http://www.sodahead.com/living/have-you-ever-had-a-sinus-infection/question-3737425/?link=ibaf&q=&esrc=s
http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/an3-07-nasal-cavity-parasinuses-and-nasopharynx/deck/1201048
It's November and the time of year for cold weather, hot chocolate, using fireplaces and wood stoves, mold, dust & dust mites, pollens specific for the fall season and many airborne allergies. The result of all those things could end up being a sinus infection, or at least upper respiratory irritation. The form of attach that is becoming more popular and showing quite effective is known as nasal rinse or sinus irrigation. Now days there are many companies that offer nasal rinse systems.
I remember as a young adult getting a sinus infection every time the seasons changed. During one doctor's visit I was expecting the usual prescription for antibiotics and possibly a decongestant. What I got along with those things was a warning that if the 2 and sometimes 4 sinus infections a year continued, I would be subjected to a series of sinus x-rays and tests to rule out blockages in my sinus cavities. I was also instructed to perform an at home 'nasal rinse'. This was years ago and way before pots and positive pressure bottles were on the market. I was to sprinkle salt into the palm of my hand, add warm water, close off one nostril with the index finger of my other hand and 'sniff' the solution up into my other nostril. After letting the water drain back out, I was to repeat the sequence on the other side. This process was then called "salt water sniffs". It was effective but much has been learned and improvements made since then. Now, the most well-known method is the Neti Pot. Yes, a pot can be used instead of the palm of your hand!
The pot is most useful for rinsing the nasal passages whereas the positive pressure bottles work better to remove debris from higher in the respiratory tract, the sinuses. Another thing that has changed from back then is the use of only distilled or sterilized water instead of plain tap water. The reasoning behind this is that, although perfectly fine for drinking (ph level of approximately 2 of the stomach kills many things that may pass through), microbes, viruses, bacteria, amoebas and protozoas can be introduced into the sinuses, alive, and can grow causing serious infections. Deaths have been reported from "brain-eating amoeba "introduced by using these products with unsterilized water. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/239422.php
I remember as a young adult getting a sinus infection every time the seasons changed. During one doctor's visit I was expecting the usual prescription for antibiotics and possibly a decongestant. What I got along with those things was a warning that if the 2 and sometimes 4 sinus infections a year continued, I would be subjected to a series of sinus x-rays and tests to rule out blockages in my sinus cavities. I was also instructed to perform an at home 'nasal rinse'. This was years ago and way before pots and positive pressure bottles were on the market. I was to sprinkle salt into the palm of my hand, add warm water, close off one nostril with the index finger of my other hand and 'sniff' the solution up into my other nostril. After letting the water drain back out, I was to repeat the sequence on the other side. This process was then called "salt water sniffs". It was effective but much has been learned and improvements made since then. Now, the most well-known method is the Neti Pot. Yes, a pot can be used instead of the palm of your hand!
The pot is most useful for rinsing the nasal passages whereas the positive pressure bottles work better to remove debris from higher in the respiratory tract, the sinuses. Another thing that has changed from back then is the use of only distilled or sterilized water instead of plain tap water. The reasoning behind this is that, although perfectly fine for drinking (ph level of approximately 2 of the stomach kills many things that may pass through), microbes, viruses, bacteria, amoebas and protozoas can be introduced into the sinuses, alive, and can grow causing serious infections. Deaths have been reported from "brain-eating amoeba "introduced by using these products with unsterilized water. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/239422.php
The #1 seller of these products is NeilMed Pharmacy and instruct explicitly to "Always Use Distilled or Micro-Filtered (through 0.2 micron) or Commercially Bottled or Previously Boiled & Cooled Down Water at Lukewarm or Body Temperature. Please do not use tap or faucet water when using NeilMed's nasal wash devices unless it has been previously boiled and cooled down."
When used properly, it can flush debris from the hairs, villi, in the nasal passages that caught potentially harmful contents of the air we breath. The salt water solution rinse gives this natural system of the body an added boost in it's effectiveness to protect the body. The salt is added to create a solution that is more compatible to the human body that water alone. So, a little goes a long way!
Not every system out there will give you clear instruction nor will they stress the importance and safety issues of using the proper water. The makers of the original Neti Pot give clear and thorough instructions as seen below.
- do not use tap or faucet water for dissolving the mixture unless it has been previously boiled for five minutes or more as boiling sterilizes the water. Other choices are distilled, micro-filtered (through 0.2 micron), commercially bottled or, as mentioned earlier, previously boiled water at lukewarm or body temperature. You can store boiled water in a clean container for seven days or more if refrigerated. Do not use non-chlorinated or non-ultra (0.2 micron) filtered well water unless it is boiled and then cooled to lukewarm or body temperature. Do not rinse if your nasal passages are completely blocked or if you have an ear infection or blocked ears. If you have had recent ear or sinus surgery, contact your physician prior to irrigation. If you experience any pressure in the ears or burning in the nasal passages, stop irrigation and get further directions from your physician. Keep out of reach of children
- Always Use Distilled or Micro-Filtered (through 0.2 micron) or Commercially Bottled or Previously Boiled & Cooled Down Water at Lukewarm or Body Temperature. Please do not use tap or faucet water when using NeilMed's nasal wash devices unless it has been previously boiled and cooled down.
- Before using the SINUS RINSE™ Kit for the first time, please inspect the cap, tube and bottle carefully for wear and tear. If any of the components appear discolored or cracked, please contact NeilMed® to obtain a replacement. You must follow the cleaning instructions provided in this brochure or cleaning instruction card or on our website prior to each use.
- The SINUS RINSE™ bottle and mixture are to be used only for nasal irrigation. Do not use for any other purposes.
- Rinse your nasal passages only with NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™ packets. Our packets contain a mixture of USP grade sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. These ingredients are the purest quality available to make the dry powder mixture. Rinsing your nasal passages with only plain water will result in a severe burning sensation. Use distilled, micro-filtered (through 0.2 micron), commercially bottled or previously boiled & cooled down water at lukewarm or body temperature, properly mixed with NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™ packets. Do not use tap or faucet water for dissolving the mixture unless it has been previously boiled and cooled down. Do not rinse if nasal passages are completely blocked or if you have an ear infection or blocked ears.
If you have had recent ear or sinus surgery, contact your physician prior to irrigation. If you experience any pressure in the ears or burning in the nasal passages, stop irrigation and get further directions from your physician. Keep out of reach of children. Read and retain this enclosed brochure, if provided, for instructions and other important information.
- We recommend that you use the rinse ONE HOUR PRIOR to bedtime in order to avoid any residual solution dripping down the throat.
- We strongly advise against the use of our kit on children or adults who have physical limitations or mental disabilities due to developmental or acquired disorders. Adults should read the directions first before using it on their children. Keep out of reach of children. Do not swallow the solution; however, if you do so accidentally, there is no harm as the amount of sodium ingested in one swallow is insignificant.
- Patients who are unable to stand up or bend near the sink SHOULD NOT use this product. We advise you NOT to use this kit on patients who are bed bound or severely debilitated.
