Can Saline Spray Help with Your Sinus Infection?

Facial pressure and pain, pounding headaches, and congestion are all typical hallmarks of a sinus infection, which is also known as sinusitis. There are many treatments available both OTC and by prescription, but how exactly does saline spray help sinus infections?

Common Causes of Sinus Infections

Some of us get a sinus infection occasionally, while others find they are a chronic problem. According to research conducted by a sinus specialist in Boston, compared to patients with other chronic conditions like heart failure and back pain, those patients that suffer with sinusitis report the highest level of pain, and the lowest level of social function. They have problems working, and it affects both their energy level and mental health.

The sinus cavity, located between the eyes and nose, acts as a filter for the air we breathe before it reaches the lungs. There is always bacteria in the nose and it’s mostly harmless, but should the lining of the sinus cavity and nose come in contact with certain bacteria, a virus, or an allergen, they can become swollen, inflamed, and congested. The result is a back-up of mucus and lack of drainage.

If the nose is too dry and no mucus is flowing, this can also trigger a sinus infection.

How Is Saline Spray Beneficial for Sinus Infections?

To be clear, using saline will help soothe irritated sinuses and may help prevent future sinus infections, but it does not treat the infection. Sinus issues are susceptible to changes in the weather, the humidity, and climate. Those who fly frequently should take special care as altitude also affects sinus issues.

Saline will reduce the thick mucus secretions in the sinuses and nose and help wash away particles, allergens, and germs.

Saline sprays are not habit forming and can be used multiple times a day to aid in the healing process and to alleviate symptoms especially if you are prone to chronic sinus infections.

Promoting Nasal Irrigation

To reduce sinusitis symptoms, blow your nose prior to using a saline solution. Spray two times in each nostril with your head leaning backwards to reduce swelling and maintain moisture.

You can make your own saline solution by mixing one half teaspoon of non iodized salt with a half teaspoon of baking soda and two cups of water. You can also purchase over-the-counter saline solutions and sprays to irrigate your nasal passages and sinuses.

Other methods to help prevent sinus infections or to aid with symptoms:

• Purchase a Neti-Pot from any pharmacy to irrigate the sinuses and nose.
• Regularly inhale steam either with long hot showers or by filling a bowl with hot water and inhaling the steam with a towel over the head.
• Use a humidifier. It helps in winter with dry forced air heating, and in summer with air conditioning.
• Avoid dry environments.
• Elevate your head when sleeping.
• Be cautious with antihistamines as they are habit forming.

Request an Appointment Today!

Contact Coastal ENT by calling (912) 355-2335 if you continue to have sinus problems or suffer with chronic sinusitis. Our board-certified otolaryngologists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating sinus conditions. Schedule an appointment at our office in Savannah or Pooler, GA today!

APPOINTMENTS

Will nasal spray relieve my allergies, runny nose, congestion and other sinus issues?

Saline sprays, corticosteroids, antihistamines and decongestants – oh, my! There are several over-the-counter and prescription nasal sprays on the market. Knowing which one to use – and how – is key to ensuring you get the best results, whether you’re dealing with allergies, a sinus infection or a cold. Below, we explain the different types of nasal sprays and how to use them.

Types of nasal sprays

Nasal spray works by spraying medication or saline directly into your nose to relieve congestion and symptoms of seasonal allergies, sinus infections or the common cold.

Options include:

1. Saline spray – Saline nasal sprays contain a mixture of water and salt. They are designed to lubricate and flush out nasal passages, relieving nasal dryness, nosebleeds and congestion associated with seasonal allergies or other conditions. They do not contain medication, making them safe for people of all ages, including anyone pregnant or nursing. They are also an excellent option for people with nose piercings. Unlike other nasal sprays, saline sprays can be used regularly since they don’t contain medication.
2. Corticosteroid – A nasal corticosteroid, or nasal steroid, is a medication sprayed into your nose to relieve stuffiness, irritation or discomfort associated with allergies and other sinus problems. Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. The recommended dosage for adults and children 12 years or older is two sprays in each nostril one to two times a day for up to four weeks. 
3. Antihistamine – Antihistamines work to suppress allergy symptoms – like a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes – by blocking the effects of histamine. However, they only have a modest effect on congestion, which is why they’re often combined with other treatments. They may also cause drowsiness. Most are safe to use when pregnant or nursing, but it’s best to check with your doctor first. 
4. Decongestant – Decongestant nasal sprays shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues to relieve congestion, but they can’t help with sneezing or itching. Many are available without a prescription. However, they are not intended for children under 12 or anyone pregnant or nursing. Additionally, you should not use decongestants for more than three days in a row, as frequent use can cause rebound congestion.

How to use nasal spray

Below are directions for using a pump-bottle nasal spray correctly:

1. Blow your nose gently to remove mucus.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water.
3. Gently shake the bottle of nasal spray and remove the cap.
4. Tilt your head back slightly.
5. Plug one nostril by gently pressing against the side of your nose with your finger.
6. Gently insert the tip of the nasal spray bottle into the other nostril.
7. Point the tip toward the back, outer side of your nose. Make sure to direct the spray straight back, not up into the tip of your nose, as it can injure your nose.
8. Squeeze the nasal spray bottle as you slowly breathe in the liquid.
9. Remove the nasal spray bottle from your nose and exhale through your mouth.
10.  Repeat these steps for your other nostril if needed.
11. Wipe the tip of the nasal spray with a tissue or alcohol pad, and then reapply the cap.
12. Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose immediately after using the nasal spray.

When used correctly, nasal sprays should not cause nosebleeds. As mentioned above, inserting the tip in the wrong direction could injure your nose. If you experience a nosebleed, you should contact your doctor to ensure you’re using the product correctly. Additionally, the solution should not drip down your nose or the back of your throat. However, some nasal sprays can leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you experience this, try taking a sip of water or juice to diminish the aftertaste.

A rebound effect can occur if you use over-the-counter nasal decongestants regularly. After a few days of using this type of nasal spray, your nose may become less responsive to the medication. As a result, you may need to use more of it to control your congestion. Your congestion may also worsen if you stop using the medication. Some people may mistake this rebound effect for addiction, but it isn’t.

Choosing the right nasal spray for your condition

If you’re not sure which nasal spray is right for you; it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. Otolaryngologists, also known as ear, nose and throat specialists or ENT doctors, are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat conditions. Depending on your situation, they may recommend a combination of nasal treatments to relieve your symptoms. In any case, it’s important to understand the recommended protocol to ensure you get the best results.

“Unfortunately, some patients who are prescribed nasal steroids in conjunction with saline sprays mistakenly use the steroids first,” says Tony Richa, MD, Nebraska Medicine head and neck surgeon. “It’s important to use the saline spray first, then follow with the steroid. If you use the spray after the steroid, you’re essentially washing out the medication, which defeats the purpose.”

Bottom line: If you’re unsure about what to use for your health condition or are wondering if you should see a doctor, we’re here to help. Call our ENT team at 402.922.0000.

Is it allergies, COVID-19 or something else? What your mucus might mean

“There’s a lot of people suffering from sinus disease. Your sinus health is important to address, and impacts your well-being and quality of life. Don’t wait to come in, because there are things we can do to help you. ”

Read More

How to stop my winter nosebleed

The cold, dry winter air can wreak havoc on our bodies in a number of ways — dry, itchy skin, cracked lips and even nosebleeds. Christie Barnes, MD, ear, nose and throat specialist at Nebraska Medicine, offers tips to help reduce the occurrence of nosebleeds.

Read More

How to Determine if You have a Cold or Allergies

Doctor Timothy Knudsen explains how to know whether you have a cold or allergies.

Read More

Treatment and prevention of chronic sinusitis

The criteria for the effectiveness of the treatment of chronic sinusitis are:

• Reduction of sinus inflammation
• Improving the patency of the nasal passages
• Reducing the number of exacerbations of sinusitis
• Elimination of the underlying cause of the disease

Medical treatment . Your doctor may recommend medication to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. For example, drugs such as:

• Nasal Saline Spray . Which needs to be injected into the nose several times a day to flush the nasal passages.
• Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays can prevent or eliminate inflammation.
• Oral or injectable corticosteroids. These drugs are designed to reduce inflammation caused by severe sinusitis, especially if you have nasal polyps. Examples of drugs are pridnisolone and methylprednisolone. With long-term use of oral corticosteroids, serious side effects can occur, so they are usually taken only to relieve the symptoms of severe asthma.
• Decongestants. These medicines are available without a prescription, including nasal drops and sprays. They can only be used for a few days, otherwise they can increase the swelling of the mucous membrane or lead to a condition known as the “addict’s nose”, when a larger dose is required to reduce nasal congestion.
• Over-the-counter painkillers. For example, aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others). Children should not be given aspirin.
• Antibiotics. Antibiotics are sometimes needed to treat chronic sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection. However, non-bacterial chronic sinusitis cannot be treated with antibiotics. To treat an exacerbation of chronic sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as: amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, etc.), doxycycline (Dorix, Monodox, etc.), macrolides (Klacid, Sumamed, etc.) and the combination drug trimethoprim -sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, etc.). If the nature of the infection is undetermined or the sinusitis recurs, the doctor may prescribe a different antibiotic. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics for you, you need to complete the full course of treatment. This means that you need to take them for 10 to 14 days, even if the condition has already improved. If antibiotics are stopped prematurely, symptoms may return.
• Immunotherapy. If your sinusitis is accompanied by allergies, you can try allergen-specific immunotherapy, which will reduce the body’s response to allergens and help improve the condition.

Maxillary sinus puncture or treatment without puncture using YAMIK catheter. The principle of treatment with the YAMIK sinus catheter is to periodically create either negative or positive pressure in the nasal passage. The alternation of negative and positive pressure leads to pumping out and evacuation of purulent accumulations from the paranasal sinuses.

Surgical treatment

In cases where conservative treatment fails, endoscopic surgery is performed. To perform this procedure, the doctor uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a video camera and a light) to look at the nasal passages. Further, depending on the nature of the obstruction, the doctor can use various tools to remove tissues or eliminate polyps that block the discharge of contents from the paranasal sinuses.

When performing surgical treatment of the nasal cavity and sinuses, we adhere to the concept of Walter Messerklinger, which in recent years has grown into a whole surgical direction (Functional Endonasal Sinus Surgery, FESS). Functional endonasal (through the nostril) microsurgery is based on the principle of sparing surgical intervention in specific areas. With this approach, with a shaver (microrazor), only affected or abnormally located tissues are removed with the maximum preservation of the “healthy” mucous membrane. The goal of surgical treatment, in FESS surgery, is to restore the natural ventilation-drainage pathways (acoustia).

Prevention of chronic sinusitis

Avoid upper respiratory infections. Minimize contact with people who have a cold. Wash your hands frequently with soap, especially before eating.

If available, track and manage your allergies.

Avoid smoky and polluted rooms. Tobacco smoke and other pollutants can cause irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages and lungs.

Use humidifiers. If the air in your home is dry, such as an air heater, using humidifiers can help prevent sinusitis. Keep the appliance clean and free of mold.

More detailed information about the treatment and prevention of chronic sinusitis can be obtained from the otolaryngologists of the Health 365 clinic in Yekaterinburg.

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Otolaryngologist

ENT for children

ENT for patients older than 70

Endoscopy appointment

Diagnosis

Outpatient treatment

Inpatient surgery 9 0003

How to treat nasal sinusitis in adults – treatment, symptoms, prevention

All articles

Sinusitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the sinuses (nasal sinuses) that develops against a bacterial or viral infection. In complex therapy in the treatment of sinusitis in adults and children, it is recommended to use vasoconstrictors.

What causes sinusitis?

The paranasal sinuses communicate with the nasal cavity through special fistulae. When an infection enters the nasal cavity, inflammation occurs, the mucous membrane swells and inflammatory fluid accumulates inside the paranasal sinuses. When the edema is severe, the communication routes between the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses are blocked. Liquid begins to accumulate inside, which cannot be removed independently.

How can sinusitis occur?

With sinusitis in adults, as well as in children, one or several sinuses can be affected. The disease can occur in acute or chronic form. The acute period of sinusitis lasts no more than three weeks, while the chronic process usually drags on for several months.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

If nasal congestion does not resolve within 7-10 days, incipient inflammation of the paranasal sinuses may be suspected. Typically, sinusitis is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty in nasal breathing, weakening or complete loss of smell, prolonged runny nose with mucous or mucopurulent discharge. There is discomfort and soreness in the area of ​​the inflamed sinus, there is sensitivity, swelling or pain in a certain part of the face. The temperature rises to 38 degrees and above. At the same time, chronic sinusitis can occur against the background of normal or slightly elevated temperature. Symptoms can be frequent expectoration, copious sputum in the morning, dry throat, weakness, irritability, sleep disturbance, fatigue, loss of appetite, decreased concentration.

Symptoms are often aggravated by forward bending of the head (this phenomenon has been termed “lace-up syndrome”). If the symptoms listed above appear, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor, since it is much easier to cure sinusitis in an acute form than in a chronic one.

Rinomaris® is an innovative remedy for nasal congestion, which belongs to the so-called. “new generation” drugs for the common cold.
Learn more

How to treat sinusitis?

If symptoms of sinusitis are detected, treatment should be carried out in combination. The first priority in the treatment of sinusitis in adults and children is to reduce the swelling of the sinuses and cleanse them of the accumulated fluid.

Rinomaris

^® in the treatment of sinusitis

How to treat sinusitis and what can be used as a vasoconstrictor? A new generation drug has proven itself well – nasal spray Rinomaris ^® . It contains xylometazoline, which has a vasoconstrictive effect, and water from the Adriatic Sea. Under the influence of Rinomaris ^® eliminates swelling of the nasal mucosa, restores fistula patency and facilitates nasal breathing. The drug contributes to the thinning of mucus and its better removal from the nasal cavity. Mucus does not stagnate in the sinuses, and therefore there are no conditions for the reproduction of bacteria and the development of inflammatory complications.

Prevention of acute and chronic sinusitis

Obviously, preventing the development of the disease is much easier than treating chronic sinusitis. Therefore, in order to prevent sinusitis, experts recommend regularly washing the nasal passages with sea water. The microelements included in its composition thin the nasal mucus, moisturize and restore the mucous membrane, and also improve the function of the ciliated epithelium – the very tissue on which the cilia are located, which help to remove mucus, bacteria, viruses and allergens from the nasal cavity.

We use cookies to personalize and improve the user experience of our website.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Familiarize yourself with the principles of their processing.

Accept

x

DOES MY NOSE HAVE SECRETS FROM ME…

Let’s see if you know your own nose well.
Find out interesting information about what serious work your nose does each
day, and tell your friends about it on social networks.

Start test

1

How many breaths per minute does an adult make on average?

12-14 breaths;

18-20 breaths;

50–58 breaths;

any number of breathing movements.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

Adult a person at rest performs an average of 14 respiratory movements per minute.

2

How many liters of air passes through the nose per day?

5 liters;

10 liters;

1000 liters;

10,000 liters.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

About 10,000 liters of air pass through the nose every day.

3

Is there an oropharynx in the upper respiratory tract?

not and never has been;

yes – along with the nasal cavity and nasopharynx;

present, but only in whales;

it happens, but its presence is a pathology.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

Upper respiratory system th tract consists of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx.

4

What do you know about the paranasal sinuses? The frontal sinus is located above the eyebrow, the maxillary sinus is between the cheek and the nose, and where is the ethmoid sinus?

between cheek and ear;

under the lower eyelids;

on the sides of the upper part of the nose;

humans don’t have it at all, only monkeys have it.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

the sinus is located on the sides in the region of the upper part of the nose.

5

What are the cell types of the nasal mucosa?

goblet cells;

beaker cells;

glass cells;

cup cells.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

Incorrect
0 points

Continue

Mucosal th shell of the nose there are goblet cells.

6

At what temperature do the cilia of the epithelium, which are located on the nasal mucosa, stop functioning?

at +7–10 °С;

above +42°C;

below 0°C;

Temperature does not affect cilia.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

Eyelash epithelial cells cease to function at a temperature of +7–10 °C.

7

A healthy person produces from 100 ml to 1-2 liters of nasal “mucus” per day. What is three-quarters of this amount spent on?

for the destruction of viruses and bacteria;

for washing the paranasal sinuses;

to maintain a constant temperature of the mucous membrane;

for humidification of inhaled air;

is excess liquid, we just blow it out.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

Three-quarters and the nasal mucus produced per day is used to humidify the inhaled air.

8

One of the most common complications of the common cold in children is inflammation of the middle ear. Why?

in fact, young children and adults equally often have this complication;

in small children, the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasal cavity and the middle ear, is short and wide;

in young children, the external auditory meatus is closer to the eardrum;

in young children, the middle ear cavity with the auditory ossicles is underdeveloped.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue In some children, the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasal cavity and the middle ear, is short and wide. With a runny nose, microorganisms easily enter the ear cavity and cause inflammation.

9

What is the most common cause of inflammation of the nose and nasopharynx?

viruses;

bacteria and protozoa;

house dust mites;

Insects accidentally inhaled into the nose.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

Virus s is the most common cause of the development of inflammatory pathology of the nose and nasopharynx.

10

What most often leads to complications in the common cold?

increased formation and thickening of mucus in the nasal cavity;

frequent and excessive blowing of the nose;

contact with large amounts of dust in the living room;

self-treatment.

Correct
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

Most common The second cause of complications in the common cold is the increased formation and thickening of mucus, as this creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of microbes, which increases the risk of inflammatory complications (sinusitis, otitis).

11

The combination of which solution with a vasoconstrictor is optimal for maintaining the physiological state of the mucosa during a runny nose?

normal saline solution;

natural sea water solutions;

dichlorobenzyl alcohol;

vegetable oil extracts;

antiseptic solution (chamomile, sage, calendula).

Correct answer
+5 points

Continue

False
0 points

Continue

Sea water helps to normalize the ciliated epithelium and remove microorganisms and foreign particles from the nose, it also thins mucus and normalizes its production.