How to Use Saline Nasal Spray

If you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis or perennial (year-round) allergies, there are many medications that can give you relief. Nasal sprays such as steroid nasal sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays, or decongestant nasal sprays work directly on the nasal passages to relieve congestion, post-nasal drip, and other nasal symptoms. But if you want a natural remedy that minimizes the use of medicated nasal sprays, saline nasal sprays are a good option to relieve nasal congestion and other nasal symptoms caused by allergies or cold and flu. They are particularly effective in lubricating, moisturizing, and flushing the nasal passages of people of all ages, even babies. Please continue reading to find out how to use a saline spray properly.

What are the benefits of using saline nasal sprays?

Saline nasal sprays work by moisturizing the nasal passages. Some benefits of using them include:

Provide relief from nasal dryness caused by rhinitis (allergies), the common cold, flu, and sinus infections.
Thin mucus to relieve nasal congestion and stuffy nose.
Reduce the incidence of nosebleeds due to dryness of the nasal passages.
Clean out dust, dirt, and pollen and help control allergy symptoms.
Relieve dryness caused by the use of devices such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines for sleep apnea.
Reduce snoring in mouth-breathers.
Irrigate and add moisture to the nose after nose surgery.
Clear congestion in young children who are unable to blow their noses.
Provide moisture in the nose in cold and dry climates.
Keep the nose moist in dry indoor environments such as on airplanes.

Saline nasal sprays are sold under brand names such as Ayr and Ocean Nasal Mist. They are available over the counter and contain a sterile saline solution (salt water). Some saline nasal sprays contain preservatives to increase their shelf-life. Therefore, your nose may sting if you use a saline nasal spray that contains a preservative. In that case, using a preservative-free saline nasal spray such as Simply Saline may help.

As mentioned, one of the advantages of saline nasal sprays is that they are non-drug products; therefore, these products can be used in adults, children, and babies with much lower risks for adverse effects compared to medicated nasal sprays. However, nasal sprays can cause coughing and choking in babies; besides, the tips of nasal sprays are too big for their tiny nostrils. Saline drops are a better option for babies. Keep in mind that you should only give saline drops or any other nasal products when the baby is awake to avoid choking.

Does a saline nasal spray work immediately?

You may notice some improvement in your nasal congestion and dryness immediately. However, it can take up to 2 weeks of regular use to get the full benefits of a saline nasal spray.

How to use a saline nasal spray?

Saline nasal sprays come in a squirt bottle, spray bottle, pump bottle, or pressurized canister. Saline nasal drops are also available for use with a bulb syringe. This is useful when administering for a baby or young children as the pressurized canisters and pump bottles can cause coughing and gagging if used too forcefully.

To use the saline nasal spray correctly, read the instructions on the nasal spray container. Here are some general guidelines for using most nasal sprays:

Sit in an upright position and tilt your head forward slightly.
If you are using a pressurized canister, make sure the canister fits snugly in the holder. Shake the canister well before use.
If you are using a pump bottle, you may need to prime it by spraying it a few times into the air until a fine mist comes out.
Before picking up the pump bottle or pressurized canister, gently blow your nose to clear any mucus or debris.
Close one nostril by placing your index and middle fingers against it.
Place the tip of the pressurized canister or pump bottle in the open nostril.
Hold the spray straight, close your mouth, inhale slightly, and simultaneously press the pump spray until it releases the saline solution onto your nasal lining. You may need more than one spray (see instructions on the package).
Repeat in the other nostril.
Don’t blow your nose after using the saline nasal spray.

How many times a day can you use saline nasal spray?

Unlike medicated nasal sprays like Flonase and Afrin, saline nasal sprays do not contain any medication. Therefore, you can use saline sprays as often as needed to relieve congestion and dryness. Using saline nasal spray several times throughout the day usually doesn’t lead to serious adverse effects except for a runny nose in some cases.

Remember that the reason you use a saline nasal spray often dictates how frequently you use this nasal spray. One common example is using a saline nasal spray to prevent dryness due to steroid nasal sprays. Steroid nasal sprays can be used from 2 to 6 times per day; your doctor will provide you with instructions. In this case, you should use one spray of the saline product in each nostril right before using the steroid nasal spray.

What precautions should I take while using a pump spray?

Here are some tips on the correct use of saline nasal sprays:

Do not share your nasal spray canister with others. This can lead to the spread of infections.
Avoid touching the bottle tip to any surface, including your finger or nose, to prevent contamination.
Wash the canister or pump bottle with hot water and wipe it with a clean tissue after use.
Make sure you can sniff air with each nostril before using saline nasal sprays. Otherwise, the medicine will not go into your nose.
Aim straight with the nozzle pointing towards the back of your head. Otherwise, it may cause more irritation.
Stop using the saline nasal spray and call your doctor if your nose hurts or you have a nosebleed. Keep in mind that a slight burning sensation may be caused by preservatives.

Are you supposed to swallow a saline nasal spray?

You are not supposed to swallow saline nasal spray because you will take away the effectiveness of this product by doing so. If you are sucking the solution to the back of your throat and swallowing it, it will not have the opportunity to do what it’s supposed to in your nasal passages. If you feel the urge to swallow after using a nasal spray, try sniffing gently and using a tissue to gently dab the excess fluid from your nose.

Is it OK if a nasal spray goes down the throat?

If a little saline nasal spray goes down your throat, it will not cause any harm. However, you should keep your head upright and use enough force on the pump bottles or pressurized canisters so the saline solution stays in your nose. Avoid tilting your head back when you use the spray.

Can I make my own nasal saline spray?

You can make your own nasal saline spray by mixing 3 teaspoons of kosher salt or non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Store this mixture in an airtight container. Add 1 teaspoon of the salt mix to 1 cup (8 ounces) to boil or distilled water to make the saline solution. Do not use regular tap water. The water should be lukewarm, not hot.

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