Can Neti Pot Be Used For Chronic Sinusitis?

Posted on Tue, 28 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 Answered on

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Will a Neti Pot clear an ear infection along with a sinus infection? Not sure if there actually IS an infection yet, but ear is clogged internally from bad cold a couple weeks ago. Thought maybe a good steam would help clear this. I have never had this happen before. Feels like it will clear every time I swallow but doesn't. I can get it to pop if I hold my nose and blow super softly for a temporary fix and it feels better but it I go right back to feeling like my one ear in under water....

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
neti pot will not clear ear infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello

The best and optimum use of neti pot is for chronic sinusitis and allergies and its efficacy in acute sinusitis is not proven.

There is a theoretical possibility of the infection actually spreading to the ear, through the nose when you use a neti pot and it is best avoided in this situation.

Steam is a better option , it will help open up the blocked eustachian tube ( tube from the nose to the ear) and help relieve your ear block.

I hope I have answered your question.

regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad