Two days ago I felt a cold coming on. I have this trip to NYC today so I was beside myself. I stayed home and drank hot liquids and made my soup with lots of garlic and red pepper flakes.
Then yesterday a girl at work mentioned "neti pot" and I remembered I had one from last year. I took it out and rinsed several times yesterday. No more scratchy throat no more feeling like I'm getting sick. Last year it dramatically shortened the time my husband and I were sick.
I had forgotten how well they work. If you feel like you're coming down with something pick one up and give it a try. It feels weird at first but you get used to it. I would suggest using it in the shower or having tissues handy to blow. And don't use the whole packet of salt that's way too much I use half. And I just have the cheap plastic Walgreen's neti pot I think it cost around $3 last year.

I wish I would have remembered when I got sick after my NOLA trip I was sick for a week and miserable and I know it would have helped.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I have been using one on and off, as I have really bad sinus problems. I don't know if I use it wrong, but sometimes it feels like it goes in my ear instead. I also have trouble alot of times with no water coming out, as they are blocked too bad. I have been trying different sinus pills, hoping that something will help. I can't seem to find one that works well. At first advil cold and sinus worked, but not anymore. I hate taking pills, but am afraid I am going to end up with another sinus infection and with Thanksgiving coming, I am starting to feel more crappy. If anyone has any suggestions, I sure would be glad to hear them.

So glad your neti pot is working for you!

Robin, have you been tested for allergies? If I don't take allergy meds everyday, I end up with a sinus infection.
Judy

Yes, I have been tested for allergies. I was tested. Had gotten allergy shots for a year many years ago, but they didn't seem to help. I have tried allegra d on and off for the last 4 years, for about 4 months at a time, but then stop when I don't feel any different. Also after a few weeks for some reason, I start to get sick in the stomach from them. Tried a bunch of over the counter and prescipion meds, but still have stuffy nose and sneezing all the time. Sometimes I think I am hopeless-LOL!

Do you use/have a nose spray? I was sick for two full weeks with my last sinus infection. During my second visit to the doctor, they asked if I was using the nose spray that had been prescribed. Now, I hate nose sprays. I admitted that I hadn't and the doctor told me that sometimes there can be so much inflammation that a nasal spray to reduce it is the only thing that will help. When the inflammation goes down, the medicines can do their stuff, but they can't really work while there is a lot of inflammation. I get sinus infections a lot and I'd never heard it explained like this. Sure enough, when I started using the nose spray, I started to feel a LOT better. I never use the whole thing when I do get those filled, so I usually have a couple around. Maybe you do, too? If not, maybe there is an OTC one that might work. Hope this helps!

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Kim

Yes, I take Flonace nasal spray regularly. Had to go to the doctor today and he gave me an antibiotic. My left eye and part of that side was swelling up and I couldn't take the pain anymore. Just don't know what to do anymore. Had a cat scan in April, went to ENT, who just prescribed more Allegra D. I get them at least 4 times a year. I heard of a new procedure where they stick a tube up your sinus and do something like exlarging them slightly, sort of like blowing up a balloon. If this keeps up I am going to ask about it. I don't like surgery, but am at my wits end and the older I get, the worse is seems to be getting and lasting longer.

I, for one can't take allergy pills unless I take them every day. I have take a daily pill for allergies for the last almost 50 years. I was on Claritan for many years. Now I take a generic form of Zyrtec. I also now use Flonase twice a day. I bought a Nettie pot but haven't used it yet. I keep forgetting to buy distilled water. Probably the "forgetting" is in part because I'm not sure I want to run water through my sinuses. I did allergy shots for many years and they helped, but I got tired of the weekly trips to the allergist. But even with the shots, I continued with a daily allergy pill. I still get sinus infections, bronchitis and they are sometimes severe. I think I'm talking myself into the Nettie pot. With the furnace on and germs everywhere, I really need to try something else.

my hubby and I love it too. We just use tap water, but it works wonders. It really takes the pressure out of my ears that I need ever so much. I also take flonase, but not daily. I hate taking meds if I can live without them, but sometimes the pain is too severe.

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-Kristi