What does Saline Nasal Spray Do?
Many saline nasal sprays are sterile saltwater solutions used to provide allergy and sinus relief by flushing pollen, dirt, dust and nasal congestion from the nasal and sinus passages. Some saline sprays, such as ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Nighttime with Eucalyptus, have additional ingredients to help soothe dryness and congestion. Saline nasal sprays can be used alone and with over-the-counter or prescription medicines to help relieve congestion from allergies and colds.
What are Some Types of Nasal Sprays?
There are several types of nasal sprays. Some are only available via prescription, while you can find saline and over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays at your local store. Saline nasal sprays help irrigate and moisturize nasal passages, loosen dry mucus, and flush away irritants. Decongestant nasal sprays have medication that thins enlarged blood cells to treat short-term congestion caused by cold or the flu. Saline nasal sprays are drug-free and can be used any time your nose feels itchy, stuffy or dry.
How to Use Saline Nasal Sprays
Using your saline spray correctly will help relieve nasal irritation and congestion. Conversely, improper use of nasal sprays can render them somewhat ineffective. Follow instructions on the labels to get the full benefit and relief. Some general things to note with using saline nasal sprays:
- Tilt your head to the side over the sink.
- Insert nozzle into one nostril, depressing on the textured area at the base of the nozzle so a gentle mist fills sinus passages and flows out nostrils.
- Repeat first two steps in the other nostril.
What Are the Benefits of Saline Nasal Spray?
Saline nasal sprays can do wonders for your nasal passages and sinuses by reintroducing more moisture to help loosen dry mucus, prevent dry nosebleeds, and soothe dry nasal passages. Using saline nasal sprays properly can also clear the nose of pollen and other allergens.
When Should I Use Saline Nasal Spray?
Saline nasal sprays can be used as often as necessary. They are drug-free, non-addicting, and non-habit-forming. You might use a saline nasal spray seasonally, like in wintertime when indoor air is hot and dry or in spring when pollen levels rise. If you have a cold or flu, saline nasal sprays are doctor-recommended for use with prescription and OTC allergy/cold medications.
Use a saline nasal spray after being outdoors to help flush out pollen and other irritants, or before bed to soothe nasal passages. If you wake up with a crusty nose, try using a saline nasal spray to loosen dried mucus and moisturize the nostrils and sinuses.
Use ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline Daily Care Instant Relief whenever you need instant relief for everyday nasal congestion. When the indoor air gets stuffy in the winter or hayfever season arrives, try ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline Allergy & Sinus, Instant Relief for Seasonal Congestion.
Can Saline Nasal Spray Make Congestion Worse?
No, saline nasal sprays do not make congestion worse. Decongestant nasal sprays can make congestion worse as a result of improper or overuse. The latter can result in a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa, more commonly known as the rebound phenomenon. Conversely, ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ products are safe to use as often as needed.
Can You Use a Saline Nasal Spray and Cold Medicine Together?
You can use many saline nasal spray and cold medicine together. Unlike decongestant nasal sprays, saline nasal sprays do not have medication and irrigate and soothe the nasal passages as opposed to actively thinning blood vessels.
You should avoid using decongestant nasal sprays with cold medicine, however, as they work to reduce congestion in a similar fashion and could make you more susceptible to certain side effects.
Why Is My Nose Stuffy but There’s No Mucus?
Your nose gets stuffy when tissues lining the nasal passages swell because of inflamed blood vessels. Those vessels can swell anytime you’re experiencing allergies, common cold or flu. So, nasal congestion isn’t necessarily about thick mucus buildup, though that does play a role. Saline nasal sprays flush the nasal passages with moisture to help relieve that stuffy feeling.
Why Do I Sometimes Get Congested in One Nostril?
Congestion in a single nostril can happen due to things like side sleeping or having a deviated septum. Persons with deviated septa might experience this form of congestion more often but can safely use saline nasal sprays for relief.
Can Kids Use Saline Nasal Spray?
Saline nasal sprays can be used in adults, children and even babies. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends saline sprays and nose drops for children under 6 years old and advises against using over the counter cough and cold remedies.
ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ JR Nasal Relief is infant-safe and has a comforting mist that helps relieve nasal congestion and flushes dirt, pollen and congestion from the nasal and sinus passages. Best of all, it works for babies of all ages!
What Else are Saline Solutions Used for?
Saline solution is a mixture of salt and water that can be used to help irrigate your nose and clean wounds. ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Wound Wash helps remove dirt and debris from a wound and helps promote healing, while ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline First Aid Antispetic, 3-in-1 helps prevent risk of bacterial contamination in minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
Use Saline Nasal Sprays for Allergy and Sinus Relief
Frustrated by your annual bout of springtime allergies or trying to help your child feel better and get back in the classroom? Saline nasal sprays can help flush your nasal passages and helps provide relief from congestion.
ARM & HAMMER™ Saline Sprays Help to Soothe Dry Nasal Passages
ARM & HAMMER™ has daily, seasonal and nighttime saline nasal sprays that can help you combat congestion and avoid feeling run down by stuffiness:
- ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Extra Strength for Severe Congestion is made with a hypertonic formula that helps naturally relieve severe congestion and sinus pressure associated with allergies, cold, and flu.
- ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Extra Strength Plus with Calming Eucalyptus has a gentle mist that starts working in seconds to help flush out dirt and pollen from the nasal passages.
- ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Nasal Mist Nighttime Extra Strength + Eucalyptus works at nighttime to help relieve severe nasal congestion for a better night's sleep.
