RSS Feeds: Using a Saline Nasal Spray instead of a Nasal Spray Containing Drugs
I only use nasal spray on rare occasions. On even rarer occasions, I'll use medicated nasal spray and that's only when I have something seriously wrong, like a sinus infection.
If you're like me, you want to tear your own head off whenever you have a sinus problem. Whether you have severe sinus congestion or a heavy nasal drip, it doesn't seem to matter. You want relief and you want it fast. Commercial nasal sprays fill the need quite readily, but there's a better alternative.
Nasal Spray Addiction
The problem with nasal sprays that contain drugs is the same problem associated with painkillers and other drugs: Addiction. The more you use this kind of nasal spray, the more often you need to use it to achieve the same results.
I write from experience. Many moons ago, there was a period of time where I couldn't breathe at all unless I squirted my nose with this kind of nasal spray. After spending weeks weaning myself off of it, I vowed to never let that happen again.
There have only been two occasions since then where I had to use an over-the-counter nasal spray and both were due to illnesses which caused severe congestion. The congestion was so bad that it made my entire head hurt all at once. I was in the military and I couldn't function in the condition I was in and that's no good at all.
Saline Nasal Spray
If you live near the ocean, or you spend time swimming in it, you know that your sinuses clear right up while you're swimming. That's because of the salt, a key component of the human body (which comes out in our tears and perspiration).
If you look hard enough, you can find drug-free saline nasal spray in just about any drug store. Unfortunately, it costs about the same amount as the medicated kind.
Since saline is just another word that means salt water, it makes sense that saline nasal spray would clear up most sinus congestion problems (but not all). There is an easy way to prepare it for yourself and save a ton of money in the process, if you consider how often you'll be using it. The only problem is that you need an empty spray bottle. You can use an old saline spray bottle or you may be able to find empty ones in certain drug stores. I use the former.
Preparing Saline Nasal Spray
There are only three things you need to prepare it: The spray bottle, table salt, and bottled water. You don't want to use tap water because tap water contains things that may actually cause your sinus condition to get worse.
This is what I do. I use an 8-ounce glass filled with bottled water and add a teaspoon of table salt. I stir the water until all the salt is dissolved into it. Then I take the top off the empty spray bottle and fill it with the water. There is always leftover water, but I'm not going to drink it! It's way too salty.
Whether you choose to make it yourself or buy it at the drug store, it's entirely your choice. I recommend using it instead of a medicated nasal spray and you don't have to worry about being addicted to salt.
Using Saline Nasal Spray
With the medicated nasal sprays, you have to be careful how much you use. Use too much for a congested nose and you automatically develop post-nasal drip, going from one extreme to the other.
With a saline nasal spray, you don't have to worry about that. Once your sinuses are clear, you're good to go. The extra salt is ejected by your sinuses automatically and you can breath easy. The only disadvantage, that I've found, is that you need to use it quite often when you're sick.
I don't know about you, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
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Hi, great post! I come from a LONG line of sinus sufferers and collectively we have tried it ALL – changes in diet, accupuncture, rinses, neti pot, balloon sinuplasty, sinus surgery, you name it!
But one thing we all agree on is the benefits of keeping those nasal passages clean! Trying natural cures and such before DRUGS is great advice too!
Have a great night!
My last blog: Levels of invasiveness
The `addiction' to nasal decongestants has a medical term – rhinitis medicamentosa.
You may find even greater relief by performing `jala neti'. In which you pour saline into to one nostril and out the other using a special pot called a `neti-pot'.
My last blog: History of nasal irrigation
I use a saline spray for my sinusitis as well. One thing though: To be effective, the spray must reach into the tiny crevices – which doesn't happen that often because of gravity. What I've read is that to be more efficient, one has to spray in both nostrils and then tilt your head forward and downward (your head will be upside down) until you can see your crotch. This forces the fluid into the tiny crevices which you normally wouldn't be able to reach. Afterwards, you blow both nostrils simultaneously to prevent blockage in the ear which might cause infection. Then you do it again, and leave it there. The reason why antibiotics have a hard time working is because there is little blood flow into those areas. This method takes care of the problem, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria to form. Hope this is informing.
I never knew saline nasal sprays existed, actually. This is news to me, hahaha. I think I will try this out. Thanks for the heads up.
My last blog: How Dermacai Works
If you don't want to make your on, there is a preservative free product called Simply Saline. I have found the preservatives in OCEAN type brands irritate the lining inside my nose. The simply saline is in a taller white metal can and it squirts really far up inside there.
I have a bleeding disorder and my nose tends to dry out a lot in fall and winter something that could be dangerous for me!
I have found that since I use saline nasal mist mostly to keep my nose moist, i have had very few allergy type sinus problems or head colds. I do use it almost on a daily basis, it works and is a safe alternative to that medicated junk!
I never thought of making my own saline spray. I am going to try that. I have chronic congestion all year round and a deviated septum. I know how not-fun this sinus stuff is!
My last blog: What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?
You are absolutely right about wanting to avoid those drugs. Rebound is a real problem (that is, the sinuses clearing, then coming back even worse when the drug is discontinued).
I will say this, though, from my allergist. There are two types of nasal spray medicines. One is a steroid, the other is an antihistamine. The steroid-type (think Afrin) is the kind that causes rebound. Antihistamine types (like Asteline) do not cause any reactions.
My last blog: Neti Pot Solution
Those OTC nasal sprays are seriously bad news. I think my nose is still messed up from using them too much. Neti pots and saline solutions are the way to go for sure.
My last blog: Sinus Wash