Saline nasal drops and sprays are non-medicated solutions composed of sterile salt and water, primarily used to support nasal hygiene. The solution typically mirrors the body’s natural salt concentration, known as isotonic saline, making it gentle for delicate nasal tissues. Saline works by moisturizing dry nasal passages and helps to thin and loosen thick mucus. By thinning secretions, saline facilitates the natural process of clearing the nose, which helps remove environmental irritants, debris, and allergens.
Preparing for Safe Administration
Before introducing any solution into the nasal passages, practicing strict hygiene is necessary to prevent contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the transfer of bacteria or viruses to the product applicator. Always inspect the product’s packaging for a “use-by” date, as the sterility and stability of the solution are only guaranteed up to this point.
Over-the-counter saline is generally safe, but products vary between drops (delivering a few milliliters) and sprays (delivering a fine mist or stream). Saline may also vary in concentration; hypertonic solutions (higher salt content) offer a greater decongestant effect but can sometimes cause mild stinging. For infants and toddlers, drops are preferred because spray nozzles can be too large or aggressive for smaller nostrils. Ensure the dropper or spray tip is clean before each use and never touch it to the inside of the nose to avoid introducing contaminants back into the bottle.
Step-by-Step Guide for Infants and Toddlers
Administering drops to a non-cooperative infant requires a gentle, secure technique to ensure the solution reaches the mucus membranes. Lay the child on their back on a flat surface, or hold them securely in your lap with their head slightly extended backward. This horizontal or slightly tilted position allows gravity to help the drops flow correctly into the nasal passage rather than running out immediately.
If the child is squirming, a second person may be needed to gently stabilize their head and arms to prevent accidental injury from the dropper. Place the dropper tip just inside the nostril opening, being careful not to insert it too deeply or touch the nasal wall. Typically, two to four drops are administered into each nostril; always refer to the manufacturer’s directions or a pediatrician’s recommendation.
After applying the drops, keep the child reclined for 30 to 60 seconds to allow the saline to soften and break down the thick mucus. Following this brief wait, a clean bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can be used to gently suction the loosened secretions from the nose. Clearing the airway before feeding is beneficial, as it helps the infant breathe more easily while nursing or taking a bottle.
Technique for Older Children and Adults
Older children and adults generally use saline sprays or rinses, which are best applied while sitting or standing upright. Before application, gently blow the nose to remove any loose mucus or debris that could block the solution’s path. Tilt the head slightly forward over a sink; this helps prevent the solution from draining immediately down the throat.
Insert the tip of the spray bottle into one nostril and aim the nozzle slightly toward the back of the head, pointing away from the septum (the center dividing wall of the nose). While gently closing the other nostril with a finger, press the pump while simultaneously inhaling a soft, slow breath through the nose. This action draws the mist deeper into the nasal cavity, maximizing its cleansing and moisturizing effect.
Repeat the process in the opposite nostril, ensuring the nozzle is cleaned between uses to prevent cross-contamination. Avoid blowing the nose forcefully immediately after spraying, as this can expel the solution before it has had a chance to work. If using a rinse bottle or neti pot, the technique requires a greater head tilt to the side, allowing the solution to flow in one nostril and out the other.
Usage Frequency and Storage Guidelines
Saline drops and sprays are non-habit-forming and can be used as often as necessary to manage dryness or congestion. A frequency of two to six times daily is common during periods of illness. For routine nasal hygiene, once or twice a day may be sufficient, particularly after exposure to allergens or dry environments. Using the solution more than six times a day, especially for infants, can sometimes lead to irritation or dryness around the nasal opening.
To maintain the product’s integrity and prevent the introduction of harmful microorganisms, proper storage is necessary. Commercial saline bottles should be kept at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight, and never shared between individuals. Once a multi-dose bottle is opened, it becomes susceptible to contamination; manufacturers recommend discarding it within 30 to 90 days, regardless of the printed expiration date. If the applicator tip contacts the nose, rinse it with hot water before recapping, and discard the product immediately if the solution appears cloudy or discolored.