Many seasonal allergy sufferers prefer natural methods of treatment as opposed to allergy shots and oral medications. For years now, people have been using neti pots — which work by flushing out the nasal passages and ridding them of mucus and pollen — as a way to alleviate their symptoms and keep their sinuses clear. While these nasal irrigation devices have proven to be effective for a large number of individuals, using them incorrectly may lead to potentially deadly infections.
In this post, we'll take a look at what you must do in order to ensure that you're using your neti pot correctly:
Don't overuse it – "I don't have anything against nasal saline. But I have something against nasal saline being used long-term on a daily basis," said Dr. Talal Nsouli, as reported by Medical Daily. "People who are using nasal saline on a regular basis, it makes them feel like it is helping them, but they are only patching the problem."
Clean it properly – Cleaning your neti pot thoroughly after each use will prevent bacteria from building up.
Fill it with the right water – HealthDay News notes that your best bet is distilled or sterile water, which you can buy at the store. Another safe alternative is to boil tap water for three to five minutes and then allow it to cool down. In both cases, you'll want to make a saline solution using one teaspoon of non-iodized salt for every eight ounces of water.
If you're looking for other natural ways to combat seasonal allergies, check out the Allergy Be Gone website to see our collection of hypoallergenic bedding, whole house air purifiers and more!
