I know a few people who use neti pots to wash out their nasal passages. The point is to wash out undesirable particles so they don’t collect in your sinus passages. In case you don’t know what a neti pot is, here’s a picture of someone using one. As you can see, to use one you fill the pot with salty water, then stick the spout up one nostril and let the water flow into your nose. (If you’re interested, check the internet for the proper way to use these devices).
I’ve never used one, and, until now, had no idea if the practice had any value. It turns out, it does. According to Dr. Zara Patel, an associate professor of otolaryngology at Stanford University School of Medicine, it has a “very, very high level of evidence, randomized controlled trial evidence, that shows that it does work and it does help.”
Here’s why: when
you inhale, the mucus in your nose traps viruses, bacteria, allergens, and
pollutants from the air. Microscopic hairs in your nose sweep those trapped
particles—with the mucus—into your throat. You swallow them and they enter your
gut, where they’re largely neutralized.
Mostly, this filtering system works well, but for some people
those particles cause congestion, pressure, and pain. Nasal irrigation keeps the
junk from collecting in your sinus cavities. It also reduces seasonal or
environmental allergy symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, itching and
sneezing. (It doesn’t prevent Covid, though.)
The photo above is the most attractive-looking one I could find. It looks uncomfortable, but I guess you get used to it.
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