Under the Influence with Bernard O'Shea: Does nasal irrigation work?

"The first time it properly worked, it felt like I was breathing air for the first time. I also could smell what the family seven doors down were having for dinner."

Bernard O'Shea tries clearing out his nasal passages this week. Someone's gotta do it.  Photograph Moya Nolan

Growing up, I was a very snotty kid. My mother would rationalise it by saying I was 6 weeks premature. Being underweight (I’ve made up for it since) and fed with tubes through the nose in an incubator for nearly two months, she felt there may be some connection. My father said, “All the O’Sheas had to have their adenoids out, that's why you're so snotty.” 

My three older sisters nicknamed me “Candlesticks” because of the constant twin rivers of mucus flowing from my pre-pubescent nostrils. I didn’t find it funny or clever. You’ll never see a Jo Malone candle called 'Snot, Lime and Basil'. Whatever the reason, I've always lived with the fear of not having a hanky to hand.