The Nasal Drain

[EADG]

Just wondering if this medical procedure is performed in Singapore -

In Japan people go to the doctor when a cold or flu is coming on, to have their sinuses drained. My GF at the time said it always worked for her and recommended it when I was very congested.

The place I went to was an old, small clinic with an old, small doctor, and the place reeked of outdated medical practices and instruments. I went in anyway, and he showed me the tube - a slightly conical tube with a slight angle at the top. It's connected to some tubing going to a suction device.

The tube part obviously goes up your nose and the bent part gets right into your sinuses. Then, he hits the suction, and apparently what's in there gets sucked out. Seemed totally barbaric but I was up to try it.

We tried but it was pretty uncomfortable and I couldn't go though with it.

Problem was, the various tubes are not designed for 'gaijin noses', and he didn't think it would work on me, it could not get far enough up there.

So, is this done anywhere else, like here? And does it work?

[ozchick]

Oh yeah it's done alright...yucky ...pain and suffering- have had it done twice in the last 4 months. My ear nose and throat specialist is at Mt Elizabeth Hospital. He calls it an 'antrum wash' but it's exactly what you're describing. Singapore seems to be a hot bed for sinus complaints. He charges like a wounded bull though. Anyway, if you want his contact details let me know. Dear God save us from our noses.....

[maneo]

Saw something on Oprah that seemed more tolerable.
Looked like a funnel with a tube going into the upper nostril with the head tilted sidewards.
Water flowed in one side, through the sinus and out the other.
Person on the show that had it done was OK with it.

[QRM]

There is a version for babies which I suppose can be used for adults, you have to suck the tube yourself or get a very understanding chum to do it

All the gunk goes into a small bottle rather than the person doing the sucking.

But its more for blocked noses,

Once when my sinus was really doing my head in, I filled a tea pot with warm saline water stuck the spout up one nostril and let it pour in, worked for a while, but now no one wants to have a cup of tea with me anymore.

You can also buy saline nostril sprays which does the same trick as my tea pot but in a handy canister.

[EADG]

maneo & QRM, what you are describing sound like a Neti wash:

http://www.internatural-alternative-hea ... -Wash2.cfm

I've been using them on occasion for years, they're pretty good, but for less-severe issues.

What I was describing is something much more Frankensteininan, sounds more like what ozchick did, thanks for the info, sounds as dreadful as I thought!

[maneo]

Quite a few videos available in the Google search results:

http://www.google.com.sg/search?source= ... arch&meta=


Also had several ads at the right for ENT specialists in SG (with at least 2 at Mt. E).