We’ve all heard about the perils of too much salt in our diets, but what often gets overlooked is the risk of having too little — or the many health benefits of salt water itself. Salt water has long been lauded for its benefits in treating the symptoms of a common cold. Gargling with warm salt water is said to draw out excess fluid from the throat’s inflamed tissue, while using a saline solution in the nose has been proven to improve nasal discharge, congestion, sneezing and itching.
Congestion may be Caused by Inflammation
Nasal congestion is a symptom experienced in many common conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and colds. One of the underlying reasons for congestion and its symptoms is related to inflammation of the nasal passages – various contributing factors causing the nasal passageway to swell up and become engorged, which is what causes the feeling of fullness, reduced airflow, and sinus pressure.
Nasal Saline has Multiple Mechanisms of Action
Nasal saline irrigation has been studied to potentially have multiple mechanisms, including directly cleansing the nasal passages of contaminants (such as pollen, dust, and other debris), removing substances that may mediate or increase inflammation. Nasal saline uses these mechanisms together to keep the nasal passages clean, and reduce symptoms of congestion, such as stuffy nose and sinus pressure.
Naturally Sourced Nasal Saline
hydraSense® products contain 100% natural-source undiluted seawater. The salt water in hydraSense® products contains no preservatives or medicated ingredients and can be used without risk of forming at habit or rebound effects.
References
Rabago, D., & Zgierska, A. (2009). Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. American family physician, 80(10), 1117–1119.
Naclerio, R. M., Bachert, C., & Baraniuk, J. N. (2010). Pathophysiology of nasal congestion. International journal of general medicine, 3, 47–57.
Papsin, B., & McTavish, A. (2003). Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 49, 168–173.
Kanjanawasee, D., Seresirikachorn, K., Chitsuthipakorn, W., & Snidvongs, K. (2018). Hypertonic Saline Versus Isotonic Saline Nasal Irrigation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 32(4), 269–279.
