I don't recall who was first to recommend the neti pot nasal flush, but once I became used to using the little 'neti pot' method....I have been free of sinus and throat infections ever since.   It would seem that colds and even ear infections can be found getting started in the sinuses.   So, at the onset of the slightest congestion, I have discovered that making brief use of a neti pot can nip the problem in the bud.  Please Note: It is the sea salt that one adds to the warm water in the neti pot, that is the key ingredient.  1/4 teaspoon of any quality grade sea salt will do.  (No need to purchase expensive salt packets).

Of course, I recommend reducing the consumption of dairy products, refined white flour products, hydrogenated oils, and refined sugar whenever possible, because these foods seem to feed infection.  Though I am not a doctor, I do have the ability to observe the troublesome effect of eating particular foods.  Health is a choice.  Our physical health is greatly determined by eating habits as well as exercise habits.

I recommend taking five capsules, daily, of the sunshine vitamin D3 (each capsule should contain 1000 IU of Vitamin D3).  Three thousand IU's of vitamin D3 is equal to fifteen minutes of sunshine exposure, and I like to remind myself that in the cloudy, overcast seasons, lack of sunshine seems to contribute to flu, colds, and sinus infections.

When using a neti pot, the trick is to relax, make sure you use warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and finish by 'gently' blowing air out the nostrils.  Please Note: After the flush, bend over and tuck  your head between your legs, briefly, to allow any excess salt water left in the sinus cavities to drain. 

I cannot imagine not cleansing the nasal passages after being in a dusty or smokey environment.  The feeling of vitality that comes from being sinus infection-free, cold-free, and headache-free is worth the small effort that flushing with a neti pot may require.  I found no need to buy the manufacturer's packets of salt and oil drops, as pure sea salt mixed in warm water is all that is required.   Generally a couple of full neti pots are enough to flush both nasal passages. (Don't forget to add the 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to each neti pot).  During the process,  bend over and slowly draw up some of the neti salt water into the upper nasal cavities, because there are three levels of nasal passages.

If you are really plugged up, try not to blow out to hard, because this will irritate the nasal passages.  If you feel some pain in the sinus cavities, it will be due to inflammation and infection.  In that case, flush gently with an ounze of Aloe Vera Juice added to the neti pot of warm water and sea salt.  Bend the head over into the sink and slowly draw up some of the solution into the upper nasal cavities.   Then finish as usual.

A link to the proper use of a neti pot or 'nasal cleansing' pot is located at this site:
http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/netipot/netipotinstructions.aspx

An additional homeopathic nasal spray may be used when one feels the beginning of a stuffy nose:
HEEL EUPHORBIUM NASAL SPRAY
-ALL NATURAL HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR ACUTE AND CHRONIC SINUS AND NASAL CONDITIONS.

Heel Euphorbium Nasal Spray is unlike regular prescription formulas (which prove to be habit forming); it is an all natural remedy which over time actually promotes the health and healing of nasal membranes. Euphorbium works quickly to help relieve the symptoms commonly associated with sinus disorders including dryness, inflammation, congestion, difficulty breathing, and more. Each 100 ml contains: Asclepias vincetoxicum, Folia D4, Argentum nitricum D10, Echinacea angustifolia D6, Euphorbium officinarum D6, Hepar sulphuris calcareum D10, Luffa operculata D6, Pulsatilla D2, Sulphur D6, 1ml each. Contains 45 vol.-% alcohol. The Liquid spray is easily administered in measured doses. [LIQUID]

For heavy, lung and sinus congestion,  I recommend an Ayurveda remedy:
Along with the warm water, neti pot flush....
This treatment cured my daughter who suffered from pneumonia and sinus infection for three months. Doctors could only prescribe antibiotics, which in her case did nothing to rid the illness.

Follow this remedy until symptoms disappear (usually within a week)

1) Three times per day: 1 teaspoon unpasteurized honey with 1 tsp turmeric powder.

2) Add five drops pure Essential Camphor oil to one cup of Maharishi Ayurveda Kapha Tea
Drink two - three cups per day. 

3) Eat lightly... split pea soup and green beans.   Eat whole grain, organic, flat bread without rising agents such as yeast etc.    Cooked barley flakes as a cereal, but avoid dairy or mucous-producing foods.  Avoid rice, potatoes and starchy foods.

4) After a week, gradually add homemade, chicken and vegetable soup into the diet.  When feeling stronger, slowly shift to a regular, healthy diet.  Stay on course.  Avoid the old, poor diet habits.