Other methods of nasal irrigation (alternatives to jala-neti)
Snorting of saline
The snorting of saline in the simplest form of nasal irrigation. The saline solution is cupped in the hands, the saline is then snorted up into the nose. Sometimes known as `negative pressure irrigation'.
Pros:- Cheap
- Simple
- Tendency for saline to only reach areas that are already clear[1]
- Lacks evidence for efficacy
- Practitioner has less control and saline may reach back into the throat which can be unpleasant
Atomiser sprays
Saline nasal sprays are available which offer the user a great deal of convenience as saline solution need not be made up. Whilst atomiser sprays can deliver saline to the nasal cavities and sinuses, they do not do so as efficiently as jala-neti devices.[1] They also lack the power to clear away mucus, and have been shown in clinical trials to provide inferior sino-nasal symptom relief compared to jala-neti.[2]
Pros:- Convenient
- Expensive in the long run
- Inferior to jala-neti
References
- [1]
- D. E. L. Olson, B. M. Rasgon, and R. L. J. Hilsinger. Radiographic comparison of three methods for nasal saline irrigation. Laryngoscope, 112(8 Pt 1):1394-8, 2002.
- [2]
- M. A. Pynnonen, S. S. Mukerji, H. M. Kim, M. E. Adams, and J. E. Terrell. Nasal saline for chronic sinonasal symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 133(11):1115-20, 2007.