Allergy and sinus issues

[Delta]

With Spring having sprung I thought I would share something I started using 10 years ago. Prior to using the sinus irrigator I had at least 3 sinusitis bouts requiring antibiotics every season. In the last 10 years I have had ZERO. Basically it is your every day "Water Pik", you can purchase from http://www.hydromedonline.com/hp.html You can purchase the mix as well, or if your like me I just make it at home as I use it. A really nice side effect is fewer colds as well since I use mine all year long. I even travel with mine here is the mix I use.

16 ozs distilled water warmed to approx body temp 98-100, I use a pyrex measuring cup and it takes my microwave exactly 1 min, you'll most likely have to adjust time +/-. I do think its important to have the temp very close, since too warm is uncomfortable, and not warm enough doesnt seem to do the job.

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon "plain" non-iodized salt

1/4 cup Alkalol ************* Alkalol NOT Alcohol!!!! VERY Important!!!!!! I have my local pharm order it since most places don't have it, and invariably from time to time I go to pick it up and its a case of isopropyl alcohol! ALKALOL is a mucos solvent, it says so right on the label It has eucalyptus, alcohol 2/100 of 1%, thymol, mentol, camphor, spearmint, oil of sweet birch, cinnamon, etc...

When you first start using it, you might even use just 1/8 cup or less, Do Not, I repeat Do Not follow the directions on the label which says to use 1/2 to full strength, as it is never a pretty sight to see an adult writhing on the floor in agony. Yes I followed the label ONCE.

Having had allergies my entire life, not liking the spaced out feeling medicine leaves me with, this device was nothing short of a miracle. I tried a "netti pot" and saline rinses, they are just not the same and did not give me the results this does.

Cheers.

[starfire]

That is great. I think I need to look into this........... Thank You.

Love, Shirley

[susan]

Thank you.

I will look into this, too. Never imagined using a water pik!

Susan

[Polly]

Good info, Delta.

I saw this system online last year when I had my sinus surgeries and thought it might be useful. It's good to know that it is! I am using the Neil Med sinus irrigation system. It is not as passive as the neti pot because you squeeze the bottle so that the solution is under pressure. Of course, it's not as much pressure as a water pik! But I think it's enough for me, since I've had 2 sinus surgeries so I know have very wide openings all the way to my sinuses.

I am interested in the ALKALOL, too, because I have found that Mucinex works really well when I have an actual infection. I agree that a mucolytic would be a good idea on a daily basis.

I also think that keeping good vitamin D levels helps with allergies/sinus and possibly eating lots of turmeric, which prevents mast cells from releasing histamine. Fortunately, I love Indian food!

Thanks for the info.

Love,

Polly

[Delta]

Good info, Delta.

I saw this system online last year when I had my sinus surgeries and thought it might be useful. It's good to know that it is! I am using the Neil Med sinus irrigation system. It is not as passive as the neti pot because you squeeze the bottle so that the solution is under pressure. Of course, it's not as much pressure as a water pik! But I think it's enough for me, since I've had 2 sinus surgeries so I know have very wide openings all the way to my sinuses.

I am interested in the ALKALOL, too, because I have found that Mucinex works really well when I have an actual infection. I agree that a mucolytic would be a good idea on a daily basis.

I also think that keeping good vitamin D levels helps with allergies/sinus and possibly eating lots of turmeric, which prevents mast cells from releasing histamine. Fortunately, I love Indian food!

Thanks for the info.

Love,

Polly

If you ever have used a water pik you know it utilizes a very strong stream of water, the special tip significantly reduces the pressure while increasing the water flow, there is also a control on the unit to further reduce pressure. One of the benefits from this is it utilizes "pulses" of water instead of a steady flow. It is very comfortable to use, and like you already know you wash away all the allergens and gunk that collect in the sinuses.

[Pat]

Delta,

Thanks for this info, Delta. I used a water pik years ago but I really can't remember why I quit. I seem to have a lot of luck with just the baby nasal aspirator. The Alkalol sounds interesting. Thanks!

Pat