Allergy Season: Time to Keep your Nose Clean

Allergy season is upon us.  If you have seasonal allergies, you already know that the pollen is at an all-time high.  It is time then to rinse out the old schnoz.  Yes, I said it.  It's time to rinse out your sinuses, people!  That pollen is reacting in there, causing inflammation, creating excess mucus, which can lead to fun things like sneezing, stuffy nose, loss of sleep, and sinus infections.  Whether you use the Neti Pot, Saline Nasal Spray or SinuPulse, it's time.

Some Tips:

1. Your sinuses may seem like they normally should be teaming with germs, but they are not.  They shouldn't have any germs in them at all, so don't introduce them in there with a dirty Neti or impure water.  Most Neti pots can go in the dishwasher.  If not, use hot water and soap after your done rinsing, and let it dry completely.  If the water isn't safe to drink, it's not safe to flush out your nose.  If you live in a warm weather climate, consider getting a gallon of purified or distilled water. 
2. If sea salt didn't feel great up your nose the last time you jumped in the ocean, it is probably not going to feel great when you rinse your sinuses with it.  Try a gentler approach with a specifically designed neti pot salt.  And you only need 1/4 tsp.  Don't do what I did when I first tried the neti, and used 14 scoops!!!!  It's only ¼ teaspoon, otherwise you will be cursing and crying. 
3. If you have a personal fear of drowning, you are absolved of using the neti pot and can try another method.  An inexpensive alternative is saline nasal spray.  I have heard rave reviews about the SinuPulse, which has less underwater feeling.  Honestly, I have trained myself to breathe through my mouth while using the neti and never have had the water go someplace it shouldn't. I've even snuck a few breaths in through the nose with no problem.  Here's the link to the SinuPulse: http://www.sinupulse.com/index.php?p=1

How do you Neti pot?

It's just like pouring a pot of tea... through your nose.  Fill pot with water, add 1/4 teaspoon of neti pot salt, and mix.  Lean over the sink.  Start with you dominant hand, i.e. the right if your right handed.  Aim the pot at the side of your nose.  Make contact with your nostril.  Breathe through your mouth, lean a little bit further forward and start pouring.  The tighter the seal is with your nostril, the better chance the water will go in.  The water should start flowing out the other side.  If not, angle the pot downward and tilt your head so the liquid can flow downstream.  Once it starts flowing just relax, adjust your body so you are not going to fall into the sink, and breathe through your mouth. Finish the pot, refill and repeat on the other side. 

Do this especially before bed, so the pollen doesn't hangout up there in your sinuses all night long... wreaking havoc. 

 You did it!

 Human: 1 Pollen: 0

Dr. Angela McCann is a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist.  You can find her at 2700 Park Ave in Bridgeport or you can request a House Call.  http://www.doctormccann.com/#!form/c214n