Can using a Neti pot make your ears hurt?

Category: medical health ear nose and throat conditions
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Using a neti pot can cause gagging or ear pain. If you experience either of these symptoms, you are likely performing the procedure too vigorously. A neti pot can also cause fluid to drain down the back of your throat, causing cough.



Also question is, can nasal irrigation cause ear problems?

If you notice problems with your Eustachian tubes Some people begin to experience discomfort in their ears or Eustachian tubes when using neti pots or other sinus rinses. They'll notice pressure changes in their ears and/or feel like they need to pop their ears often.

Furthermore, can a Neti Pot make things worse? Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems are used with sterile water or saline solution to treat congested sinuses, colds and allergies. But the FDA is warning that improper use of neti pots can be dangerous and lead to infections, including the deadly Naegleria fowleri – better known as the “brain-eating” amoeba.

Also to know, what helps ear pain after Neti Pot?

OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help to relieve pain or swelling. Additionally, nasal irrigation with a neti pot may also help.

Does Neti Pot Help ears?

The best way to treat eustachian tube dysfunction is to decrease the mucous buildup and inflammation in the eustachian tubes. Using a Neti Pot (a saline rinse that goes in one nostril and comes out the other) is a great way to clear out mucous build up.

19 Related Question Answers Found

How do I get rid of sinus pressure in my ears?

Here are things you can do to relieve sinus congestion and related ear congestion:
  1. Take a nasal decongestant.
  2. Blow your nose gently.
  3. Use a nasal rinse or nasal irrigation system.
  4. Use a humidifier, as dry air can irritate your nasal passages.
  5. Avoid tobacco smoke and other irritants.

How do I get rid of trapped fluid in my ear?

If water does get trapped in your ear, you can try several at-home remedies for relief:
  1. Jiggle your earlobe.
  2. Make gravity do the work.
  3. Create a vacuum.
  4. Use a blow dryer.
  5. Try alcohol and vinegar eardrops.
  6. Use hydrogen peroxide eardrops.
  7. Try olive oil.
  8. Try more water.

Can water get trapped in your sinuses?

The likely explanation is that the water gets trapped along the lateral wall of the nose (where the sinuses drain) and then is dislodged with a certain movement or position. The water might even get into a sinus and take some time to get back out.” Pretty simple answer, really. The water gets stuck.

Can Neti pots cause infections?

Long-term neti pot use is linked to a higher incidence of sinus infections, possibly because using the pot reduces the mucosal lining of the nose, making it more vulnerable to infection.

Can nasal irrigation be harmful?


Nasal irrigation is generally considered to be safe, but a small percentage of regular users experience mild side effects such as minor nasal irritation. People whose immune system isn't fully functioning should ask their doctor before trying nasal irrigation because they are at greater risk for infections.

Why does my ear feel full?

The most common cause for ears to feel clogged or plugged is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (Eustachian is pronounced “You-Station”). Symptoms of ETD can include a sensation of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing and/or discomfort created by a difference in air pressure between the ear canal and the middle ear space.

How do I get mucus out of my Eustachian tube?

Eustachian tube dysfunction treatment
  1. Using a decongestant to reduce the swelling of the lining of the tubes.
  2. Taking an antihistamine or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce any allergic response.
  3. Making a tiny incision in the eardrum and suctioning out the fluid in the middle ear.

How do you depressurize your ears?

There are several techniques you can try to unclog or pop your ears:
  1. Swallowing. When you swallow, your muscles automatically work to open the Eustachian tube.
  2. Yawning.
  3. Valsalva maneuver.
  4. Toynbee maneuver.
  5. Applying a warm washcloth.
  6. Nasal decongestants.
  7. Nasal corticosteroids.
  8. Ventilation tubes.

Will ear pressure go away?

While ear barotrauma may go away on its own, you should contact a doctor if your symptoms include significant pain or bleeding from the ear. A close look inside the ear with an otoscope can often reveal changes in the eardrum.

How do you relieve ear pressure?


To relieve ear pain or discomfort, you can take steps to open the Eustachian tube and relieve the pressure, such as:
  1. Chew gum.
  2. Inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.
  3. Suck on candy.
  4. Yawn.

How do I massage my sinuses to drain?

1. Frontal sinus massage
  1. Start by rubbing your hands together to warm them up.
  2. Place your index and middle fingers on either side of the forehead, just above the eyebrows.
  3. Massage slowly in a circular outward motion, working your way outwards, towards the temples.
  4. Do this for about 30 seconds.

Can water enter your brain through your nose?

You can only be infected when contaminated water goes up into your nose. The Naegleria fowleri ameba then travels up the nose to the brain where it destroys the brain tissue.

How do you massage a eustachian tube?

To treat the right eustachian tube, insert the right index finger, gloved, into the patient's mouth. Place the finger against the posterior pillar of the palatine tonsil (Figure 2). Apply lateral pressure while making a circular motion into the soft tissue.

How do I stop my ears from crackling?

Home remedies for ear crackling
  1. Pop your ears. Sometimes by simply swallowing, yawning, or chewing, you can unclog your ears and help equalize the pressure in your middle ear.
  2. Nasal irrigation.
  3. Earwax removal.
  4. Over-the-counter (OTC) products.
  5. TMJ exercises.

Does Claritin help with clogged ears?


To additionally reduce the feeling of fullness in your ear, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about an antihistamine that includes a decongestant such as: cetirizine plus pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D) loratadine plus pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D)