What’s in saline nasal spray?

If you’re like me and enjoy breathing through your nose, then you’ve probably stumbled upon saline nasal spray at some point. But what the heck is it actually made of? And why does it help us breathe easier? Let’s dive into the salty world of nasal hygiene.

The Purpose of Saline Nasal Spray

Before we start talking about the ingredients, let’s first address why people even use saline nasal spray. Essentially, it’s a fancy term for salt water that helps to moisturize and clean out our nasal passages. This can be beneficial for people with allergies or sinus issues as it helps to flush out mucus and other irritants in our noses.

Additionally, during cold and flu season, using saline spray can provide relief from congestion by loosening up any fluids that may have built up in the nasal cavity. It can also help reduce inflammation which contributes to symptoms such as stuffiness and runny noses.

Composition

Now onto the juicy stuff – what exactly is in this magical concoction? Well buckle up because we’re diving into some scientific terminology here:

Sodium Chloride

The main ingredient in most saline sprays is sodium chloride (you know…the thing that makes table salt salty). In order for a solution to be considered “saline,” there needs to be at least 0.9% sodium chloride present (ooooh fun fact). This concentration mimics the natural salinity levels found in our bodies so when sprayed into our nostrils, doesn’t cause irritation or burning sensation (phew!).

Purified Water

Next up on the list of ingredients is purified water (because nobody wants dirty snot-water being squirted into their sniffer). The water used has been sterilized meaning all bacteria, viruses or fungi living inside liquids have been destroyed (insert hand sanitizer joke here).

2 Other Heroes

A couple other ingredients are often included in saline spray to help keep our noses feeling moisturized and healthy. These include Sodium Bicarbonate (buffering agent that helps to stabilize the pH levels) and Glycerin (aka glycerol – a sugar alcohol compound that acts as a humectant which means it draws moisture into whatever it’s being applied to).

Are There Any Risks Associated?

You might now be wondering if there are any negative effects resulting from using saline nasal spray (I know I always worry about unsavory consequences of sticking things up my nose). Luckily, the answer is no! Saline solution is considered safe for people of all ages.

The only concern would arise when preparing your own homemade solution which could lead to bacterial contamination. That’s why we recommend purchasing products from reputable manufacturers.

How To Use Your Nasal Spray

If you’re new to using nasal sprays, don’t worry (even though you may feel like the antithesis of an astronaut in zero gravity). Here’s a quick run-through on how best to go about it:

  1. First blow your nose gently, just so there isn’t any excess mucus or blockage present.
  2. Shake the bottle according to instructions (little did you know shaking bottles was part of adulthood).
  3. Tilt your head forward slightly
    4 . Insert nozzle spout pointed towards nostrils with correct dosage recommended by manufacturer written on packaging
    5 . Close off one nostril by pressing lightly with finger and inhale gently through opposite nostril while applying pressure piping device once or twice depending upon dose.
    6 . Repeat process at least three times or until both sides have been treated
    7 . Dispose of tissue where sprayed residue landed (”mind those wasteful boogers”)

Conclusion

Nasal irrigation has existed as far back as ancient civilizations such as in the Indian Ayurvedic medication practices. Fast forward to modern day medicine and saline spray has become much more commonplace in household pharmacies.

So, whether you are trying to ward off a snotty cold or just clean out your nasal passages for seasonal allergies, using a saline nasal spray can give you some relief along with peace of mind that no crazy chemicals are being squirted up your nose (we’ve had enough chaos these past couple years already).

Now get ready to breathe easier than Darth Vader thanks to that magic salty water!

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

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