What does saline nasal spray do?

[mtblujeans]

What good does saline nasal spray do for one?

 

[EdiePA]

Saline Nasal Spray
A saline nasal spray is not addictive and is used to loosen mucus in the nose and help to wash it out. It is also helpful during dry weather to keep the mucus membranes moist. It is safe for everyone no matter how long it is used or how often.

There are many saline nasal sprays that can be purchased over-the-counter or you can make your own solution. To make a saline solution combine 1/4 tsp. salt with 8 oz. warm water. Another way is to add 1/4 tsp. baking soda to the above mixture. Put this solution in a neti pot, spray bottle, ear syringe or any container with a small spout.

To irrigate your nasal passages do one nostril at a time. Lower your head over a sink and turn your neck so your left nostril is down. Keep your nose slightly higher than your mouth. Pour water into your right nostril. Water will drain from your left nostril. To keep the water from running into your mouth, be sure to breath continuously through your mouth while irrigating your nose. Gently blow your nose. Repeat on the other side.

Warm saline spray is recommended for chronic rhinositis/sinusitis. If you pick a pre-packaged brand, choose one like Breathe Right with fewer or no preservatives -- they can do more harm than good.

Edie

 

[mtblujeans]

OK! Thanks!!

 

[Keli]

My dh doesn't use the saline spray but when he's got a sinus infection he will sniff saline up one nostril and then the other. He swears it washes them out (along with bacteria, bug, whatever's making him sick) and that he gets better much faster.

 

[nativetxn]

I don't think I could bring myself to inhale a saline solution. I know it is supposed to help, though

 

[Mermaid02]

I don't think I could bring myself to inhale a saline solution. I know it is supposed to help, though

You don't inhale it- you just squirt it up your nose. It's great for allergy people like myself whose nasal membranes are dried out constantly.

 

[LisaZoe]

I don't think I could bring myself to inhale a saline solution. I know it is supposed to help, though

I agree. A nurse recommended I try just putting a few drops of a warm salt/water mix in my nose when they were very irritated by a bad cold. I tried and just about hurled. However, I have a friend who swears by daily "irrigation" of her sinuses. She has allergies which led to her doing this but she says she believes it helps prevent her from getting bad colds. For anyone interested, here's a link to a "how to" for this procedure:

about.com - How to Do a Sinus Irrigation

 

[Honu]

For me it's all about bloody noses. I used to get horrible bloody noses. I started spraying a couple times a day and my nose rarely bleeds now. The air at work (or when I fly) really dries me out.

 

[Lachesis00]

Anyone watch Yes Dear when Greg got hooked on saline spray

I use it... I get bloody noses easily so with spray and vaseline, fixes me right up.

 

[mtblujeans]

I had a cold about a month ago and I have not been feeling well since. I have been having a bloody nose when I get up in the morning, which I have never had before. My DH suggested the house may just be too dry and my sinuses may be dried out, to some degree. But, this weekend I am having an ear ache and dizziness. So, I suspect I am dealing with a sinus infection. I do not want to get antibiotics so I thought I would try something else before having to go to the doctor. I was having such dizziness this morning but I tried what EdiePA posted and layed down for awhile and I am feeling better this afternoon. I will try this for a few days and see if it gets better. If not, I guess I will have to break down and go to a doctor.

 

[mtblujeans]

Anyone watch Yes Dear when Greg got hooked on saline spray

Yes, I saw that one! I love that show!!

 

[Bill_Sykes]

I used a cpap machine and when my nose is clog, the machine does not work well. The saline nasal spray helps me breath on the machine and is not addictive like afrin.