different nasal irrigation question

[April]

I will not be offended if this thread is combined with the other neti pot one, but I have a different question on the same theme...

I've never used a neti pot, but I might try it sometime. However, I do use nasal saline spray, ideally 2 sprays in each nostril 2-3 times a day, but I'm not always on task with it. Tonight, after reading the thread about the neti pot, I turned my head sideways and streamed, rather than sprayed, the saline solution into each nostril. Is it normal for this to produce a painful, burning sensation in the nasal passages? Or is this just because I suffer rhinitis/have super sensitive nasal lining? I've never been diagnosed with this, because I obviously have allergies, so the docs sought to treat that instead. It's not just the saline solution that causes the burning- even if I use plain, warm water, I'm in pain. Is this normal? Also, does anyone find that irrigation relieves congestion? I know in the past when I tried using my own salt water mix blatantly inhaled through my nose, I became way more congested, probably because my nose was freaking out. And I'm more congested this now than I was before I tried my own version of irrigation.

Anyhow, I could talk about this stuff all day. Any ideas? AM I NORMAL?!? :eek: :p

[Joe]

Dunno if you've ever read any of Joseph Wambaugh's books (former policeman turned writer/novelist). But he has one about the Mexican border (I think it's called "Lines and Shadows"). He talks about the torture techniques used by the Mexican police. One of their main techniques is to use a bottle of Coke or Pepsi and spray it up the victim's nose. This supposedly produces very severe pain, but doesn't leave any "marks," in case the victim complains of police brutality.

There was also a brief shot of a Mexican policeman with a "sprayer" type Coke or Pepsi bottle in the movie "Traffic." (Bottles of that type are more commonly used for sports drinks in the US.)

So, no, you can't just shove anything or spray anything up your nose and not expect it to be painful. "Up your nose with a rubber hose" was not supposed to be a pleasant experience.

I think you should use care and caution in what you put up your nose, and, if it produces pain, that is your signal to stop.