Health Tip

How can you alleviate allergy congestion without the side effects of nasal spray? Irrigate your nasal passages with a neti pot and saline.

Just as gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat, flushing your nasal passages with a saline solution can help alleviate allergy congestion. Nasal irrigators like neti pots, which resemble small teapots, have been used for centuries to cleanse and soothe nasal passages. Recent scientific studies suggest that regular nasal rinsing with a salt-water solution can significantly ease allergy sinus symptoms and reduce the need for prescription nasal sprays. Because an over-reliance on nasal sprays can lead to nasal tissue irritation, dryness and rebound congestion, people with chronic sinus issues may find that nasal irrigators help control their symptoms without bothersome side effects.