Neti pot users sometimes experience problems while trying to perform their first nasal rinse. This tends to discourage the further use of the neti pot and can leave the user frustrated as to what went wrong. Using the neti pot to rinse your sinuses is a simple process. Those new to the use of the neti pot may be anxious about the procedure and this can lead to some of the most common problems encountered. Let’s take a look at some commonly reported neti pot problems.

Discomfort during the actual rinsing process usually occurs as a stinging sensation for the user. The most likely cause for this problem is an improperly mixed saline concentration. Too much salt can cause stinging and not enough salt can cause stinging. The optimum salt concentration should closely match the body’s own saline content. The best way to find the correct mixture is to consult the instructions on the salt product your using or see the neti pot instructions to get the recommended amount of salt to add.

If you are experiencing stinging please be sure that you are not using a nasal rinse additive that contains Capsaicin. Capsaicin is the substance that makes pepper hot. It is used in the neti pot by advanced users to cause a more robust mucus stream to form during the sinus rinse procedure. Beginners should stick to an isotonic formula, which means the salt concentration will match the body’s own saline. Adjusting the saline concentration will usually help the user with discomfort.

Another common problem we see is the complaint that the water will not flow through the nostrils. This can be caused by pressing the spout of the neti pot too hard against the nostril. Users can sometimes press the spout hard enough that it closes off the opening because the spout is pressed against the inside of the nose. Gentle pressure is all that is needed to obtain a watertight seal. Some spout designs can also collapse the nostril and pinch it shut. These problems can be stopped by having someone observe you while you use the neti pot. They will be able to see and help you adjust the angle to ensure you are not inadvertently shutting the flow off due to improperly aligning the spout.

It is also possible that you will encounter a problem where the water will not flow naturally through the nasal cavities. This can be due to excess congestion or even an anatomical problem such as nasal polyps. Swelling of the nasal turbinates can also obstruct the water flow as well. If you first try one nostril and can not obtain a flow, then move to the other nostril and see if water will flow from that direction. If you are able to get any of the saline formula into a nostril, then try filling and draining that nostril several times. Sometimes the warm solution will relieve swelling enough that you can perform the rinse.

If you can not get any water to flow, even after trying the steps above,then you will need to consult a physician.

More information about Neti Pot Problems can be found here: http://www.neti-pot.biz/

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