Fill the neti pot with a solution of lukewarm water and salt. This solution is meant to mimic natural body tissues and fluids. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Mix about 16 ounces (1 pint) of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of salt to create the solution for your neti pot. To use a neti pot, tilt your head sideways over the sink and place the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril. Breath through your mouth and gently pour the solution into your upper nostril so that the liquid drains through the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side. Rinse the device after each use with sterile, boiled or filtered water.
Irritation to the lining of your nose, which may include nosebleeds A skin rash Headaches Dry mouth Restlessness or anxiety Tremor (uncontrollable shaking and trembling) Problems sleeping (insomnia) Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat Noticing your heart beating inside your chest (palpitations) Increased blood pressure
Phenylephrine comes as a tablet, a liquid (spray), or a dissolving strip to take by mouth. Also, it is an ingredient in many cold/flu medications. Follow directions on the bottle on its use. [11] X Research source Pseudoephedrine comes as a regular tablet, a 12-hour extended-release (long-acting) tablet, a 24-hour extended-release tablet, and a solution (liquid) to be taken by mouth. Follow the directions on the package. [12] X Research source
Gently blow your nose to clear it of mucus before using the medication. Shake the canister before using it. Keep your head upright and breathe out slowly. (Tilting back your head can lead to increased absorption into your body and increase side effects. ) Use your finger on the free hand to close the nostril on the side not receiving the medication. Place the tip of the canister in your nostril and press down as you begin to breathe in slowly through your nose. Repeat these steps for the other nostril. Try not to sneeze or blow your nose just after using the spray.
If your congestion lasts more than three days, use a nasal spray for the first three days then switch to an oral decongestant. Do not use both at the same time as this can increase risk of side effects. [15] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
During your exam, your doctor will look at the inside of your nose with a penlight, check your ears for any fluid buildup, touch your cheekbones and/or forehead for sinus tenderness, and feel for any swollen lymph nodes around your neck. Your doctor may also order blood work to check the number of immune fighting cells present in your body (WBC). If they are elevated, chances are there is an infection or something causing inflammation such as allergies. Your doctor may refer you to an ENT physician (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for the referral if further expertise or tests are needed.
Nasal congestion is lasting more than ten days. You have a high fever, and/or it lasts more than three days. Your nasal discharge is green and is accompanied by sinus pain (pain around your cheekbones or forehead) or fever. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection. You have asthma, emphysema, or you are taking medications that suppress your immune system, such as steroids. This may increase the risks of infections. You have blood in your nasal discharge or a persistent clear discharge after a head injury. The clear fluid or blood may be coming from your brain after a head injury. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
