Neti Pot

[Mjf5959]

How long or how many times will you need to use a Neti Pot to feel a difference? I have been having awful sinus headaches and ringing (hissing) in my ears for about 10 days. This is after on and off sinus infections (or what I think are sinus infections) for months. Antibiotics (Augmentin) have done the trick in the past, but after 20 days my PCP sent me to a different ENT (saw one in April, had CAT scan, didn't show sinus infection) and he is now treating me for allergies with Flonase, Singulair and Claritin.

But in the meantime I have this daily sinus pressure and it's very hard to get anything up (mucus) and out. It's like it's so tightly packed in there that it won't come out and it gives me the headaches and noise in my ears.

Tried Neti Pot for first time last night with saline solution and this morning I was a little more loose (more stuff came up) but by mid morning I was packed again and the headache is back and constant.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Neti Pot experiences? I'm going to use it again tonight and maybe twice a day starting tomorrow.

[friggy]

If you don't get results with a neti or Neilmed, then it's probably lodged in your upper sinuses, and you'll be fighting gravity, and gravity always wins.  The Sinus Flush uses gravity to get saline where it needs to go,and hopefully wash out the allergens.

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/2322

The Flip-Turn Sinus Flush is mildly risky, because you have to bend over to do it, preferably in a shower, but you can also do it outside on soft ground, or you can kneel down and lean over a bathtub with the shower running.

[bsmsl]

Hello, I would recommend that you use Afrin before you do the sinus rinse - 2 sprays per nostril wait 5 min. then blow your nose and repeat, then rinse twice a day for THREE DAYS ONLY.  Take a break for three days and you can use the Afrin again.  Afrin can be addicting and cause rebound congestion.  

I would also recommend that you try the NeilMed sinus rinse bottle instead of the neti pot.  The bottle gives a slightly more presurized flow (not enough to hurt you)that dislodges more gunk than the neti pot.  That is my experience.  I also found that my back hurt from the twisting required to use the neti pot.

Some other thoughts that might help:
1) drink LOTS of water - thins the mucus
2) take a mucinex type product (guaifenesen - an expectorant helps to thin the mucus so that it comes out more easily)
3) keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to limit your exposure to allergens.
4) Shower before going to bed so that you are not sleeping with the pollen that collected in your hair during the day.

Feel better.