Got Allergies? Get a Neti Pot!

Tis the season for allergies. Everyone in my household has them, as do many people I see in the office or just out and about on the street. Some signs of allergies are fairly obvious - a runny nose, or itchy/watery eyes. But what some people don't realize is that the headaches they may also be experiencing are allergy related.

These headaches are most often referred to as sinus headaches, and can range from a mild discomfort to excruciatingly painful.  The reason the sinuses hurt is because they build up pressure and this pressure results in pain. While it can present in several different areas depending on exactly which sinus is causing the pain. Typically it is in the front of the head of face. Occasionally the pain will also feel like it is right behind the eyes. Once the sinus pressure is alleviated the pain should resolved as well.

If your sinuses are not draining well, this may be your only symptom, as it is often the drainage that results in the vast majority of other symptoms associated with allergies. By treating the allergies and encouraging drainage it can help resolve a sinus headache. However it is important to remember that it is not uncommon for sinus headaches to flare up other types of headaches. Just because your headache doesn’t match this presentation exactly does not mean that sinuses are not the initial cause of the pain you are experiencing. 

So what to do, other than pop a few Advil and pray for the end of pollen season? Of all the myriad allergy remedies out there, one of the most natural and effective I've found is the Neti Pot.

When I start discussing Neti Pots with patients, typically I get a mildly confused look, unless they happened to catch that episode of Dr. Oz that discusses this apparatus.  The Neti Pot it is a tea kettle looking object that is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies. It typically comes with packets that contain a combination of salt and baking soda (don’t try to make these at home).

Take the packet and some distilled water (don't use tap!), and pour both into the small tea kettle. You will then want to lean your head over the sink. Place the spout of the kettle in one nostril, and as you lean your head to the side, tilt the kettle up and pour the solution into one nostril. It should then come out the other nostril - along with a significant amount of mucus.

For some this is incredibly uncomfortable, for others it is no problem. Personally, I can’t stand it, but I find I get over most upper respiratory issues sooner without the need of pharmaceuticals and that makes it worth it for me. 

Meg Sneed, Old Dominion Osteopathic Medicine

Editor's Note: This blog contains general information about medical conditions and treatments.  You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.