I have spent the last few months unable to breathe through my nose, sleeping poorly, basically miserable. I'm pretty sure my allergies were the reason my case of the flu dragged on for two weeks (and the reason I got a sinus infection on top of it). Allegra stopped helping about a year ago. Claritin hasn't been doing much for me. Afrin helped a lot, but I could only use if for three days. I had resorted to drinking special herbal tea to try to relieve my allergies a bit, so must you understand the desperate state I was in. Along came the good fairy, my co-worker and allergy guru, Walter, who recommended nasal irrigation. I don't even like putting my head under water when swimming because I hate getting water in my nose, so pouring salt water through my sinuses twice a day didn't sound very appealing. Nevertheless, I was desperate, so I ordered the sleek, "elegant", "fits in purse or briefcase" Narial nasal cup. I've had it for a week now, and I can finally breathe through my nose again! I've stopped taking Claritin entirely, and the only problem I've noticed is that my eyes are a little red and itchy.
Do I sound like a cheesy infomercial? Good! This is one of the best things I've ever found for my allergies. Fellow allergy sufferers, buy one! Buy one now!
Posted by waltondammerung at December 16, 2004 12:32 PMInteresting! I take Claritin, Sudafed, and Rhinocort Aqua every day... the generic Sudafed and Claritin I take are very cheap, but the Rhinocort is $25 for a 28 day supply. Rhinocort (a nasal corticosteroid spray) works well, though, and my doctor recommended it as the first line of defense against my allergies.
Posted by: Peter at December 16, 2004 2:28 PMMe- zytec -D
Mom- zyrtec
Achoo and God blesshyou!
Yeah, I've tried a couple of pharmaceutical nasal sprays, Rhinocort among them. Amusingly enough, most of them irritate my nose and make me sneeze. There's a smell to them that just makes my nose go crazy. Kind of counter-productive. Afrin has that problem, too, but it works so well that I've used it a few times anyway. I've tried pretty much everything, in fact, except Alavert, which I've heard is good but kind of expensive. As far as I'm concerned, if something like saltwater works better than taking all kinds of drugs, I'm all for it!
I actually read a bit about nasal irrigation in the WSJ before I bought the thing (they just happened to have an article on the topic the day after Walter mentioned it to me), and they said there have been clinical tests conducted that demonstrate that it's very effective, not only at eliminating existing congestion, but at preventing more congestion by flushing out allergens that build up in your sinuses. It also makes you less prone to infection (that's where the saltwater comes in). Some people claim that it helps stave off viruses, but no one has ever tested those claims.
Posted by: Amy at December 17, 2004 12:13 AMI forgot, do you have any pine stuff in your house there? We learned that it really gets our allergies going too. See you in 6 days!
Posted by: Dad at December 17, 2004 11:03 AMI am glad I am not the only one. Allergy meds wig me out big time, so I turned to using the Neti pot with sea salt and an herbal combination in the water. It works wonders, no side effects and actually HEALS your sinuses. Such a simple and effective and CHEAP solution!!
Way to go, Amy the Cute!
Posted by: Sarah the herb lady at December 17, 2004 2:45 PMPS Here is the solution that I use with the neti pot to heal the sinues.
Posted by: Sarah the nerb lady at December 17, 2004 3:01 PMOk, I've gotta say that looking at that neti pot thing has me way more wigged out than any of the current medications I'm taking! I'll stick with popping pills.
Also, I'd like to point out this notice on the Neti pot page:
"Remember a nasal wash is not a substitute for medical treatment. Anyone with chronic inflammation of the nasal passages or other ear, nose, or throat disorders should seek medical attention."
I have 'chronic inflammation of the nasal passages', which is what the Rhinocort spray takes care of. So don't just stop taking your meds if you have a real chronic problem.
Posted by: Peter at December 17, 2004 4:19 PMPeter- These aurvedic medicines work, but since they are not regulated by the FDA they legally has to say that. A neti pot may lessen or completely remove your 'chronic inflammation of the nasal passages' and thereby lessen your need for the drugs. Why would pouring water up your nose be more freaky than putting dangerous chemicals up it?
Posted by: Peter at December 19, 2004 3:46 PMI don't know why the comments listed Peter's name instead of "Sarah."
PS A neti pot is MUCH cheaper, too!
Posted by: Sarah at December 19, 2004 3:48 PMthe neti pot is great. it will get rid of all my nasal mucus.
does not work with inflamed sinuses. the neti pot will wash out most of the allergens you inhale during the day, but it is not a miracle cure.
everything has it's place and i would recommend saline nasal irrigation with a neti pot to anybody who is "stuffed up". it is super cheap too and makes sense. don't forget you have to use a kosher or non-iodized salt or you will harm your self in the long run.
Posted by: matt at June 12, 2008 2:50 PM