Neti pot users occasionally experience minor problems while trying to use the pot for the first time. You will find some of the most common problems listed below and some tips to to help you deal with them.
The most common form of discomfort is a stinging sensation. This can be due to an improper salt concentration or you may even have purchased a hypertonic salt product which may be too strong for your tolerance. Always use a isotonic salt formula as a beginner and then work up to stronger solutions. Stinging can also be caused by not having enough salt in your mixture. The best way to determine the correct amount of salt to add is to follow the directions that come with your salt product. The neti pot instructions should also give you some idea of how much salt to add. The correct amount is dependent upon the volume of your neti pot, so the proper amount will vary.
If by chance, you are using neti rinse additives, be sure that you are not using an additive that has capsaicin--the hot ingredient in pepper. These additives are designed for and can be used in the neti pot,however,you may not not be ready to use these stronger products.
Stinging can usually be stopped by checking your salt mixture and making adjustments to the amount added.Remember to check to see that you are using an isotonic solution for your first sinus flushing experience.
Problems involving the flow of the water from the neti pot can be caused by pressing the spout of the pot too tightly against your nostril. Essentially, you may be holding the exit of the spout against the inside of your nose and shutting off the flow of water. This can occur with neti pots that have cone shaped ends on the spout. Pots with a straight opening can cause your nostril to collapse and thus shut off the water as well.
If you are having this problem, ask someone to monitor you while you attempt a flush and see if you are in fact shutting the flow off via obstructing the opening of the spout.If this is occurring,then you can simply practice gently placing the spout against the nostril and learn to manipulate the angle of the pot as well as the pressure used to keep the pot against the nostril.
Your Neti Pot may not empty due to the reason listed above, so be sure and rule out the possibility that you are shutting the flow off at the nostril. If this is not the case, then you may be experiencing a problem due to either excessive congestion, or you may have an anatomical obstruction such as nasal polyps, etc. The first thing to try is to attempt to flush from both sides...see if the water will flow from the other nostril. If there is an intitial flow and then you feel the water stop, there is a good chance that you have either excessive congestion or a blockage from a polyp or similar problem. If you are able to get the warm water into one nostril, try running whatever amount will enter the nostril and then let it stay there for a few minutes. Alternate filling the nose and draining it to see if you can get the water to flow. Warm water will sometimes relieve swelling in the nasal turbinates and thus open the passageway.
If you are unable to open the nasal passages after trying the steps above, then consult a physician.
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