Neti pot/Sinus infection?

OMG! I LOVE your dog!!He's BEAUTIFUL!!He's a Mastiff, isnt he?

I could never make the neti pot work as it is supposed to.But I would advise you to keep on trying with it.It's very good for us.Dr Weil says if we are not comfortable letting the water run right up into our heads (I'm not) that just pouring it up as far as we want to will get the dust, pollen(could be allergies) and SOME of the sinus blockage away.

I only know that during chemo, on Taxotere, I had mucositis from it.Every mucus membrane in my body was inflamed, and (bleah) bleeding.We wont discuss the gastrointestinal part.But my nose was always stuffed, or/and bleeding.And I COULDNT keep spraying even saline water up my nose.

So a few times a day I'd go in bathroom, run the water pretty hot, get cup a handful of it, and snort it.(Before netie pot!)

So the feeling was like drowning in a hot pool.But it WORKED!After that, I was able to blow (unbelievable things) out of my nose, and my head (sinus) was clear, totally clear!It worked wonderfully.

So this is why I say "perservere", it'a worth it.

No, no you dont want antibiotics.I think your MIL is right-whether it is allergy , sinusor whatever, the cleansing w/the neti pot is really good.

Info, but kinda disgusting:clear mucus is new.Colored, and/or thicker mucus is old and has been blocking your nose for a while.(Mostly see in morning)Mucus which is always colored and thick CAN indicate an infection.

Soon you will be a neti pot expert!Great luck!

And tell us your dog's name?

I found a youtube demonstration of using the neti pot if anyone is interested.

Neti demo

There is also a modern device available at Walgreen's ,etc. that is a plastic bottle w/ special tip. It comes with special saline packets that you use. It can be found w/ the other decongestants ,etc. Ocean nasal sprays.. I have one and it is very simple to use ..you will not feel as if u are drowning IF you follow the pkg. insert....and it really helps

I bought one for my daughter a couple of weeks ago during a sinus infection. She's 17. She loved it. It made her feel better along with the antiobiotics she had to take. She continues to use it although not every day. As strange as it looks to see it going in one nostril and out the other, she says it's quite soothing. And yes, I looked, hers is the Sinu-Cleanse.

He is heavenly!

Good luck w/the NP!!!

been using one of these for over a year (but we call it a snot pot at my house). It was weird at first, but it does such a wonderful job!!!!  I have a little weird looking one that looks like a genie lamp....

I'm more of a fan of the NeilMed irrigation bottle. I use it while in the shower, in one nostril and out the other, without choking or spewing. I think it works great.

Anne

I think Dr. Oz said it went up in the sinus.

Hey, maybe waterpik will come out with an electric one and it will be all the rage!

Shirley....Did Dr. Oz demonstrate its use? I'm in love with him and don't want to imagine stuff coming out of his nose !

So does this process help stop a constantly dripping, bleeding nasal discharge/ Mine hasn't let up since chemo 2.5 years ago!

~Marin

Binney -- how brave of you!  I've heard a lot about these and have been hesitant to try one.  I'm interested to see what folks have to say. 

Binney-

what was the temperature of the water?  It should be warm, but not hot, and definately not cold or even cool.  Cool or cold water will give you something similar to the intense headache you can get eating ice cream too fast! 

The directions call for 1/4 tsp salt which I found to burn some, so I find 1/8 tsp which doesn't sting.  How much salt did you use?

Also, I have well water, so I never thought about chlorine, which DOES burn sensitive tissue.  Bottled or distilled water probably is much better. 

Another fan here of the Neilmed Sinus rinse bottle!  I had sinus problems after chemo and they sent me to an ear, nose & throat specialist.  He suggested I try one, at first I was hesitant, but now I love it.  He said that he had seen many people overcome allergies, sinus infections, colds, etc... by using the rinse.  He felt it worked slightly better than the Neti pot because it has more force behind it.  I might add that I haven't had a cold since I started using it this fall.

The hardest part is getting over the fact that you are spraying lots of water up into your nose and that seems scary at first.  But it really doesn't hurt and you won't drown.  Now I feel funny if I don't clean my sinuses every day, sort of like brushing your teeth!

I got mine at Walmart for about $12 with about 50 packets included.

I use the spray bottle type and I love it. I got it at the hospital supply place near me for about $10. It really helps me to get the stuffiness out so I can sleep. It is better than a saline  spray because you do not get any of it into your system. Just goes in one side and out the other. The key is to lean way over, so that it does not back up on you. I like the idea of using it in the shower. I will try that. And the advice about chlorine is also good. The water should be free of irritants. I also only use half the packet of saline and half the water in the bottle each time.