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{{Citecheck|article|about.com|date=August 2008}}
'''Nasal irrigation''' is a personal ] practice which involves flooding the ] with warm ] (salt water). The goal of nasal irrigation is to clear out excess ] and particulates and moisturize the nasal cavity. Either a fluid-filled ] or a ''neti pot'' can be used. The practice has been subjected to clinical testing and has been found to be safe and beneficial, with no apparent side effects<ref name="PapsinB">{{cite journal
]
| last = Papsin
| first = B
| authorlink =
| coauthors = McTavish A
| title = Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment
| journal = Can Fam Physician
| volume = 49
| issue =
| pages = 168-73
| publisher =
|date=2003 Jul
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=12619739&ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
| doi =
| id =
| accessdate = 2007-06-17 }}</ref><ref name="RabagoD">{{cite journal
| last = Rabago
| first = D
| authorlink =
| coauthors = Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R
| title = Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial
| journal = J Fam Pract
| volume = 51
| issue = 12
| pages = 1049-55
| publisher = Dowden Publishing Co., Inc.
|date=2002 Dec
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=12540331
| doi =
| id = PMID 12540331
| accessdate = 2006-11-22 }}</ref>.


'''Nasal irrigation''' or '''nasal lavage''' is the personal ] practice in which the ] is washed to flush out excess ] and debris while moistening the ]s of the ] and ]. It has been practised in India for centuries as one of the disciplines of ]. Clinical testing has shown that this practice is safe and beneficial with no significant side effects.<ref name="PapsinB">{{cite journal |author=Papsin B, McTavish A |title=Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment |journal=Can Fam Physician |volume=49 |issue= |pages=168–73 |year=2003 |month=February |pmid=12619739 |pmc=2214184 |doi= |url=http://www.cfp.ca/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=12619739}}</ref><ref name="RabagoD">{{cite journal |author=Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R |title=Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial |journal=J Fam Pract |volume=51 |issue=12 |pages=1049–55 |year=2002 |month=December |pmid=12540331 |doi= |url=http://www.jfponline.com/Pages.asp?AID=1355}}</ref>
== Benefits and uses ==
The saline solution irrigation and nasal flush promotes good nasal health. It can be used by patients with chronic ] including symptoms of facial pain, ], ], cough, anterior ] (watery discharge), and one study has even reported that nasal irrigation was “just as effective at treating these symptoms as the drug therapies.”<ref></ref>{{Dubious|date=March 2008}} In other studies, “daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation improves sinus-related quality of life, decreases symptoms, and decreases medication use in patients with frequent sinusitis,<ref name="RabagoD">{{cite journal
| last = Rabago
| first = D
| authorlink =
| coauthors = Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R
| title = Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial
| journal = J Fam Pract
| volume = 51
| issue = 12
| pages = 1049-55
| publisher = Dowden Publishing Co., Inc.
|date=2002 Dec
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=12540331
| doi =
| id = PMID 12540331
| accessdate = 2006-11-22 }}</ref>” and irrigation is recommended as an “effective adjunctive treatment of chronic sinonasal symptoms.”<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Rabago
| first = D
| authorlink =
| coauthors = Pasic T, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Maberry R
| title = The efficacy of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation for chronic sinonasal symptoms
| journal = Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
| volume = 133
| issue = 1
| pages = 3-8
| publisher = Mosby-Year Book
|date=2005 Jul
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=16025044
| doi =
| id = PMID 16025044
| accessdate = 2006-11-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal
| last = Tomooka
| first = LT
| authorlink =
| coauthors = Murphy C, Davidson TM
| title = Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation
| journal = Laryngoscope
| volume = 110
| issue = 7
| pages = 1189-93
| publisher = Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
|date=2000 Jul
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=10892694
| doi =
| id = PMID 10892694
| accessdate = 2006-11-22 }}</ref>

Nasal irrigation is reputed to help prevent ] and otherwise promote good nasal health by cleaning out the nasal passages and helps alleviate stuffiness, dryness and the symptoms of ].{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.

For those who suffer from chronic ], nasal irrigation is a quick and inexpensive way to promote ] function and mucus turnover, decrease ], and improve drainage through the ].

To summarize, nasal irrigation can purportedly:


The simplest technique is to snort water from cupped hands. Spraying the solution into the nostrils is more convenient, but also less effective. The most effective methods ensure that the liquid enters through one nostril and then either runs out of the other nostril or goes through the ] to the back of the ] from where it may be spat out. The necessary pressure comes from gravity, from condensing a plastic bottle or a ], or from an electrical pump.<!--The reference is only for the efficacy claims.--><ref name=" Olson DE">{{cite journal
* Clear out sticky, persistent ] and help reduce ]
* Cleanse and rid the sinus cavities of ], irritants, and contaminants
* Treat chronic ]
* Treat acute bacterial rhinosinusitis<ref name="RabagoD" />
* Treat allergic ]
* Prevent common colds and flu
* Relieve nasal dryness
* Promote healthy nasal passages
* Treat ] (a crippled nose caused by over-aggressive turbinate resection)
* Improve breathing
* Reduce coughing and other symptoms of ]
* Temporarily reduce symptoms of ]
* Generally improve ] health.

Yogic breathing practices known as ] are enhanced by the practice of jala neti since many of them involve deep breathing through the nostrils.

Other benefits practitioners may notice:

* Vision is clearer. Jala neti will clean the ], enabling better cleaning and moistening of the eyes.
* Improved ]
* Improved sense of ]
* Deeper, more relaxed breathing

==Jala neti==
], ], or ].]]
Nasal irrigation is an ancient ] technique known as ''jala neti'', which literally means ''nasal cleansing with water'' in ], where the practitioner uses a '''neti pot''' to perform the irrigation. Because modern medicine has long supported the use of nasal irrigation to clear sinuses and prevent sinus and nasal conditions, ]s also accept ''jala neti'' as simply one type of nasal irrigation, which can be performed using a neti pot or syringe.

Jala neti, though relatively less known in Western culture, is a common practice in parts of ] and other areas in South Asia, performed as routinely as brushing one's teeth using a ]. It is performed daily, usually as the first thing in the morning with other cleansing practices. It may also be performed at the end of the day if one works or lives in a ]y or polluted environment. When dealing with problems of congestion it can be performed up to four times a day.

A typical method utilizes an ] saline solution. Recent research<ref name="pmid12540331">{{cite journal |author=Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R |title=Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial |journal=J Fam Pract |volume=51 |issue=12 |pages=1049-55 |year=2002 |pmid=12540331 |doi=}}</ref><ref name="pmid16025044">{{cite journal |author=Rabago D, Pasic T, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Maberry R |title=The efficacy of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation for chronic sinonasal symptoms |journal=Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg |volume=133 |issue=1 |pages=3-8 |year=2005 |pmid=16025044 |doi=10.1016/j.otohns.2005.03.002}}</ref> has indicated that a ] saline solution may be more effective at treating specific symptoms of nasal inflammation.
== Pulsating nasal sinus irrigation ==
]
Some people use bulb syringes, squirt bottles, and neti pots. Others use pulsating irrigation devices that deliver an intermittant pulsing saline rinse to remove bacteria, purulent material, and help restore ciliary function.
Some published medical reports indicate pulsatile lavage is more effective at cleansing and removing bacteria than non-pulsating nasal wash products like bulb syringes, neti pots and squeeze bottles, which rely simply on gravity and conventional flow.
<ref name=" Brown LL ">{{cite journal
| last = Brown
| first = LL
| coauthors = Shelton HT, Bornside GH, Cohn I Jr
| title = Evaluation of wound irrigation by pulsatile jet and conventional methods
| journal = Ann Surg.
| volume = 187
| issue = (2)
| pages = 170-73
| publisher =
|date=1978 Feb
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=343735
| id = PMID 343735
| accessdate = }}</ref>
<ref name=" Anglen J ">{{cite journal
| last = Anglen
| first = J
| coauthors = Apostoles S, Christensen G, Gainor B. R
| title = The efficacy of various irrigation solutions and methods in removing slime-producing staphylococcus
| journal = J Orthop Trauma
| volume = 8
| issue = (2)
| pages = 390-6
|date=1994 Oct
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=7996321
| id = PMID 7996321
| accessdate = }}</ref>
<ref name=" Svoboda SJ">{{cite journal
| last = Svoboda
| first = SJ
| authorlink =
| coauthors = Bice TG, Gooden HA, Brooks DE, Thomas DB, Wenke JC
| title = Comparison of bulb syringe and pulsed lavage irrigation.
| journal = J Bone Joint Surg Am
| volume = 88
| issue = (10)
| pages = 2167-74
| publisher
|date=2006 Oct
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=17015593
| doi =
| id = PMID 17015593
| accessdate = }}</ref>
A pulsating nasal irrigation device delivers a controlled flow with pressure control that may be adjusted for individual comfort. Medical reports support that positive pressure irrigation retains a larger volume of solution and irrigates the sinuses more consistently than other methods.
<ref name=" Olson DE">{{cite journal
| last = Olson | last = Olson
| first = DE | first = DE
Line 173: Line 11:
| journal = Laryngoscope. | journal = Laryngoscope.
| volume = 112 | volume = 112
| issue = (8 Pt 1) | issue = 8 Pt 1
| pages = 1394-98 | pages = 1394-98
| publisher = | publisher =
|date= 2002 Aug |date= 2002 Aug
| pmid = 12172251
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=12172251
| id = PMID 12172251
| accessdate = }}</ref> | accessdate = }}</ref>


Warm ] is commonly used with a ] such as ]. Sometimes ] is added to help kill bacteria that have accumulated in the nose. ] solutions which are saltier than the nasal fluids are favoured and one study indicated that salt from the ] was especially efficacious.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Friedman M, Vidyasagar R, Joseph N |title=A randomized, prospective, double-blind study on the efficacy of dead sea salt nasal irrigations |journal=Laryngoscope |volume=116 |issue=6 |pages=878–82 |year=2006 |month=June |pmid=16735920 |doi=10.1097/01.mlg.0000216798.10007.76 |url=}}</ref>
== Potential problems ==

* Some people may have hardened blockages. These may be eliminated gradually over several attempts but may be due to a ] in which case a minor surgery may be needed.
== Benefits and uses ==
* Some mild blockages may also be removed with ] when Jala neti is unsuccessful.
Nasal irrigation is used to treat a wide range of chronic sinus symptoms; for chronic rhinosinusitis it has been found to be an effective adjunctive therapy. According to patient self-reports it improves quality of life and reduces use of medication, including antibiotics. It is also an effective measure against chronic sinus symptoms induced by work-place exposure to sawdust.<ref name=USP>{{citation|url=http://prod.uspharmacist.com/continuing_education/ceviewtest/lessonid/105757/|title=The Use of Saline Nasal Irrigation in Common Upper Respiratory Conditions|author=David Rabago|journal=US Pharmacist|date=June 1, 2008}}</ref>
* Burning or irritation of the nasal lining. This can feel similar to irritation one may experience from the chlorine in a swimming pool. This is usually due to water being at the wrong ] and/or ], but can also be due to the salt containing the additive ]. If the salinity is correct and the water is at body temperature, try using non-iodized salt.

* Patients may feel sharp pains due to pressure on the sinuses. They should stop immediately and consult a doctor.
There is also evidence that nasal irrigation causes relief for both hay-fever and the common cold. The use of nasal irrigation for the related conditions of ], nasal ] and rhinitis of ] has not been assessed but the symptoms of these conditions are expected to be alleviated in a similar way.<ref name=USP />
* If a person experiences ear discomfort when performing Jala Neti, they should be sure to blow their nose more gently after the wash. If the problem persists, the openings of their ]s may be particularly wide and they may need to discontinue use.

* Cold water may cause discomfort in many people.
Daily nasal irrigation with salt water is recommended as both an adjunctive<ref name="pmid16025044">{{cite journal
* Nasal irrigation should not be performed when a person is having a nosebleed or has recently undergone some form of nasal surgery.
|author=Rabago D, Pasic T, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Maberry R |title=The efficacy of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation for chronic sinonasal symptoms |journal=Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg |volume=133 |issue=1 |pages=3–8 |year=2005 |month=July |pmid=16025044 |doi=10.1016/j.otohns.2005.03.002
}}</ref> and primary treatment<ref name=gob>{{cite journal |author=Brown CL, Graham SM |title=Nasal irrigations: good or bad? |journal=Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=9–13 |year=2004 |month=February |pmid=14712112 |doi= |url=http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=1068-9508&volume=12&issue=1&spage=9}}</ref> in such cases and is preferable to the use of ] or ] except in the most serious cases of acute bacterial sinusitis which should be immediately referred to an ].<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.jfponline.com/pdf%2F5707%2F5707JFP_PURLs.pdf|format=PDF|title=Patients insist on antibiotics for sinusitis? Here is a good reason to say “no”|author=Sarah-Anne Schumann, John Hickner|volume=57|number=7|date=July 2008|journal=The Journal of Family Practice}}</ref>
In several countries, the sale of over-the-counter medicines for coughs and colds has been banned for infants under the age of two. Nasal irrigation is a useful safe alternative for relieving the symptoms of such young patients.<ref>{{citation|url=http://fda-news.newslib.com/story/6960-39012/|publisher=The Jackson Sun|title=FDA ban on children's decongestants not a whim
|date=August 4, 2008|author=Tracie Simer}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/101874.php|title=Infant Cough And Cold Remedies Taken Off Shelves In UK|publisher=Medical News Today|date=27 March 2008}}</ref>

Flushing the nasal cavity with salt water (saline) promotes ] by moisturizing the nasal cavity and by removing encrusted material. The procedure has been used safely for both adults and children, and has no documented serious adverse effects. Patients treated with nasal irrigation rely less on other medications and make fewer visits to physicians. Treatment guidelines in both Canada and the United States now advocate use of nasal irrigation for all causes of rhinosinusitis and for postoperative cleaning of the nasal cavity.<ref name=Papsin >{{cite journal
| author=Papsin, B., McTavish, A. | title= Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment| journal=Canadian Family Physician | year=2003 | pages=168-173 | volume=49 | issue=February | id=PMID PMC2214184}}</ref>

== Pulsating nasal irrigation ==
Pulsatile lavage is more effective than non-pulsating nasal wash products like bulb syringes, neti pots and squeeze bottles which rely simply on gravity and conventional flow at breaking down biofilm, general cleansing and removing bacteria.<ref name=" Osguthorpe JD, Hadley JA ">{{cite journal
| last = Osguthorpe
| first = JD
| coauthors = Osguthorpe David J MD, Hadley James A. MD, FACS
| title = Rhinosinusitis: Current Concepts in Evaluation and Management
| journal = Medical Clinics of North America
| volume = 83
| issue = (1)
| pages = 27-41
| publisher =
|date= 1999 Jan
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9927958?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
| id = PMID: 9927958
| accessdate = }}</ref>
<ref name=" Tomooka LT, Murphy C, Davidson TM ">{{cite journal
| last = Davidson
| first = TM
| coauthors = Tomooka LT, Murphy C School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, USA.
| title = Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation. ”The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the use of pulsatile hypertonic saline nasal irrigation in the treatment of sinonasal disease”.
| journal = Laryngoscope
| volume = 110
| issue = (7)
| pages = 1189-93
| publisher =
|date= 2000 Jul
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10892694?ordinalpos=&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.SmartSearch&log$=citationsensor
| id = PMID: 10892694
| accessdate = }}</ref>
<ref name="Kaliner MA et al">{{cite journal
| last = Kaliner
| first = MA
| coauthors = Osguthorpe JD, Fireman P, Anon J, Georgitis J, Davis ML, Naclerio R, Kennedy D
| title = Sinusitis: Bench to Bedside “Pulsatile sinus irrigation is recommended as a treatment for sinusitis, and as a supplement to other treatment modalities”
| journal = Otolaryngology
| volume = 116 Part 2 Study of Sinusitis
| issue = (6)
| pages =
| publisher =
|date= 1997 June
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9212028?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum | id = PMID: 9212028
| accessdate = }}</ref>

== Solutions used for nasal irrigation ==
The normal concentration of ] used for medical purposes is 0.9% which can be made by adding 9 grams of ] to one litre of lukewarm water. This concentration is also known as ].

==Jala neti==
], ], or ].]]
Nasal irrigation is an ancient ] technique known as ''jala neti'', which literally means ''nasal cleansing with water'' in ], where the practitioner uses a '''neti pot''' to perform the irrigation. Because modern medicine has long supported the use of nasal irrigation to clear sinuses and prevent sinus and nasal conditions, ]s also accept ''jala neti'' as simply one type of nasal irrigation, which can be performed using a neti pot or syringe.{{Fact|date=August 2008}}

Jala neti, though relatively less known in Western culture, is a common practice in parts of India and other areas in South Asia, performed as routinely as brushing one's teeth using a ].{{Fact|date=August 2008}} It is performed daily, usually as the first thing in the morning with other cleansing practices. It may also be performed at the end of the day if one works or lives in a ]y or polluted environment. When dealing with problems of congestion it can be performed up to four times a day.{{Fact|date=August 2008}}

A related technique for nasal cleansing in the yogic tradition, is '''Sutra Neti'''. One end of a cord, or rubber catheter, is passed from the nose into the back of the throat where it is grabbed by the fingers and pulled out of the mouth. Holding the nose end of the cord with one hand and the mouth end with the other, the cord is gently pulled to and fro.


==See also== ==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
<references />
* Neti: Healing Secrets of Yoga and Ayurveda, Dr. David Frawley, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI ISBN 0940985853


==External links== ==External links==
* *
* *
*
*
*
*
*



] ]
]
] ]
] ]


]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]
] ]

Revision as of 16:32, 11 April 2009

This article may contain citations that do not verify the text. Please check for citation inaccuracies. (August 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Common nose rinse device available at drug stores

Nasal irrigation or nasal lavage is the personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus and debris while moistening the mucus membranes of the nose and sinuses. It has been practised in India for centuries as one of the disciplines of yoga. Clinical testing has shown that this practice is safe and beneficial with no significant side effects.

The simplest technique is to snort water from cupped hands. Spraying the solution into the nostrils is more convenient, but also less effective. The most effective methods ensure that the liquid enters through one nostril and then either runs out of the other nostril or goes through the nasal cavity to the back of the throat from where it may be spat out. The necessary pressure comes from gravity, from condensing a plastic bottle or a syringe, or from an electrical pump.

Warm salt water is commonly used with a buffering agent such as sodium bicarbonate. Sometimes xylitol is added to help kill bacteria that have accumulated in the nose. Hypertonic solutions which are saltier than the nasal fluids are favoured and one study indicated that salt from the Dead Sea was especially efficacious.

Benefits and uses

Nasal irrigation is used to treat a wide range of chronic sinus symptoms; for chronic rhinosinusitis it has been found to be an effective adjunctive therapy. According to patient self-reports it improves quality of life and reduces use of medication, including antibiotics. It is also an effective measure against chronic sinus symptoms induced by work-place exposure to sawdust.

There is also evidence that nasal irrigation causes relief for both hay-fever and the common cold. The use of nasal irrigation for the related conditions of asthma, nasal polyposis and rhinitis of pregnancy has not been assessed but the symptoms of these conditions are expected to be alleviated in a similar way.

Daily nasal irrigation with salt water is recommended as both an adjunctive and primary treatment in such cases and is preferable to the use of antibiotics or corticosteroids except in the most serious cases of acute bacterial sinusitis which should be immediately referred to an otolaryngologist. In several countries, the sale of over-the-counter medicines for coughs and colds has been banned for infants under the age of two. Nasal irrigation is a useful safe alternative for relieving the symptoms of such young patients.

Flushing the nasal cavity with salt water (saline) promotes mucociliary clearance by moisturizing the nasal cavity and by removing encrusted material. The procedure has been used safely for both adults and children, and has no documented serious adverse effects. Patients treated with nasal irrigation rely less on other medications and make fewer visits to physicians. Treatment guidelines in both Canada and the United States now advocate use of nasal irrigation for all causes of rhinosinusitis and for postoperative cleaning of the nasal cavity.

Pulsating nasal irrigation

Pulsatile lavage is more effective than non-pulsating nasal wash products like bulb syringes, neti pots and squeeze bottles which rely simply on gravity and conventional flow at breaking down biofilm, general cleansing and removing bacteria.

Solutions used for nasal irrigation

The normal concentration of saline solution used for medical purposes is 0.9% which can be made by adding 9 grams of salt to one litre of lukewarm water. This concentration is also known as isotonic.

Jala neti

Ceramic neti pot; neti pots can also be made from glass, metal, or plastic.

Nasal irrigation is an ancient Ayurvedic technique known as jala neti, which literally means nasal cleansing with water in Sanskrit, where the practitioner uses a neti pot to perform the irrigation. Because modern medicine has long supported the use of nasal irrigation to clear sinuses and prevent sinus and nasal conditions, physicians also accept jala neti as simply one type of nasal irrigation, which can be performed using a neti pot or syringe.

Jala neti, though relatively less known in Western culture, is a common practice in parts of India and other areas in South Asia, performed as routinely as brushing one's teeth using a toothbrush. It is performed daily, usually as the first thing in the morning with other cleansing practices. It may also be performed at the end of the day if one works or lives in a dusty or polluted environment. When dealing with problems of congestion it can be performed up to four times a day.

A related technique for nasal cleansing in the yogic tradition, is Sutra Neti. One end of a cord, or rubber catheter, is passed from the nose into the back of the throat where it is grabbed by the fingers and pulled out of the mouth. Holding the nose end of the cord with one hand and the mouth end with the other, the cord is gently pulled to and fro.

See also

References

  1. Papsin B, McTavish A (2003). "Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment". Can Fam Physician. 49: 168–73. PMC 2214184. PMID 12619739. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R (2002). "Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial". J Fam Pract. 51 (12): 1049–55. PMID 12540331. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. Olson, DE (2002 Aug). "Radiographic comparison of three methods for nasal saline irrigation". Laryngoscope. 112 (8 Pt 1): 1394–98. PMID 12172251. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. Friedman M, Vidyasagar R, Joseph N (2006). "A randomized, prospective, double-blind study on the efficacy of dead sea salt nasal irrigations". Laryngoscope. 116 (6): 878–82. doi:10.1097/01.mlg.0000216798.10007.76. PMID 16735920. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ David Rabago (June 1, 2008), "The Use of Saline Nasal Irrigation in Common Upper Respiratory Conditions", US Pharmacist
  6. Rabago D, Pasic T, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Maberry R (2005). "The efficacy of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation for chronic sinonasal symptoms". Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 133 (1): 3–8. doi:10.1016/j.otohns.2005.03.002. PMID 16025044. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. Brown CL, Graham SM (2004). "Nasal irrigations: good or bad?". Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 12 (1): 9–13. PMID 14712112. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. Sarah-Anne Schumann, John Hickner (July 2008), "Patients insist on antibiotics for sinusitis? Here is a good reason to say "no"" (PDF), The Journal of Family Practice, 57 (7)
  9. Tracie Simer (August 4, 2008), FDA ban on children's decongestants not a whim, The Jackson Sun
  10. Infant Cough And Cold Remedies Taken Off Shelves In UK, Medical News Today, 27 March 2008
  11. Papsin, B., McTavish, A. (2003). "Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment". Canadian Family Physician. 49 (February): 168–173. PMID PMC2214184.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. Osguthorpe, JD (1999 Jan). "Rhinosinusitis: Current Concepts in Evaluation and Management". Medical Clinics of North America. 83 ((1)): 27–41. PMID: 9927958. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  13. Davidson, TM (2000 Jul). "Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation. "The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the use of pulsatile hypertonic saline nasal irrigation in the treatment of sinonasal disease"". Laryngoscope. 110 ((7)): 1189–93. PMID: 10892694. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  14. Kaliner, MA (1997 June). "Sinusitis: Bench to Bedside "Pulsatile sinus irrigation is recommended as a treatment for sinusitis, and as a supplement to other treatment modalities"". Otolaryngology. 116 Part 2 Study of Sinusitis ((6)). PMID: 9212028. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Neti: Healing Secrets of Yoga and Ayurveda, Dr. David Frawley, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI ISBN 0940985853

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