In the last couple of weeks I have discussed some basic ways to avoid colds and flus at the office. There are so many shared items and locations at work that we often don’t consciously think about – and it is easy to pass germs. While these efforts will help, sometimes the symptoms will creep up on us before we know it anyway.
It seems that in the last few weeks, everyone I have interacted with has been experiencing sinus problems of some kind. I do not exclude myself from this group, either. I tried to be conscious of eating well, taking vitamins, getting enough sleep, exercising, etc. The problem is that there are times when we cannot be on top of our game. We all have our areas of weakness, mine tends to be getting enough sleep and – well, I’m a big fan of the chocolate products too, let’s just leave it at that! Sometimes our immunity is not kept up and we get run down. There are numerous reasons that sinus issues plague us. Anything from allergies to colds can bring them on, but what is worse is when it becomes chronic sinusitis or sinus infections that it becomes miserable. It is because I have had the unfortunate experience of chronic sinus problems in the past that I would like to discuss my friend, the neti pot.
A neti pot looks just like a small teapot and you use it to flush your nasal passages with a warm salt solution. It is incredibly simple and I have found it to be very effective. The first time I heard of a neti pot was when I was reading someone’s blog several years ago. It has been around for literally centuries, but traditionally was used more in places like India. Today, it is much more common in numerous areas including Europe and the United States. There are other nasal rinse methods and solutions available as well, and you may want to discuss the differences with your doctor. I had gone to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor who recommended that I use some variation of a rinse.
Now, the neti pot is a staple in my home. I have found through experience that the first time I start to feel any soreness or dryness in my throat or any signs at all of catching something, I use it. It only takes a few minutes and when I am feeling that way I will do it before work, after work and right before bed and it keeps me happy and infection free before the symptoms get worse and it is a losing battle.
Next time you have a tough week coming up at work and you are feeling rundown and fear getting sick, consider this method to reduce your chances of worsening sinus issues. We have all gone through it, “oh no, I can’t get sick, I have a big meeting this week and I can’t miss it!” It always happens at the wrong time, of course. Keep your noses happy and you will be happy!
I love my neti pot and recommend nasal irrigation all the time! No, it’s not exactly killer party conversation but good habits w/ the sinuses can go a long way toward good health.
I am a huge believer in natural cures, and in not jumping to meds or surgery too quickly. However I must say that if things get to the “chronic” stage don’t mess around. See your doctor and then if you get a ct scan make sure you know all your options (it used to be that sinus surgery was the only option. but now there are less invasive choices like balloon sinuplasty).
That’s my two cents. Take care everybody and keep those nasal passages clean!
–Erin G