestion, and it has helped with routine congestion, but the last couple nights it has been stubborn and even repeating the rinse on both sides wouldn't make it budge. The solution wouldn't drain out the opposite side. Accordance to my data today, I fought it all night. I remember waking up a lot breathing thru my mouth and my leak rate was high with apneas throughout the night. Any suggestions to give the neti-pot treatment more effect?

Kathy

roster · Post by **roster** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:56 am

kteague wrote:......... The solution wouldn't drain out the opposite side. ........
Kathy

Just something to think about, for me there would only be a slow trickle out of the "outflow" nostril when using the neti pot. Then my doc did turbinate reduction surgery and now it flows out as fast as it can be poured in the "intake" nostril. In fact, I seldom find the need to use the pot any more.

(No, not that kind of pot, silly.)

BigGayBert · Post by **BigGayBert** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 9:35 am

Does anyone here use Baking Soda along with salt? I have read that a few places but I'm not really sure what it does or why you would want to add it.

Thanks!

Suz-E-Q · Post by **Suz-E-Q** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:01 am

BGB,
The Baking Soda is slightly alkaline so it will bring the pH up a bit in the water. The burning that some people feel might be that the water they use is slightly acidic. You tissues typically like to be normal or very sl. above. Your saliva on the other hand is sl. acidic.

I think that might be the reason for the baking soda...that is my guess.
Suzanne

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:02 am

the saline solution you use should resemble the Ph found in eye tears, that amount of salt is 1/4 tsp in 8oz. of water.

adding a "pinch" of baking soda allows the solution to dissolve thicker mucous so it can be flushed out. All you have to do is put a pinch in the solution to see the difference,

don't use baking soda if you find it causes nasal irritation.

most chemicals found in OTC rinses are there as preservatives, those preservatives themselves can cause some irritation and swelling.

Allergens, spores and even smog can cause the nasal passages to swell or become inflamed, when you use a saline rinse you flush those allergens out and the swelling goes away.

you start out every evening, then every other day then only about once a week thereafter or whenever you become congested.

roster · Post by **roster** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 12:04 pm

BigGayBert wrote:Does anyone here use Baking Soda along with salt? I have read that a few places but I'm not really sure what it does or why you would want to add it.

Thanks!

What Snoredog said. The salts provided by neti pot and nasal rinse suppliers include baking soda.

socknitster · Post by **socknitster** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:10 pm

kteague wrote:I've been using the neti-pot for congestion, and it has helped with routine congestion, but the last couple nights it has been stubborn and even repeating the rinse on both sides wouldn't make it budge. The solution wouldn't drain out the opposite side. Accordance to my data today, I fought it all night. I remember waking up a lot breathing thru my mouth and my leak rate was high with apneas throughout the night. Any suggestions to give the neti-pot treatment more effect?

Kathy

I have only experienced what you describe when I had a cold (like the recent 3 colds in 6 weeks!). The only thing that worked (and then only sometimes) was using the warmest water I could stand. Sometimes I would just wait a couple of hours and try again. I had turbinate reduction about 18 mos ago, so unless I have a cold my nose is never congested.

Jen

Sleepdeprived · Post by **Sleepdeprived** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:21 pm

kteague wrote:I've been using the neti-pot for congestion, and it has helped with routine congestion, but the last couple nights it has been stubborn and even repeating the rinse on both sides wouldn't make it budge. The solution wouldn't drain out the opposite side. Accordance to my data today, I fought it all night. I remember waking up a lot breathing thru my mouth and my leak rate was high with apneas throughout the night. Any suggestions to give the neti-pot treatment more effect?

Kathy

Hi

Try the neilmed squeeze bottle.

There is a little more force to it

Sleepdeprived

major_works · Post by **major_works** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:10 am

I've posted about this before... I use a commercial preparation called Alkalol for nasal lavage. It's worked well for me. Lots of druggists carry it.

Usual disclaimer... no connection with the manufacturer here; just a happy customer.

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:59 am

Hi,

Here's a link to the Mayo Clinic's nasal congestion info. They also have a video about doing nasal lavage and also mention the neti pot. I have used it but switched to NeilMed because it's faster.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nasal- ... on/ID00048

Mindy

Neti-pot Solution

Neti-pot Solution

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Re: When solution won't flow

Baking Soda

Re: Baking Soda

Re: When solution won't flow

Re: When solution won't flow