What is a neti pot?

Dr. Robin Miller, MD

Internal Medicine

Neti pots are little pots that are used to flush the nasal cavities with saline (salt water). They can be made of clay, plastic, metal, ceramic or glass.They have a long nozzle that is inserted in the nose and with the head turned the salt-water flows with the help of gravity into the nasal passages.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

A nose bidet, or neti pot, can help clear mucus from your sinuses using warm saltwater, relieving cold and allergy symptoms. It's filling up those little nooks and crannies that you have and allowing your body to evacuate that stuff so you can actually begin to function normally.
This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com

Stacy Wiegman, PharmD

Pharmacy

A neti pot is a vessel that you fill with saltwater or a saline solution and then pour into your nostrils to rinse away mucus, allergens, dust and other substances. The typical neti pot looks like a small, squat pitcher with a long spout; it may or may not have a handle. Neti pots can be made of ceramic, plastic or stainless steel, and prices vary depending on the material. They can be found at pharmacies, health food stores or online.

Bryce B. Wylde

Alternative & Complementary Medicine

A neti pot is like a shower for your nose, says alternative medicine expert Bryce Wylde. Watch the video to find out why you should give your nostrils a good rinse.

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

Internal Medicine

A neti pot is little device that looks like a genie lamp. You can purchase one at any drugstore. You just fill it with salt water and rinse your sinuses, pouring the water in one nostril and letting it run out the other. It sounds weird but it's not uncomfortable and can help relieve sinus congestion.

Rick C. Jensen, MD on behalf of Sanford Health

Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology)

If you have chronic sinus problems, you've probably wondered whether a neti pot could help. In this video, Dr. Rick Jensen explains what a neti pot is and how it can help clear your sinuses.

Satish Govindaraj, MD on behalf of The Mount Sinai Health System

Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology)

The neti pot is a device in the shape of a "pot" with a spout and handle on the opposite side. It is used to irrigate the nasal cavity. It is derived from the word "neti" which is nasal cleansing in the ancient Indian language Sanskrit. They are made of metal, glass, plastic, or ceramic. They rely on gravity by placing the side of the nose to be irrigated in a dependent position allowing the solution to pass through the nose. An isotonic or hypertonic saline solution should be used that is mixed with sterile or distilled water or boiled tap water. If tap water is used, it should be boiled to avoid rare cases of contamination with Naeglaria fowleri which is an amoeba found in tap or well water that causes a fatal brain infection. With proper use and care neti pot irrigations are safe and effective treatment for nasal allergies and inflammation.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Healthy Nose

Most nose problems happen in cold weather when the air you breathe is dry indoor air. Symptoms can be a nosebleed, dry nasal passages and sinuses, coughing and nasal congestion. Many treatments, including the use of chicken soup as a congestion cure, have developed over centuries. An additional treatment option is the use of nasal sprays to keep your nasal passages open. If you're bothered by a constantly congested nose, you may want to see an otolaryngologist.

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