Has anyone done a sinus rinse before?

[Myusernameismud]

And is it horrific?!

I've got various allergies and asthma and while waiting for an appt with allergy specialists (because we still don't actually know what it is I'm allergic to) my asthma nurse has got me trying lots of different things. She got all excited when I said the nasal spray I'd been using had worked well and said 'ooh I've got something fun for you to try then' and gave me a sinus rinse and a load of sachets.

I stupidly watched a few YouTube videos of people doing it and someone said she felt like she was drowning! She did seem a bit dramatic in general though.

I'm desperate to get on top of this, and I really want to try it but I'll be the first to admit I'm a bit of a wimp!

Yes, it’s amazing. I’ve gone from getting two chest infections per year, to not having had one for almost three years!

Where would you get this from? If it helps to avoid chest infections it sounds like a great thing.

It's not fun but it's better than having gakky infected sinuses. Go for it.

whatisgoingon oh really? That's amazing! I've had 5 chest infections since September so not having anymore would be great! Do you do it every day? She told me to leave it next to my toothbrush so I remember to do it every morning

As long as you keep your mouth open when rinsing it won't go down the back of your throat. It's really really good, completely unblocks your sinus and everything feels so clear afterwards. You'll be amazed how much gunk comes out too !

Try using lukewarm water and make sure the powder is completely dissolved before using.

BBCONE The nurse just got one out of the supply cupboard for me, she said they're free samples they get given, but you can buy them in most pharmacies I think. It's a NeilMed one

Yes it's fab!

It really makes me feel queasy to think about it, but it is so effective and the relief is amazing if you have congested sinuses.

I know some people swear by them for preventing colds etc - I’m not sure I’ve experienced that but as a treatment for blocked sinuses, it’s amazing.

Stop watching the videos (ick!) and go do it.

They give me nose bleeds! But do help with snottiness.

In yoga practice they’re called neti pots & I know many people who swear by them. Great for clearing out pollen if you’re a hay fever sufferer 👍🏻

I have done this and it's fine, but apparently very dangerous because the liquid comes very close to the brain and if there are germs in it, it can easily lead to an infection in the brain, which you definitely don't want.

See e.g. amp-cnn-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2018/12/07/health/seattle-brain-amoeba-neti-pot-bn/index.html

Yes - it really works. Would def recommend.

It's a bit grim but it's like colonic irrigation in your sinuses.

Yes, it’s a strange feeling but helps with my hay fever when it’s really bad.

This is mine - they do look odd so I tend not to hide mine in the cupboard (not out beside toothbrush). krank.de/medizinprodukte/nasendusche/

Netipot and salt works for me!

Looks wierd but cheap!

it's weirdly satisfying.
I do it when I have cold that doesn't shift.

Are they more effective than the saline sprays?

Saline sprays are useless in comparison, these properly rinse your sinus out. Like op says like irrigation for the nasal passages !

Have to say that I live abroad and all doctors, nurses, HCPS recommend nasal spray all the time. It really prevents infections.

the saline sprays are good in between, when you don't want to use decongestant spray but don't want to suffer either.
but irrigation is better.

My sinuses are OK, but I constantly feel like I can't breathe through my nose, as well as near constant wheezing and the occasional random outbreak of hives, so I'm hoping this will relieve the nose issue. The rest will have to wait until I've had my allergy tests

I'm gonna go for it, wish me luck!

I've got a neti pot and really should use it more often.
I just use good quality salt crystals in mine.

Thecanterburywhales like Maldon? How much do you use?

Neti pot and cooking salt dissolved in warm water, I find if you make sure your feet are firm and move your head rather than the pot it's fine. A little wierd at first but it really works. I used to suffer really badly with blocked sinuses.