Using a Saline Nasal Spray: A Step-by-Step Guide

A saline nasal spray is a mixture of sterile water and 0.9% sodium chloride (salt) that you can spray up your nostrils to flush out pollen, dust, and other allergens from your nasal passages (the open spaces behind your nose). The spray relieves allergy symptoms and helps to prevent sinus infections.

Saline nasal spray can also help lubricate your nasal passages, reduce inflammation, and remove excess mucus (snot). It is generally safe to use 3-4 times daily or as directed by your healthcare provider to relieve your symptoms.

There are several different types of nasal sprays. Some sprays focus on alleviating certain symptoms more than others. Common types of nasal sprays include saline, nasal decongestant, anticholinergic, and antihistamine sprays.

Saline Nasal Spray

A saline nasal spray can relieve chronic (long-lasting) or acute (short-term) sinusitis (sinus infections) or allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever).

Sinusitis is inflammation caused by a fluid build-up in your sinuses. You may feel this build-up as pressure behind your face. Saline nasal sprays prevent sniffling and congestion by thinning out and removing excess mucus from your nasal passages.

Allergic rhinitis is a group of symptoms that may also cause discomfort in your nose when you breathe in allergens such as dust, dander, and pollen. To treat allergic rhinitis, saline nasal sprays rinse allergens like dust and pollen from your nostrils.

Nasal Decongestant Sprays

Nasal relief sprays, such as Afrin (oxymetazoline), temporarily relieve nasal congestion (stuffy nose) by constricting your nasal blood vessels to reduce swelling and stuffiness.

Avoid using nasal relief sprays for more than three consecutive days. Using them too often can cause inflammation in your nostrils, also known as the rebound nasal congestion effect.

Nasal Anticholinergic Sprays

Anticholinergic nasal sprays can help prevent a runny nose caused by allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. This type of nasal spray blocks acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that stimulates nasal mucus secretion). Some common side effects include dry mouth or a bad taste in your mouth.

Nasal Antihistamine Sprays

Nasal antihistamine sprays prevent the release of histamine (a chemical from your immune system that causes allergy symptoms) and open up the airways in your lungs to prevent allergy symptoms. The most common side effect is a bitter taste.

This type of nasal spray is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a prescription. Types of nasal antihistamine sprays include azelastine (brand names include Astepro and Astelin) and olopatadine (brand names include Pazeo and Pataday).

Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays

Nasal corticosteroid sprays help make breathing easier by reducing inflammation in your nasal passages. Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is a common nasal corticosteroid spray for treating occasional allergy symptoms.

These types of sprays reduce mucus production, swelling, and nasal congestion. Nasal corticosteroid sprays can also help treat allergic rhinitis and noncancerous nasal polyps (tissue growths) in the lining of your nasal passage.

You can typically use this type of nasal spray daily, but check with your healthcare provider about how often to use it based on the severity of your symptoms. Some brands of nasal corticosteroid sprays may require a prescription.

Consult your healthcare provider if you experience throat irritation, frequent sneezing, or any other symptoms of discomfort.

For people with seasonal allergies, nasal sprays can help relieve a runny nose or temporary congestion. A spray can lubricate dry nasal passages while clearing congestion from your airways and lungs.

If you don’t have seasonal allergies, nasal sprays can still help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis by removing allergens from your nasal and sinus cavities. This makes breathing easier and reduces swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages.

There are various levels of spray intensity depending on the brand you purchase. Sprays with a very low volume typically disperse less than 5 milliliters (mL) of medication per nostril. Low-volume sprays distribute 5-59 mL per nostril, while high-volume sprays can distribute up to 60 mL or greater per nostril.

Here are some steps for using most saline nasal sprays effectively:

Tilt your head sideways to the left and breathe in through your mouthGently squeeze the nasal spray into one of your nostrilsIf necessary, adjust the tilt of your head to keep the saline solution from going into your throat or earsRepeat the same steps on your other nostrilBlow your nose after a few minutes to remove any remaining mucus or water

You can make your own saline nasal spray at home using a mixture of sterile water, salt, and baking soda. This mixture can then be sprayed into the nose using a bulb syringe or neti pot.

A neti pot is a small, teapot-like container with a long, built-in spout that can be inserted inside your nostrils. You can find neti pots at most pharmacies.

Measure all of your ingredients before mixing them together into a saline spray. To make your own saline nasal spray, gather the following ingredients:

1 teaspoon (tsp), or 5 grams (g), of canning or pickling salt (without iodine)A pinch of baking soda2 cups (0.5 liters) of warm, distilled, filtered, or boiling water

Before making your own nasal solution, consult your healthcare provider about whether you may need a prescribed medication instead.

Studies show there are typically no side effects of saline nasal spray when used properly. However, each brand may list out potential symptoms like itchiness, nasal dryness, or sore throat that may occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the nasal spray immediately and speak with a healthcare provider about next steps.

When using a neti pot or bulb syringe, thoroughly clean and dry them between each use. If your nasal passages are completely blocked, avoid using a nasal spray. This can potentially damage your nasal passages by aggravating the blood vessels around them.

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors and sinus specialists focus on treating symptoms caused by inflammation in your sinuses.

If you experience any of the below symptoms, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider:

Some symptoms include:Persistent nasal congestionFever or sinus painGreen or yellow nasal discharge

Consult your healthcare provider if you notice your symptoms are not improving after weeks of use. Certain types of nasal sprays can take up to four weeks to treat allergic rhinitis before you see symptom improvements.

A Quick Review

Saline nasal spray is a mixture of sterile water and 0.9% sodium chloride that is commonly used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis and sinus infections. It flushes out allergens such as pollen, dander, and dust from your nasal passages.

Using saline nasal sprays is a short-term solution to congestion. Avoid using a nasal spray if your nasal passages are completely clogged. If you do not see your symptoms improve after three weeks, consult your healthcare provider.