CROWLEY - To assist nature in cleaning the nasal passage and mucus membrane, water has been used by yogis for thousands of years.

The technique, known as “neti cleanse” not only removes foreign matter, but prevents catching colds and keeps the olfactory nerve in a healthy condition. This nasal irrigation technique using a nasal cup, or neti pot is also called saline nasal irrigation (SNI). Liquid saline is instilled in one nostril and allowed to drain out the other.

“Patients that use the neti pot, love it,” said Dr. Michelle M. Owens, OB/GYN of Crowley. “They are especially good for the first trimester of pregnancy because that is when we advise patients to avoid medications unless it is absolutely necessary.”

To counteract the effect of environmental pollution such as chronic sinus symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose or post nasal drip) which are very common, neti cleanse soothes dry nasal passages and gently washes away dust, pollen and environmental irritants.

“In the state of Louisiana, allergies are at an all time high and the mold and pollen count continues to rise. With the climate we live in, in Crowley, we are exposed to the rice fields which are flooded and the mold content becomes high,” said Dr. Owens. “Approximately four out of 10 patients have recurring sinusitis.”

Neti cleanse removes excess mucus naturally and offsets the effects of breathing dry indoor air (especially in winter).

Nasal rinsing appears particularly suitable in the management of pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis since no deleterious effects on the fetus are to be expected.

“Neti cleanse” is a therapy you can do at home in addition to your current care plan for sinus symptoms. This technique improves symptoms by rinsing the area behind the nose with previously boiled, distilled or filtered salt water. This information describes how to perform “neti cleanse” using a neti pot.

What you will need is a neti pot, salt or pre-packaged salt which are commercially available at Gremillion’s Pharmacy. A ceramic version of the neti pot is sold at www.himalayaninstitute.org; click on “shop.” There is also a demonstration at this website.

There are three steps to saline nasal irrigation.

Step 1: Mix the solution. If you are using a pre-packaged salt, simply prepare the salt water as indicated on the packaging using boiled water, cooled to lukewarm or room temperature, and put 4 fluid ounces (100 mL) in the neti pot.

Step 2: Position the neti pot and lean over a sink so you are looking directly into the basin. Rotate your head slightly and gently insert the spout of the neti pot into the upper nostril so that it forms a comfortable seal. Do not press the spout against the “middle,” or septum, of the nose.

Step 3: Irrigate the nose. Breathing through your mouth, raise the neti pot so that the solution enters the upper nostril. The solution will soon drain from the lower nostril. When the nasal pot is empty, alternately exhale through both nostrils to clear them of excess solution and mucus. Gently blow your nose into a tissue. Repeat the procedure for the other nostril.

Mix new solution each time you irrigate your nose, discarding extra salt water immediately. Wash neti pot after each use with soap water.

One may notice some drainage of salt water up to 30 minutes after nasal irrigation. This is normal. Many users of nasal irrigation carry tissues. If stinging or burning occur, try decreasing the salt content by half. One may also adjust the temperature of the water slightly. Do not use very hot or very cold water. Nasal irrigation can also be done in the shower.

Find a detailed handout, instructions for making and adjusting salt water using bulk ingredients, instructional videos and links, scientific reports and a radio story by National Public Radio (NPR) at http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/research/past-projects/nasal-irrigation.

Saline nasal irrigation is a therapy for upper respiratory conditions that bathes the nasal cavity, one of our body’s first lines of defense against illness, with liquid saline. Nasal irrigation with liquid saline is used to manage symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. Less conclusive evidence supports the use of spray and liquid saline nasal irrigation to manage symptoms of mild to moderate allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections.

Consensus guidelines recommend saline nasal irrigation as a treatment for a variety of other conditions, including rhinitis of pregnancy and acute rhinosinusitis. Saline nasal irrigation appears safe, with no reported serious adverse events. Minor adverse effects can be avoided with technique modification and salinity adjustment.

Nasal rinsing appears particularly suitable in the management of pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis since no deleterious effects on the fetus are to be expected.

There have been recent news and internet articles concerning the improper use of unfiltered or contaminated tap water with neti pots.

Physicians stress the importance of using clean and previously boiled, distilled or filtered water through a 0.2 micron filter for nasal irrigation. Product brochures clearly note that using tap water is not recommended.

Most porcelain neti pot devices are designed to allow for microwave disinfection as they do not contain any metal parts. Tap water is not always safe depending on its environmental source, and it is impossible to designate all areas as water safe for nasal irrigation, so microwaving the water is an option, as long as it has cooled.

NeilMed’s website www.neilmed.com contains the most up-to-date product information.

If you cannot obtain previously boiled, distilled or filtered water for nasal irrigation, they offer a premixed, ready-to-use solution available at Gremmillion’s Drug Store and Walgreens.

Do not use neti pot to irrigate sinuses if the nasal passages are completely blocked or if ears are blocked or there is an ear infection.