Nasal irrigation can be an effective therapy to relieve symptoms of acute sinusitis caused by upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold.

Two people died from Naegleria fowleri infections tied to using neti pots containing tap water in 2011.

[7] Flushing the nasal cavity can soothe inflamed tissue and remove irritants like allergens; it may help clear mucus.

[2] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a fact sheet recommending one of four methods to make the water safe:[8] A number of other compounds may be included in irrigation fluids such as the steroid budesonide in an effort to treat chronic rhinosinusitis.

[9] Neti pots are commonly used and rely on gravity and head position in order to rinse the outer sinus cavities.

[4] The earliest record of nasal irrigation is found in the ancient Hindu practice of Indian Ayurveda whose roots are traced to the Vedas.