A saline solution can serve as a quick fix when you are troubled with nasal congestion and don’t have anything else to help you feel better. It can be used to loosen thick mucus or clear dry mucus stuck inside your nose. A saline solution can be used for adults and children alike and can be easily made at home with just a few readily available ingredients.
So, without further ado, let’s see the details of saline solution, plus, how you can make a nasal saline solution at home.
Saline Solution: What Is It?
Saline solution, also known as isotonic saline or isotonic solution, is a basic solution made with salt (sodium chloride) and water. The salt concentration in normal saline is 0.9%. It is the same concentration of salt as found in bodily fluids such as blood and tears.
While saline solution is available in pharmacies, you can make it at home as well. However, remember not to use homemade saline in your eyes, as it may cause an infection.
Uses of Saline Solution
Saline solution is used in multiple ways to ensure health and well-being and is frequently used to rinse nasal passages. It is used for nasal irrigation along with devices like a neti pot or bulb syringe to clear out the nostrils. Saline solution thins out mucus and facilitates its removal, allowing you to breathe easily. This way it helps in getting rid of the stuffy or blocked feeling you often develop due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections.
Other uses of saline solution are:
To treat dehydration: Saline solution is used medicinally to treat dehydration. Normal saline is given through an intravenous route to restore lost electrolytes and fluids in the body.
For cleaning cuts, wounds, and scrapes: The solution can also be used to clean cuts and scrapes. It removes dirt and debris and reduces the risk of infection.
For cleaning a piercing: New piercings often require cleaning and care to ensure healing. Saline solution can be used to clean a piercing in order to reduce the risk of infection. Please confirm with your healthcare provider if it’s okay to use a homemade saline solution for your piercing.
Steps to Make a Homemade Saline Solution
Making saline solution at home is easy. Before sharing the steps, let us tell you the things you need.
You’ll Need:
- Table salt
- Normal tap water
- A pot for boiling
- A glass jar with lid
- Measuring spoon and cup
Steps to Follow:
1. Take two cups of normal tap water in a large pot.
2. Place it on the stove and turn the flame on high to let the water boil covered with a lid.
3. Once the water starts boiling, lower the flame and allow it to boil for 15 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat after 15 minutes and allow the water to cool to room temperature. Keep the water covered to avoid contamination.
5. Once cool, add 1 teaspoon of table salt to the water and mix well.
6. You may add a pinch of baking soda to this mixture at this point. This is totally optional, though.
7. After thorough mixing, transfer the solution to a clean glass jar.
8. Cover with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator.
9. Use within 24 hours.
How to Use Saline Solution in Adults
Saline solution is an excellent and inexpensive nasal wash. Adults can use it to clear their nose and remove mucus, allergens, and other deposits. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Clean your neti pot with soap and water. Rinse it thoroughly.
2. Fill it with a saline solution.
3. Bring your head over the sink.
4. Tilt your head to the left side.
5. Insert the neti pot tip slightly inside your right nostril and tilt the pot to pour the solution.
6. You will notice the solution coming out of your left nostril as it cleans your nasal passages.
7. Repeat the same on the other side.
How to Use Saline Solution in Children
As a Nasal Wash Using a Nasal Syringe
Steps to follow for using saline solution as a nasal wash in children are:
1. Ensure your hands are clean before preparing the equipment.
2. Fill a large nasal syringe with saline solution.
3. Ask your child to lean over the sink.
4. Tilt their head in one direction.
5. Place the tip of the nasal syringe in the opposite nostril (insert the tip in the right nostril if their head is tilted towards the left side).
6. Push the back of the syringe, allowing the solution to pass through the nostril.
7. The solution will drain out of the opposite nostril.
8. Repeat on the other side.
9. Finish off by asking your child to blow on a tissue.
10. Clean the nasal syringe and store it for next use.
As Saline Nose Drops Using a Dropper
For using saline solution as nasal drops, here’s what you can do:
1. Make your child lie on the bed.
2. With clean hands, fill a nose dropper with saline solution.
3. Add 2-3 drops of saline solution in both nostrils.
4. Allow a minute or two for the solution to moisten the mucus.
5. Now gently use a bulb syringe to remove the softened mucus and clear airways.
6. Clean the equipment so it is ready for next use.
Things to Keep in Mind
Given below are some precautionary measures related to the use of saline solution:
- Homemade saline solution is good for only 24 hours. Do not use it if it was prepared before 24 hours.
- Throw away if the solution looks contaminated or appears cloudy.
- Never use homemade saline solution in your eyes or to store your contact lenses.
- Always use a clean, airtight container to store saline solution.
- Do not drink the saline solution.
Alternative to Making Saline Solution at Home
While making a saline solution at home is quite easy, it can feel tedious to make a fresh batch every time you want to clear your nose and ease congestion. Plus, there is always a higher possibility of contamination when stored in normal containers.
A great alternative to homemade saline solution is a saline nasal spray. Saline sprays like Otrivin nasal spray are easily available in pharmacies and online. They also contain a sodium chloride solution, which is administered in the form of a spray to provide localised relief inside the nostrils. Saline nasal sprays can be used regularly and are quite effective in relieving stuffiness and blocked nose.
Summing Up
Saline solution is a simple remedy to relieve nasal congestion. It is available in local pharmacies and can also be made at home with basic ingredients present in the kitchen. The solution is easy to use and usually safe for adults as well as children. Though it is important to ensure the saline solution is stored properly and not used beyond 24 hours. Failing to do so can increase the risk of infection.
FAQs
Is saline water good for the nose?
Yes, saline water is good for the nose. It moisturises the nasal passages, relieves congestion, and improves cilia function inside the nostrils.
How long can I store saline solution?
Homemade saline solution can be stored for only 24 hours. You must discard it after 24 hours.
How often should I wash my nose with a saline solution?
You may use a saline solution as a nasal wash once or twice a day, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Is saline solution safe for kids?
Properly stored saline solution is safe for use in children. If in doubt, opt for store-bought saline solution, which is prepared with utmost care to ensure safety.
Is it okay to use saline solution daily?
As saline solution is free of any medication, you may use it daily without worrying about nasal tissue damage or rebound congestion often associated with decongestant nasal sprays. For more personalised advice, speak with your doctor.
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Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/make-your-own-saline-solution#how-to-make-it
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/saline-solution
