Yahoo Lifestyle Try this natural remedy for the common cold that experts actually recommend
I saw the news recently that the Food and Drug Administration is proposing to remove a popular ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants because it isn’t effective. Is there a cold remedy that actually works?
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There are plenty of over-the-counter remedies for the common cold, but some carry significant risks, and their efficacy is dubious. The latter applies to phenylephrine, an active ingredient in common cold medications that the FDA is proposing to remove because it isn’t effective when taken orally. Herbal supplements, such as elderberry, are popular and also questionable.
But hidden at your pharmacy among the potpourri of cough drops and cold remedies, you can find a low-risk treatment that actually may help: nasal irrigation devices.
Nasal irrigation is the practice of rinsing the nasal passages with saltwater to help remove mucus and debris, hydrate the nasal passages and reduce swelling from the common cold. It is one of the best-studied, non-pharmaceutical treatments for nasal symptoms, including respiratory infections and even allergies. It is cheap, safe and recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the leading source on sinus health.
Several small studies suggest that nasal irrigation may even do more than provide symptom relief: It may shorten the duration of cold symptoms and reduce the levels of cold virus in the nasal passages, though these findings need to be corroborated by larger trials to be more conclusive.
If you haven’t tried nasal irrigation before, it may feel a bit unusual. But all you’ll need is a nasal irrigation device, such as a neti pot or squeeze bottle; sterile, distilled or boiled (and cooled) water; baking soda; and salt. Mix the water, baking soda and salt together to create a saltwater solution (mix approximately 3 teaspoons of non-iodinated salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda; take 1 teaspoon of this mixture and dissolve it in 1 cup of water). While standing over a sink, tilt your head to the side and pour the solution from the neti pot into your upper nostril.
Continue to breathe calmly through your mouth. The saltwater solution will fill your nasal passages and sinuses, cross behind the nasal septum and exit from your lower nostril into the sink. Repeat on the opposite side. Once finished, gently blow your nose to clear mucus and excess saltwater.
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How does nasal irrigation work?
Nasal irrigation may alleviate cold symptoms through several mechanisms. During a cold, the mucus-producing cells in your sinuses go into overdrive. Excess mucus clogs nasal passages and reduces the function of hairlike cells in the nasal passages, known as cilia, whose rhythmic beating clears harmful cold viruses. Nasal irrigation with saltwater dissolves the bonds between mucus molecules, promoting mucus clearance and restoring cilia function.
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How often should you perform nasal irrigation?
Researchers haven’t determined an ideal frequency for nasal irrigation. But some studies on nasal irrigation have tested a frequency of two to four times daily. I recommend using nasal irrigation as needed for symptom relief. But you should stop if you feel any discomfort or experience bleeding.
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Which is better: A neti pot or a squeeze bottle?
There is no rigorous clinical trial data comparing neti pots with squeeze bottles for nasal irrigation. But computational simulations give us a clue as to the fluid dynamics of each technique. While neti pots are more effective at delivering saltwater to the opposite nasal passage, squeeze bottles provide increased flow and surface coverage of the same-side nasal passage. The most important thing when selecting a nasal irrigation device is to find one that is most comfortable and effective for you, which may mean experimenting with different options.
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Are there any risks?
Overall, nasal irrigation is extremely safe - and time-tested. The practice began thousands of years ago in India using a teapot-shaped device, called a neti pot. In fact, the word “neti” originates from the Sanskrit word meaning “nasal cleansing.”
But there are a few precautions to follow. It is critical that nasal irrigation is always performed with boiled, sterilized or distilled water. Although safe to drink, tap water contains germs such as the “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri and should not be used for nasal irrigation unless boiled before use. Remember to always thoroughly clean your nasal irrigation device with soap and water between uses (check the manufacturer’s instructions first, but some neti pots can be placed in the dishwasher).
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When should nasal irrigation be avoided?
If you have an ear infection or your nasal passages are completely blocked, you shouldn’t practice nasal irrigation. Those at increased risk of nose bleeds should weigh the risks and benefits of nasal irrigation with their physician. There are a few other, less-common circumstances when nasal irrigation should be avoided, including certain birth defects, but in general, most people can practice it safely.
But be careful before trying it on young babies: While there is evidence demonstrating the benefits of nasal irrigation in children, consult a physician for infants under 9 months old.
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Erica Orsini, MD, is a critical care physician at the Cleveland Clinic and an assistant professor of medicine at the Lerner College of Medicine in Cleveland.
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