Bacterial Sinusitis and The Neti Pot

Normally, the sinuses are self cleaning. Once something interferes with this natural process,the system loses the ability to remove bacteria and pollutants due to thickening of the mucus and blockages of the nasal passages. Normal sinus mucus works in conjunction with tiny hairlike structures called cilia to sweep bacteria and other pollutants from the nasal cavities. Once the cilia become hampered by stagnant and dried mucus they can no longer remove debris.

There is hope for those who have become a victim to this condition. A small teapot shaped vessel called a neti pot can be used to help augment the body’s own cleaning actions and flush out bacteria and irrigate and moisten the sinuses. The neti pot uses a saline mixture to perform the sinus cleaning process. The process of washing your sinuses with a neti pot is called nasal irrigation. This process can help keep the mucus from drying and thickening. By removing stagnant and dried mucus you are helping to eliminate the conditions that leave you vulnerable to bacterial infections.

Nasal irrigation should be a part of your everyday hygiene routine, especially if you are plagued by chronic sinus problems. Keeping the sinuses clean and free of pollutants can prevent the recurring problems associated with a breakdown of the natural cleaning ability. Healthy sinuses mean more that just being disease free…healthy sinuses can prevent disease by essentially doing their job.

The neti pot can be used up to four times daily and especially after you know you have been exposed to pollutants and allergens that you know can or will cause you problems. A variety of neti pot salt products are available to perform the irrigation process. Nasal rinse additives are also available that use a variety of herbal or mineral mixtures. Neti pot salt is available in different strengths to offer a variety to users. Stronger mixtures tend to produce extra mucus during the rinse process which can help dislodge mucus deposits.

The neti pot can be a useful tool in helping you manage bacterial sinusitis and in keeping your sinuses functioning normally. Make the nasal irrigation process a part of your daily hygiene routine and start working to maintain better sinus health.