The nasal cavity, as the first line of defense in the human respiratory system, filters tens of thousands of liters of dust, allergens, and pathogens from the air daily. When the nasal mucosa experiences increased secretions and swelling due to inflammation, allergies, or environmental irritants, nasal irrigation becomes an important means of relieving symptoms. Its core principle is to remove harmful substances from the nasal cavity and restore the balance of the nasal microenvironment through physical flushing and chemical action.
Basic Ingredients
Core Ingredient: Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Physiological saline (0.9% sodium chloride solution) is the basic formula for nasal irrigation. Its osmotic pressure is consistent with human blood plasma, avoiding irritation to the nasal mucosa. Clinical studies have shown that 0.9% isotonic saline effectively removes nasal secretions without causing mucosal edema or dehydration. For example, brands like NasalNut use purified water to prepare physiological saline, ensuring safety through aseptic production processes, making it suitable for nasal cleaning in patients with rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, and during colds.
Hypertonic Saline (1.5%-3% Sodium Chloride)
In cases of acute sinusitis or severe nasal congestion, 3% hypertonic saline can rapidly reduce mucosal edema by promoting the outward displacement of intracellular fluid due to osmotic pressure difference. However, it should be noted that hypertonic saline solutions above 7% may cause ciliary arrest; therefore, clinical recommendations suggest short-term use (no more than 7 days) under the guidance of a doctor. For example, Nasal Nox hypertonic saline spray (2.2% concentration) promotes mucosal repair while reducing swelling by adding trace elements such as zinc and manganese.
Functional Enhancement Ingredients
Physiological Seawater vs. Hypertonic Seawater
Natural seawater, after extraction, retains trace elements such as zinc, copper, and manganese, forming "physiological seawater" or "hypertonic seawater." Among them:
Zinc: Inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes, reducing allergic reactions;
Copper: Destroys bacterial cell membranes through oxidation, exerting antibacterial effects;
Manganese: Regulates immune cell activity, enhancing mucosal barrier function.
Clinical data shows that physiological saline nasal sprays improve nasal congestion and runny nose symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis by 72%, significantly better than simple saline solution. For example, the French Gifrer physiological saline nasal spray uses deep-sea seawater extraction technology, and its trace element ratio is closer to the human nasal cavity environment.
Buffered Salt Solutions
Some irrigation solutions add sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) or citrate to maintain a slightly acidic environment with a pH of 5.5-6.5. This design is based on two points: Nasal secretions have a pH of 5.6-6.5, and a slightly acidic environment can enhance the bactericidal activity of lysozyme; Slightly alkaline solutions (such as those containing sodium bicarbonate) are more effective at removing bacterial biofilms, especially suitable for patients with chronic sinusitis.
For example, a certain brand of isotonic buffered salt solution adds 0.1% sodium bicarbonate to stabilize the pH of the irrigation solution at 6.0, effectively reducing the risk of postoperative infection.
Special Purpose Ingredients
Compound Nasal Irrigation Solutions
For complex nasal conditions, irrigation solutions may contain multiple ingredients:
Sodium citrate + citric acid: Softens crusts and promotes secretion drainage through chelation;
Corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone dipropionate): Inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators, suitable for patients with severe rhinitis;
Moisturizing factors (e.g., hyaluronic acid): Relieves nasal dryness after irrigation, improving comfort.
For example, Boruisikang nasal irrigation solution uses a proprietary formula; the addition of hyaluronic acid reduced the incidence of nasal dryness from 35% to 12%.
Safe Auxiliary Ingredients
To ensure the sterility and stability of the irrigation solution, some products may contain the following ingredients:
Benzalkonium chloride: As a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, it inhibits microbial growth, but the concentration must be strictly controlled (≤0.01%) to avoid mucosal irritation;
EDTA-2Na: Chelates metal ions, preventing deterioration of the irrigation solution and extending its shelf life.
For example, a certain brand of children's nasal irrigation solution adds 0.005% benzalkonium chloride, ensuring safety while achieving long-term storage.
Key Principles of Ingredient Selection
Osmotic Pressure Matching: Isotonic solutions (0.9% NaCl) should be preferred to avoid irritation to the mucous membranes by hypertonic or hypotonic solutions;
pH Control: A slightly acidic environment (5.5-6.5) is more in line with the physiological characteristics of the nasal cavity, but adjustments need to be made according to the type of disease;
Simplified Ingredients: Avoid adding irritating substances such as iodine and alcohol to prevent allergies or ciliary damage;
Individualized Adaptation: Children, pregnant women, and postoperative patients should choose physiological saline without added drugs. Hypertonic saline can be used for short periods for those with severe nasal congestion.
The composition design of nasal irrigation solutions must balance cleaning efficiency and mucosal protection. From basic sodium chloride to functionally enhanced trace elements, to compound preparations and safe auxiliary ingredients, each type of ingredient works synergistically to address specific nasal problems.
