In daily life, nasal hygiene has gradually become a health concern for many people. For those suffering from rhinitis, sinusitis, or those chronically affected by air pollution, nasal irrigation is considered a simple and effective adjunctive treatment. However, when people try to prepare their own nasal irrigation solution using regular table salt, they may fall into health misconceptions by ignoring the risks associated with its ingredients.
Composition of Ordinary Table Salt
The Hidden Presence of Additives
Commercially available table salt (such as refined salt and iodized salt) commonly contains the following additives to meet processing, storage, and nutritional needs:
Anti-caking agents: Such as potassium ferrocyanide and ferric ammonium citrate, used to prevent salt particles from clumping. Although national regulations stipulate that their addition levels meet safety standards, direct contact with the nasal mucosa may cause local irritation, leading to sneezing, itching, or even allergic reactions.
Iodides: Potassium iodate or potassium iodide in iodized salt can prevent iodine deficiency disorders, but excessive intake may interfere with thyroid function. The nasal mucosa absorbs iodine much more efficiently than the digestive tract, and long-term use may increase the burden on the thyroid gland.
Bleaching agents and heavy metal residues: Some table salt is bleached with sulfur dioxide during the refining process, or may contain residual heavy metals such as lead and mercury due to raw material contamination. These substances, after being absorbed through the nasal mucosa, may accumulate in the body, posing potential harm to the nervous and immune systems.
Differences in Purity and Particle Size
Medical nasal rinse salts need to reach "injection-grade" purity, with fine and uniform particles. Ordinary table salt, on the other hand, has coarser particles and may leave tiny crystals after dissolving. These crystals may scratch the nasal mucosa and damage the cilia structure during rinsing, thus worsening inflammation.
Three Major Health Risks of Nasal Irrigation with Regular Salt
Mucosal Irritation and Allergic Reactions
Anti-caking agents and iodides may directly irritate the nasal mucosa, causing the following symptoms:
Acute Reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, and burning pain in the nasal cavity immediately after rinsing, similar to an allergic rhinitis attack;
Chronic Damage: Long-term use may lead to dryness and crusting of the mucosa, and even develop into atrophic rhinitis, resulting in symptoms such as decreased sense of smell and headaches.
Case Study: A patient developed goiter and hyperthyroidism due to long-term use of iodized salt for nasal irrigation. Examination confirmed that this was related to excessive iodine absorption.
Increased Risk of Infection
Ordinary table salt cannot guarantee a sterile production environment. If containers or water become contaminated during preparation, pathogens such as bacteria and fungi may be introduced. Damage to the nasal mucosa makes these microorganisms more susceptible to colonization and reproduction, leading to:
Acute sinusitis: Increased purulent discharge, accompanied by fever and facial tenderness;
Fungal rhinitis: Long-term use may induce Aspergillus infection, resulting in black nasal crusts and bloody discharge.
Interference with Physiological Functions
The nasal mucosa is an important immune barrier in the human body, and its osmotic pressure, pH value, and microbial community need to maintain a dynamic balance. Solutions prepared with ordinary table salt may:
Disrupt osmotic pressure: Excessive concentration leads to cell dehydration and weakened ciliary movement; insufficient concentration fails to effectively remove secretions.
Alter pH value: Ordinary table salt solutions are mostly weakly acidic, which may disrupt the acidic environment of the nasal cavity, weakening its defense against pathogens.
Disrupt the microbial community: Rinsing may wash away beneficial bacteria, creating conditions for pathogenic bacteria to colonize.
Scientific Alternatives
Choose Specialized Nasal Wash Salts
Medical nasal wash salts (such as physiological seawater saline and isotonic saline) undergo strict aseptic processing, have a single composition (containing only sodium chloride), and have fine particles. Their advantages include:
No additives: Avoids irritating ingredients such as anti-caking agents and iodides;
Precise concentration: Typically a 0.9% isotonic solution, consistent with the osmotic pressure of human body fluids;
Suitable pH value: Close to the natural environment of the nasal cavity, reducing interference with the mucous membrane.
Using Ready-Made Nasal Wash
If it's inconvenient to prepare your own, you can directly purchase pre-filled physiological saline sprays or nasal washes. These products offer:
Sterile packaging: Avoids the risk of contamination during preparation;
Gentle ingredients: Contains minerals (such as magnesium and calcium) to help repair mucous membranes;
Convenient to use: Suitable for children, the elderly, or for carrying when out and about.
Operating Procedures and Precautions
Water Temperature Control: Use warm water at 35-37℃ to avoid irritating the mucous membranes with excessively cold or hot water;
Tool Disinfection: The nasal irrigator should be boiled daily for disinfection to prevent bacterial growth;
Appropriate Frequency: 1-2 times daily during the acute phase, 2-3 times weekly during the chronic phase. Avoid excessive irrigation;
Contraindications: Individuals with acute nasal bleeding, otitis media, or severe nasal septum deviation should consult a doctor.
While regular table salt is a common condiment, its composition and production standards make it unsuitable for nasal cleaning. The presence of anti-caking agents, iodides, and potential contaminants can irritate the mucous membranes, cause infection, and interfere with physiological functions, thus worsening nasal problems. For proper nasal irrigation, choose specialized nasal rinse salts or commercially available nasal rinse solutions and strictly follow the recommended operating procedures.
