As a basic liquid preparation in the medical field, saline bags (0.9% sodium chloride injection) play a key role in nasal irrigation due to their highly consistent osmotic pressure with human body fluids. Through gentle mechanical irrigation and osmotic pressure regulation, they are an important tool for maintaining nasal health and assisting in the treatment of nasal diseases.
Basic Cleansing Function in Nasal Irrigation
Saline bags are the preferred solution for nasal irrigation. Their core function is to remove foreign matter and secretions from the nasal cavity. Irrigation effectively dilutes and expels dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and purulent secretions from the nasal cavity, reducing their adhesion to the nasal mucosa. For example, for those working in smog or dusty environments, regular nasal irrigation with saline can significantly reduce irritation from foreign matter on the nasal mucosa and prevent symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose caused by dirt accumulation. Its 0.9% sodium concentration matches the osmotic pressure of human plasma, avoiding dehydration or edema of mucosal cells caused by solutions with excessive or low concentrations, ensuring a gentle and non-irritating irritation process.
Adjunctive Therapy for Relieving Nasal Symptoms
Symptomatic Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
For symptoms such as nasal itching, sneezing, and runny nose that occur during pollen season or after exposure to allergens, saline irrigation can reduce the retention of allergens in the nasal cavity, thereby reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions. After irrigation, nasal mucosal swelling and congestion are alleviated, significantly alleviating symptoms. Clinical studies have shown that children with allergic rhinitis and acute rhinosinusitis who combined saline nasal irrigation with medication showed significantly better improvements in scores for symptoms such as ocular congestion, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching after three weeks of treatment compared to those treated with medication alone.
Adjunctive Treatment of Sinusitis
In the treatment of sinusitis, saline irrigation can dilute purulent secretions in the nasal cavity, promote sinus drainage, and reduce the growth of bacteria and viruses. For patients with chronic sinusitis, regular irrigation can reduce the risk of secondary infections and relieve headaches and facial pressure. Saline irrigation can also be used by patients undergoing sinus surgery to clear wound secretions, reduce scab formation, promote mucosal repair, and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
Moisturizing and Repairing Dry Rhinitis
People who spend extended periods in air-conditioned environments or dry climates are prone to dehydration and cracking of the nasal mucosa, leading to bleeding. Saline irrigation can moisturize the dry nasal mucosa, relieve nasal discomfort caused by dryness, and reduce the risk of bleeding. Its gentle moisturizing effect maintains a moist environment within the nasal mucosa, promotes ciliary movement, and strengthens the mucosal defenses.
Barrier Function in Preventing Respiratory Infections
Saline irrigation can reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections by reducing the colonization of viruses and bacteria in the nasal cavity. During flu season or after contact with an infected person, regular nasal irrigation can promptly eliminate pathogens and strengthen the mucosal defenses. Studies have shown that people who regularly use saline nasal irrigation have an approximately 30% lower incidence of colds compared to those who do not. Furthermore, saline irrigation can reduce the accumulation of blood crusts and secretions for postoperative nasal care, prevent infection, and promote wound healing.
Enhanced Drug Absorption
For patients who require nasal sprays or drops, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline beforehand can remove obstructions such as secretions and crusts, increase the contact area between the drug and the mucosa, and thus enhance drug absorption. For example, before using a glucocorticoid nasal spray for allergic rhinitis, rinsing with saline prior to use can more evenly distribute the drug across the nasal mucosa, improving the therapeutic effect.
Key Points and Precautions for Nasal Irrigation
Solution Selection: Use sterile saline bags or solutions prepared with specialized nasal irrigation salts. Avoid using tap water or unsterilized water sources to prevent pathogen infection.
Water Temperature Control: The irrigation solution should be close to body temperature (35-37°C). Excessively cold or hot water can irritate the nasal mucosa and cause discomfort.
Tools Used: A neti pot, syringe, or specialized nasal irrigation spray device can be used. During nasal irrigation, keep your head tilted forward 30 degrees and breathe through your mouth to avoid choking. After rinsing, gently wipe any remaining liquid from the external nasal cavity to avoid forceful nasal blowing that may damage the mucosa.
Frequency Adjustment: It is generally recommended to rinse 1-2 times daily, and the frequency can be increased if symptoms are severe. During long-term irrigation, care should be taken to maintain a healthy nasal flora balance and avoid excessive cleaning.
Contraindications: Nasal bleeding or acute otitis media should be discontinued. Children should be supervised to prevent aspiration or choking.
The use of saline bags in nasal irrigation demonstrates their core value as a "basic medical resource." From daily cleaning to adjunctive treatment, from symptom relief to infection prevention, they protect nasal health in a gentle, safe, and effective manner. With the increasing incidence of nasal diseases, mastering the correct saline irrigation technique has become a crucial tool for improving quality of life and preventing respiratory illnesses. Whether you are suffering from allergic rhinitis, post-sinusitis surgery, or working in polluted environments, the scientific use of saline bags can proactively manage nasal health.
