People who are always a victim of cold, flu, and rhinitis often get tired of clogged noses and painful ears. Sinus rinse is one of the best ways for such people to get rid of their congested noses. But what if this sinus rinse helps in clearing the nasal passage and causes prolonged ear pain simultaneously? Well, it does happen with many people.
So, what are the causes of ear pain after using NeilMed sinus rinse and how can you avoid it?
Mishandling the sinus rinse kit can make you suffer from unwanted consequences! Yes, sometimes you handle it so vigorously that it ends up causing ear pain. When you use sinus rinse, the pressure in your nose and ears suffers changes. This change in pressure is more likely the culprit of your ear pain! Ear problems after sinus rinse usage are common but can be avoided with care.
So, if you’re here to ask, why does nasal rinse hurt my ears, then keep reading and learn an in-depth detail of the causes of ear pain after using NeilMed sinus rinse!
Table of Content
NeilMed Sinus Rinse Uses
Cold and flu always come with unwanted nasal problems and we all have faced them in our life plenty of times. NeilMed sinus rinse kit is used to clear the nasal passage that can be congested by any means such as allergies, colds, and flu.
This kit contains isotonic saline solution (salt solution) that helps you treat nasal congestion, stuffy nose, dry nasal passage, and nasal irritation. The product isn’t available for oral use; hence, only the nasal pathways should be used for the correct usage of the product.
How does saline solution work for it? Well, saline is simply a salt solution that you can exert through positive pressure and even control the volume by squeezing the bottle. It washes out thick and dried mucus and also facilitates cleaning of the nasal passage while ameliorating the function of cilia.
How to Use NeilMed Sinus Rinse?
- Before starting the procedure, you must clean your hands.
- Now, take the bottle and fill it with clean lukewarm water up to the given mark.
- Next, mix the given NeilMed solution in the water and swirl the bottle gently so that it mixes well.
- Now, go by the sink and tilt your head downwards, keeping your mouth open, and without holding your breath, squeeze the bottle gently and wait for the solution to drain through the opposite nostril.
- Once you’re done, blow your nose and repeat the same process on the other nostril.
Perform the process gently and don’t be too vigorous.
Is It Safe to Use NeilMed Sinus Rinse Every Day?
Yes, it is completely safe to use NeilMed sinus rinse every day till the time you don’t feel well. In fact, you can use the product twice or thrice a day to clear your nasal passage. It has no harmful chemical agents. Doctors suggest using NeilMed sinus rinse 4 times a day to treat the sinus infections but avoid using it if you’re fine.
Based on reviews, people don’t usually experience side effects after using this product; however, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction which is a little rare. If the inside of your nose is dry, then it might lead to stinging. If you experience any side effects after using the product, you must report it to the FDA and consult your doctor.
Can Nasal Rinse Cause Ear Pain?
Keeping all the benefits aside, people often ask, why do my ears hurt after a nasal rinse and why does nasal rinse hurt my ears? Well, below we’ll discuss an in-depth analysis of why NeilMed sinus rinse might hurt some and not others. So, keep reading!
Those who experience a gagging pain in the ear after nasal rinse might be using it in the wrong way or too strenuously. The change in pressure during sinus rinse can cause pain in the ear or the eustachian tubes.
Ear Pain After Using NeilMed Sinus Rinse: Why is That So?
If you’re asking, why do my ears hurt after a nasal rinse? Then, let me tell you that nasal rinse can help in relieving ear pain by relieving sinus pressure but at the same time it also causes ear discomfort.
Sometimes while using sinus rinse, you might exert too much pressure that forces the contents into your middle ear. Hence, the salt and water trapped in the ear from sinus rinse can lead to discomfort.
Moreover, sometimes you might also experience a popping sound in your ear. This is also due to the increased pressure in your eustachian tubes. However, if this pain persists for a longer duration and becomes intolerable, then you must consult your doctor.
In some conditions, users experience a headache after NeilMed sinus rinse. This usually happens initially after nasal irrigation; however, it is rare. On the other hand, some users complain of feeling dizzy after the nasal irrigation.
Complaints of ear pain after using NeilMed sinus rinse are quite common. Most of them are caused due to the wrong handling of the kit. So, make sure to learn to use it properly.
To avoid ear pain while rinsing you should be careful about the following things:
- Avoid using it if you’ve had ear surgery, ear infection, or any blocked ears
- Do not use tap water, use lukewarm, clean, or boiled water
- Cease the process if you feel water coming into your ears
- Do not rush the procedure, squeeze the bottle gently, and don’t be too vigorous.
- Head must be tilted and never hold your breath while performing the process
All in all must follow the directions given because performing the process gently as per the guideline can help you avoid ear problems.
Crackling in the Ear after Sinus Rinse
Sinus rinse can cause a crackling sound in your ear because it might alter your ear pressure due to the accumulation of the fluid in your eustachian tubes (tubes that connect your middle ear and throat). This type of crackling is somewhat similar to what you experience when traveling by air during take-off and landing.
Does Sinus Rinse Help with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Eustachian tube dysfunction is a condition in which the tube connecting your ear and throat becomes blocked causing pain. In such conditions, you might have a plugged feeling in the ear, muffled hearing, and popping sounds. Usually, the symptoms of this problem resolve on their own but some people often use home remedies.
Using nasal rinses can also help in recovery along with nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, and decongestants. Moreover, to reduce swelling, you can use NSAIDs. If the cause of your problem is a bacterial infection, then you’ll be given antibiotics to combat the symptoms.
In severe cases, when fluid accumulates behind the eardrum, you might have to go for surgery.
FAQs
How do you get water out of your ear after a sinus rinse?
There are multiple ways by which you can drain the accumulated water in your ear canal including jiggling the ear lobe and creating a vacuum using your own hands. You can try bending slightly with one ear facing the table or wherever your head is lying and the other ear facing the roof. After some time, when you stand up, you’ll feel the water coming out of your ear.
Can sinus drainage cause your ears to hurt?
Yes! When you use sinus rinse roughly and in a vigorous way, you might end up hurting your ears. During the procedure, the pressure inside your ear and nose changes. An increase in pressure inside the eustachian tubes of the ear might cause a popping sound. However, if the pain becomes intolerable, then consult your doctor immediately.
What are the side effects of Neilmed sinus rinse?
There are no reported side effects of NeilMed sinus rinse. The product doesn’t contain any drug but only has a salt solution which is isotonic saline. However, some people might experience an allergic reaction after using it which comes up with problems with breathing and swollen face, lips, and tongue.
Can Neti pots cause ear pain?
Yes! There are many people who use neti pots and have experienced ear pain after using them. This usually happens due to the change in pressure after using it. Incorrect usage of the product can lead to ear problems with severe pain. This happens when you use it too vigorously that the fluid drains where it isn’t supposed to. Hence, careful handling is important.
Final Verdict
Sinus rinse is an amazing way to clear the congested nasal passage and ease breathing. However, mishandling the kit can make you suffer from ear pain.
The most common cause of ear pain after using NeilMed sinus rinse is the change in pressure in your nose and ear. Moreover, using sinus rinse vigorously and accumulation of the fluid in the ear canal can also lead to ear pain.
To avoid ear pain after using NeilMed sinus rinse make sure to tilt your head while draining your nose. Also, avoid holding your breath and stop the process if you feel the water moving into your ear. In a nutshell, use the product as per the given guidelines. However, if the ear pain lasts longer and becomes intense, then make sure to consult any healthcare professional.
