When I was a kid, I was the classic immigrant's child. Not only did I not use the dishwasher (read previous post), I also rarely used tissue. I just always sniffled and thought it was normal. Little did I know back then that I had allergies! Move ahead a few years and my discovery of the joys of Claritin and Flonase medication. The Flonase in particular was amazing (nothing like steroids). Finally, the joy of breathing through both nostrils! Yet despite this medical advance, I would prefer something that was not eating away slowly at my nasal passages.
Well, a few friends of mine (Me-K, Ken, and more recently Holly) have been recommending sinus irrigation as an alternative method. It's based on yoga practices in which you pour warm saline water into one nostril and allow it to flow out the other nostril. Similar to when you get water up your nose when swimming but less stinging because it is not chlorinated and cold. I was very hesitant but did some online reading and thought I'd give it a try when I recently had a cold and had sinus congestion.
Let me tell you now, sinus irrigation is the new way to go! Try the neti approach. A little self-experimentation should convince you of it's value. Helps clear your sinuses of allergens and mucus and prevents colds.
So, pass the neti, not the tissue.
Posted by richlee at October 17, 2005 11:05 AM