Nasal irrigation is an important tool for daily care and adjunctive treatment of diseases. Choosing the right rinse solution is key. Different rinse solutions can alleviate nasal congestion, reduce inflammation, and remove allergens through physical flushing, osmotic regulation, or pharmacological effects.
Normal saline solution
Normal saline solution is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution with an osmotic pressure consistent with human body fluids, making it the "gold standard" for nasal irrigation. It physically flushes away secretions, dust, and allergens from the nasal cavity while keeping the mucosa moist and preventing dryness and irritation.
Usage scenarios:
Daily nasal cleansing (e.g., during smog and after pollen season);
Adjunctive treatment for chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis;
Postoperative nasal care (e.g., after septal deviation correction);
Advantages: Non-irritating and long-term use; low cost; and can be homemade (with strict sterilization).
Note: The water temperature should be close to body temperature during nasal irrigation to avoid hot or cold stimulation that can trigger mucosal contraction.
Hypertonic saline
Hypertonic saline refers to a solution with a sodium chloride concentration greater than 0.9% (usually 2%-3%). Its osmotic pressure is higher than that of nasal mucosal fluid. It absorbs water from swollen mucosa through osmosis, quickly relieving nasal congestion.
Usage scenarios:
Acute rhinitis and sinusitis episodes (severe nasal congestion, thick secretions)
Nasal congestion and runny nose at the beginning of a cold
Advantages: Rapid onset and may shorten the duration of illness.
Risks: Long-term use may cause mucosal dryness, bleeding, and even disrupt ciliary function. It is recommended that single use should not exceed 7 days. Switch to normal saline after symptoms resolve.
Sea salt water/physiological seawater
Sea salt water is a solution extracted from natural seawater, retaining minerals and trace elements such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Physiological seawater is artificially formulated to mimic the composition of seawater. Both have mild antibacterial properties and promote mucosal repair. Suitable for:
Allergic rhinitis (relieves mucosal congestion and repairs the nasal barrier)
Chronic sinusitis (reduces crust formation and improves ciliary motility)
Children's nasal care (gentler than saline)
Advantages: Mineral ingredients enhance mucosal resistance. Some products contain buffers (such as sodium bicarbonate) to neutralize acidic secretions and reduce irritation.
Choice Recommendation: Prefer preservative-free formulas to avoid allergies in sensitive individuals.
Specialized Irrigants
Commercially available specialized irrigants typically contain buffers (such as phosphates), mucolytics (such as ambroxol), or antibacterial ingredients (such as povidone-iodine). Formulas can be optimized for specific needs. For example:
Buffered saline solutions: By adjusting the pH to a slightly alkaline level, they inhibit bacterial growth and are suitable for sinusitis patients.
Corticosteroid irrigants: Such as beclomethasone dipropionate irrigants, can provide local anti-inflammatory effects, but dosage must be carefully controlled to avoid systemic absorption.
Choice Recommendation: Prefer products with a single ingredient and no added hormones or antibiotics to avoid drug resistance caused by long-term use.
Homemade Nasal Rinse
For those seeking value, you can make your own nasal rinse using the following recipe:
Basic: 250ml warm water + 2.25g non-iodized salt (about half a beer bottle cap), stir well, and use.
Advanced: Add 0.5g baking soda to the basic solution to adjust the pH to neutral to reduce irritation.
Key Points:
Use warm water that has been boiled and then cooled to avoid bacterial contamination.
The amount of salt must be accurately measured; excessive amounts can lead to hypertonicity, while insufficient amounts can lead to hypotonicity.
Homemade solutions must be used the same day to prevent spoilage.
Choose Scientifically and Use Rationally
The selection of nasal rinse solutions should follow the principle of "individualized and phased":
Daily Care: Prefer normal saline or sea salt water, 1-2 times daily.
Acute Attacks: Use hypertonic saline for a short period of time (≤7 days) in conjunction with medication.
Special Populations: Children, pregnant women, and those with hypertension should consult a doctor to avoid irritating ingredients or osmotic imbalances.
By choosing the right irrigation solution, you can significantly improve the health of your nasal cavity, but please note: irrigation is only an auxiliary means. If the symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention in time to find out the cause.
