Sea water nasal sprays

A runny nose is an unpleasant symptom that requires treatment. Various drops and sprays are used for this, but medicines based on sea water deserve special attention.

Irritation of the nasal mucosa is a normal reaction of the body to the action of infectious, viral or allergic agents. Due to the inflammatory process, a large amount of mucus is secreted, which makes breathing difficult. The patient has to constantly clear the nose, using special preparations for this. Sprays with sea water safely clean, restore nasal breathing and destroy pathogenic microorganisms.

Most preparations are based on regular sea or ocean water. But some contain physiological solution (0.9% sodium chloride solution). The unique set of microelements has the following properties:

• Restoration and maintenance of the physiological state of the nasal mucosa and its hydration.
• Normalization of nasal mucus production by stimulating goblet cells.
• Liquefaction of thick mucus and removal of stagnant secretions.
• Anti-inflammatory action.
• Acceleration of healing of damaged mucous membranes.
• Increasing the resistance of the epithelium to pathogenic microorganisms.

Today, the pharmaceutical market offers a variety of medications based on sea water, used for rinsing with sinusitis, rhinitis and other diseases of the nasopharynx. In addition to salt, they may contain additional substances: essential oils, extracts of medicinal plants, bee products, special medical preparations. Such a composition has a complex therapeutic effect.

Read also about the benefits of sea water in this article.

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Indications for use

Sea water is used not only for the treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases, but also for their prevention. It supports the normal functioning of the respiratory system, has a minimum of contraindications and side effects, so it is suitable for pregnant women and small children.

Indications for use:

• ARVI.
• Rhinitis.
• Sinusitis.
• Sinusitis.
• Allergic rhinitis.
• Adenoiditis.
• Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

Sprays can be used in the treatment and prevention of pathologies associated with air pollution. Frequent irrigation reduces the risk of infection, as it prevents the adhesion of harmful microorganisms and protects the nasal mucosa from dryness. The main advantage of saline solutions is their safety and natural composition.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Sea water has a rich chemical composition, so nasal lavage helps in the treatment of many diseases. The pharmacodynamics of drugs based on it indicate that the active substances remove nasal mucus, reduce swelling and infected discharge, normalize the protective functions of the ciliated epithelium of the mucous membrane and improve nasal breathing. The drugs have an anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effect.

Saline solution increases the therapeutic effectiveness of medications applied to the nasal mucosa and reduces the course of colds. The use of the spray reduces the risk of local complications and accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Nasal aerosols with sea water have a local effect. Their pharmacokinetics are not well studied, but according to medical studies, the therapeutic effect occurs within 3-5 seconds after application and lasts for 4-5 hours.

The active components of the spray remove allergens and contaminants from the nasal mucosa, normalize the functioning of cells and capillaries, increasing local immunity. With their help, you can disinfect the nose and prevent infectious contamination.

Composition of sea water for nasal lavage

The medicinal properties of the preparations are based on their physical and chemical properties. Sea water for rinsing the nose contains almost all the elements of the periodic table. These are various microelements, minerals, organic compounds. In its composition, it is similar to tissue fluid and human blood, so its use for irrigating the nose does not cause painful sensations that occur when rinsing with fresh water.

• Microelements and salts have an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effect, restore the protective properties of the mucous membrane and improve metabolic processes in tissues. The mechanical action of the water jet during rinsing clears the nasal passages of mucus and accumulated secretion, increasing the tone of the vessels.
• The water contains a large amount of iodine, which has antiseptic, antibacterial and wound-healing properties. This component maintains hormonal balance in the body and improves metabolic processes at the cellular level.
• Magnesium has an anti-stress effect, calcium strengthens tissues, manganese increases local immunity. The saline solution contains a rare substance in nature - selenium, which slows down and prevents the growth of cancer cells.

Sea water does not retain fluid in tissues and eliminates swelling. Preparations based on it are excellent for treating nasopharyngeal diseases, since after the first use they restore normal breathing and relieve swelling of the mucous membrane.

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Names of nasal sprays with sea water

The wide range of different drugs for the treatment of a runny nose is confusing when choosing the right one. Knowing the names of nasal sprays with sea water and their effectiveness, you can buy a good medicine at an affordable price. Aerosols help with colds and allergies, have a minimum of contraindications and are suitable for patients of all ages.

Let's look at the most well-known drugs:

1. Humer is a line of medications for irrigation and washing of the nasal cavity. Contains sterile and undiluted sea water.
   • For adults – a spray with a special nozzle that is adapted to the anatomical features of the nasal cavity in adults.
   • For children – suitable for patients from 1 month of age. The bottle has a special tip that ensures safe spraying.
   • Hypertonic solution is a liquid with a sodium chloride concentration of more than 0.9%. It is used for mucosal edema and nasal congestion due to allergies, respiratory infections or sinusitis.
   • Monodoses – a set of 5 ml bottles, suitable for both adults and children.
2. Physiomer is another line of aerosols based on sea water. It consists of preparations for newborns, older children and adults.
3. Marimer – mini-bottles of 5 ml with isotonic solution. Suitable for the treatment of nasopharynx and sinus diseases in children and adults.
4. Aqualor is a line of various medicines for nasal lavage. Contains water from the Atlantic, collected off the coast of Brittany. Popular products in this series:
   • Extra forte – hypertonic solution, chamomile and aloe extract. Eliminates inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, has an antiseptic and immunostimulating effect.
   • Forte – the spray contains a 0.9% solution of sea water. It is used for severe nasal congestion, suitable for adults and children from 2 years old.
   • Norm is an aerosol for children aged 6 and over and adults. Effective against colds.
   • Soft – contains isotonic sea water, suitable for people with dry nasal mucosa and allergic rhinitis.
   • Baby is a sterile spray, suitable for children from birth.
5. Otrivin More is a group of medicines with Atlantic Ocean water, essential oils of eucalyptus and wild mint.
6. Morenasal is a sterile saline emulsion for nasal lavage.
7. No-Sol is an isotonic solution for the treatment of nasal congestion in patients of all ages.
8. Saline is a hypotonic aerosol with a 0.65% saline solution.
9. Aqua Maris is a series of Croatian preparations based on saline solution. The medicine has an affordable price, is presented in the form of sprays, drops, solutions.
   • Plus is an isotonic solution with dexpanthenol. It has restorative properties, relieves swelling and inflammation. It is effective for sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis. It is suitable for pregnant and nursing mothers, adult patients and children.
   • Sense is a solution of sea salt with ectoine. Protects mucous cells from the irritating effects of allergens, viruses and bacteria. Helps with allergies, rhinitis, chronic nasal congestion.
   • Strong is a hypertonic saline solution. Suitable for the treatment of severe runny nose, rhinitis, sinusitis, rhinosinusitis. Approved for children from 1 year.
10. Dr. Theiss Allergol is a nasal spray that helps with rhinitis and sinusitis. Can be used during allergy season.
11. Dolphin is a medicine based on sodium chloride, rosehip extract and licorice.
12. Quix is a hypertonic solution with sea salt 2.6%.

Many of the above medications are available over the counter. However, before using them for therapeutic or preventive purposes, it is recommended to consult a doctor who will select the necessary dosage and duration of therapy.

Aqualor

A medicinal product based on sea water. Aqualor is a unique natural antiseptic, which consists of useful microelements and minerals. Its main component is a saline solution: below 0.9% isotonic, above 0.9% hypertonic. The aerosol has a wide range of action: it increases immunity, cleanses and disinfects the nasopharynx, liquefies and removes purulent plugs. It can be used in complex therapy of patients of any age, enhances the effectiveness of antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

It has several modifications that differ not only in the method of application, but also in form and composition. This allows the drug to be used for any age group. Types of Aqualor:

• Baby – designed for the smallest patients, available in the form of drops and spray. When sprayed, it penetrates deep into the nasal sinuses and passages that are connected to the cavities of the facial bones. Effective for runny nose with sinusitis. Softens and washes away crusts that the child cannot blow out on his own. A special dispenser is safe and prevents any injuries.
• Soft is an isotonic concentrate with a gentle effect. It contains natural sea water, which protects the mucous membranes from dryness, so it is suitable for long-term use. It is effective for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx. Suitable for children from 1 year old.
• Norm is a spray with sea water without preservatives. It has a special nozzle-dispenser, sprays like a "stream". This helps to wash out dense mucus plugs that occur with sinusitis, adenoiditis, rhinitis.
• Forte is a hypertonic spray without additives and preservatives. It penetrates deep into the inflammation site, drains purulent contents, and restores the protective functions of the nasal mucosa. It is indispensable for rinsing the nasal cavity after surgery.
• Extra forte is a saline solution with aloe and chamomile. It is used to treat and prevent ENT diseases in children over two years old and adults.

Aqualor is indicated for acute and chronic rhinitis caused by bacterial or viral infection, allergic rhinitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, maxillary sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, otitis, adenoids. It is used in complex therapy of laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis.

The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the indications for use and the doctor's prescriptions. As a rule, the nasal cavity is treated 2-4 times a day, and the course of therapy is 7-10 days. The drug has no absolute contraindications and does not cause side effects.

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Marimer sea water spray

The most effective and at the same time safe means for treating nasopharyngeal lesions are preparations from natural components. Let's consider a spray with sea water - Marimer. It contains a sterile isotonic solution with a preserved composition of useful microelements and minerals.

• Used for colds, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis. Suitable as a means for daily hygiene of the nasal cavity. Removes dryness, moisturizes, prevents the penetration of viruses and infections into the mucous membrane. Can be used to prevent inflammation after surgery and in the complex therapy of ENT organs.
• The aerosol is injected into the nasal passages and penetrates the affected mucous membrane. To achieve a lasting therapeutic effect, it is recommended to do 1-4 irrigations during the day.
• It has no side effects or contraindications. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation, as it does not have a negative effect on the body of the fetus and mother.

There are other drugs with similar effects and a form of release - spray. Sea water is included in the composition of: Aqua Maris, Humer, Aqualor, Otrivin More. Medicines are dispensed without a doctor's prescription.

Sea water humer

The simplest and at the same time most effective pharmacological agent used for colds and ENT pathologies is sea water. Humer has released a whole line of medicines based on it: sprays for children and adults, monodoses, hypertonic solution.

• The aerosol is an intranasal product with a moisturizing and cleansing effect. It facilitates nasal breathing, eliminates irritation of the mucous membrane and cleanses it.
• Humer is used for daily hygiene, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases during the epidemiological period. It can be used in complex therapy of chronic and acute lesions of the nasopharynx, as well as for allergic rhinitis and during the rehabilitation period after nasopharynx surgery. It is approved for treatment of pregnant women by medical prescription.
• Before use, it is recommended to clear the nasal passages. Irrigation is best done before meals. As a rule, 1-2 sprays are prescribed 2-6 times a day for 2-4 weeks. Does not cause overdose and has no contraindications. In rare cases, long-term therapy causes hyperemia of the nasal mucosa and minor allergic reactions.

Snoop

A drug for intranasal use with a vasoconstrictor effect. Snoop contains the active component - xylometazoline hydrochloride. The substance belongs to the group of alpha-adrenergic agonists, stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors of the smooth muscle layer of the vessels of the nasal mucosa. Facilitates breathing and reduces the symptoms of rhinitis. The therapeutic effect is observed after the first use, develops within 3-5 minutes and lasts up to 5 hours.

• Indications for use: symptomatic therapy of rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, acute respiratory viral infections. Snoop is used to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa before rhinoscopy and other diagnostic procedures in the nose. Effective as part of a comprehensive treatment for otitis and eustachitis. Before treatment, it is necessary to clear the nasal passages. Irrigation is carried out 2-4 times a day for 3-7 days.
• As a rule, the drug is well tolerated. In rare cases, dryness of the nasal mucosa and sneezing may develop. Long-term use may cause sneezing, headache, nausea and vomiting, arrhythmia, sleep disorders and decreased visual acuity. There is no specific antidote; symptomatic therapy is indicated.
• Contraindicated for patients with hypersensitivity to xylometazoline and other components. Not prescribed during pregnancy, to people with arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, glaucoma, atrophic rhinitis, heart rhythm disorders. Prohibited for the treatment of children under 2 years of age and after surgical operations on the meninges.
• It is not recommended to use simultaneously with tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Available only with a doctor's prescription.

Sea water for the nose for children

Runny nose and nasal congestion are problems that are relevant at any age. Adults can cope with them much easier than small children, especially infants. Sea water for the nose for children is rightfully considered the safest and at the same time the most effective means for the treatment and prevention of nasopharyngeal lesions.

Popular nasal sprays for children:

• Aqualor - its main component is sea water without additives. It has a whole series of preparations developed for children of different ages. For the little ones, Aqualor Baby is recommended with a special attachment that prevents trauma to the nose. The aerosol cleans the nasal cavity (softens and removes crusts), eliminates dryness, and increases local immunity.
• Aqua Maris is an isotonic sterile sea water, suitable for treating newborns. It is available in the form of drops and spray, has no contraindications and does not cause side effects.
• Marimer is water for rinsing the nose in children and adults. For infants, it is better to use drops, as the spray can irritate the mucous membrane.
• Allergol Doctor Theiss is another drug based on a saline solution for the treatment of pediatric patients. It is recommended for use in patients over 2 years old to avoid damage to the nasal mucosa.
• Physiomer is a nasal spray for disinfection of the nasal cavity. Approved for patients from 2 weeks of age.
• Morenasal - is suitable for the treatment and prevention of nasopharyngeal diseases from the first day of a child's life. The drug is a sterile solution of natural sea salt and water for injection.

Despite the fact that such medications have no contraindications for use, before using them, you must consult a pediatrician. The doctor will help you choose the most suitable remedy, dosage and course of therapy.

How to make sea water for nasal rinsing at home?

Treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases requires careful selection of drugs. Some pharmaceuticals have contraindications and cause a number of side effects. Therefore, natural medicines are becoming especially popular. Many people wonder how to make sea water for rinsing the nose at home. It is the saline solution that is considered the most effective means for cleansing the nasal cavity.

Rinsing of the nasal sinuses is necessary for both sick and healthy people. This helps maintain normal functioning of the respiratory system and prevents damage to the mucous membranes by infectious agents. Rinsing is necessary for rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, pharyngitis and other inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx. With the help of the procedure, you can:

• Disinfect the nasal cavity and reduce the inflammatory reaction.
• Remove microparticles of dust, pollen and other irritants.
• Reduce swelling and facilitate nasal breathing.
• Improve cell function and strengthen capillaries.

The solution is prepared from ordinary sea salt, which is used for baths and which can be purchased at a pharmacy. There are several recipes for irrigation liquid, let's look at the most popular ones:

• Dissolve 5-7 g of sea salt without additives in 500 ml of boiled water. The resulting liquid must be filtered using several layers of gauze or bandage. A new solution is prepared for each procedure.
• Pour 15-20 g of sea salt into 250 ml of clean water. The resulting hyper-concentrated solution is suitable for rinsing the nose of people who work or live in a dusty room.
• Dissolve 10-15 g of salt in 1 liter of water. The liquid is suitable for frequent cleaning of the nose in case of predisposition to inflammatory diseases, as well as in case of acute or chronic sinusitis.
• To prepare a solution for a child, take 1/3 teaspoon of salt and dilute in 250 ml of water. The resulting concentration does not dry out the mucous membrane and has a therapeutic effect.

Treatment is contraindicated in cases of total obstruction of the nasal passages, regular nosebleeds, various neoplasms in the nose, acute inflammation of the middle ear, and epilepsy.

How to use sea water nasal sprays

Any medicine has certain rules of use, compliance with which allows you to achieve the desired effect. The method of using nasal sprays with sea water depends on the indications. As a rule, the aerosol is injected into the nasal sinuses 2-6 times a day. The course of treatment is individual for each patient and can last from 3 days to several weeks or months.

The main therapeutic measure for nasal congestion is instillation or injection of medications. Such treatment is symptomatic, as it temporarily alleviates the patient's condition. But there is a more effective procedure that can affect the pathological process in the nasopharynx. We are talking about rinsing with sea water.

Let's look at the rules for nasal irrigation:

• For newborns

Place the child on his back and turn his head to the right side. Irrigate the nasal cavity well from above, lift the child and ask him to blow his nose. Repeat the procedure on the other side.

• For children over two years old and adults

The procedure can be done sitting or standing. Turn your head to the side and spray. Blow your nose after a few seconds.

Rinsing is much more effective with free nasal breathing. If the nose is blocked, it is recommended to use vasoconstrictor drops a few minutes before the procedure to reduce swelling of the mucous membrane.

Using Seawater Nasal Sprays During Pregnancy

It is almost impossible to go through the entire pregnancy without getting sick at least once. Most often, expectant mothers face colds and nasopharyngeal lesions. Treating a runny nose and nasal congestion with various medications is dangerous. Since they have a number of contraindications and can harm the body of the woman and the unborn child.

Using nasal sprays with sea water during pregnancy is the most appropriate and safe method of therapy. The saline solution frees the nose from accumulated mucus, restores normal cilia function and fluid drainage.

Aerosols wash the nasal cavity well, facilitate breathing and speed up recovery. From this category of drugs, the following are popular: Aqualor, Dolphin, Aqua Maris, Humer, Sarin. They are allowed not only for pregnant women, but also for newborns.

Contraindications for use and side effects

There are no absolute contraindications for use of a spray with a saline solution of sea water. However, the aerosol form is not suitable for all patients. Nasal irrigation should be carried out with special caution in small children, as spraying can damage the mucous membrane or cause irritation.

If the liquid contains additional components, such as essential oils or plant extracts, then if there is an allergy to them, the medicine is prohibited to use. Sprays are not recommended after surgery on the meninges, with frequent nosebleeds and obstruction of the nasal ducts.

Nasal preparations with sea water rich in minerals and microelements usually do not cause side effects. Negative reactions are possible if the spray is used incorrectly.

Long-term rinsing may provoke irritation and hyperemia of the mucous membrane, slight tingling in the nose. These symptoms do not require treatment and quickly disappear after discontinuing the drug.

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Overdose and interactions with other drugs

To date, there are no data on cases of overdose of nasal preparations with sea water. The drugs do not cause drowsiness and do not affect the speed of reactions when driving machinery or vehicles.

The only possible negative symptom occurs with prolonged use of the aerosol. Overdose manifests itself as a slight burning sensation in the nose, which goes away after discontinuing the drug.

Treatment of any disease should be comprehensive. To eliminate nasopharyngeal lesions, several medications are selected for simultaneous use. Sea salt interacts normally with other drugs, does not suppress their action and does not cause allergic reactions.

Theoretically, it is possible to reduce the effectiveness of other intranasal agents that were used before the saline solution. This is explained by the fact that the solution can wash out and dissolve other drugs. Therefore, isotonic and hypertonic solutions are best used to clean the nasal cavity and inject other medications after 20-30 minutes.

Storage conditions

Since nasal irrigation sprays are produced in special bottles, it is very important to observe storage conditions so that the drug does not spoil.

• If the medicine is in an iron canister, this indicates that the liquid is under pressure. Such aerosols should be kept away from fire and direct sunlight, and various damages and punctures should be avoided. The recommended storage temperature is room temperature.
• If the sea water is in a plastic or glass bottle with a dosing tube, it is recommended to shake such sprays a little before use. The medicine should be stored in a place protected from sunlight and inaccessible to children, at a temperature of 22-25 °C.

Best before date

When choosing any medicine, you need to pay attention not only to its composition, but also to the expiration date. Aerosols with saline solution are approved for use within 24-36 months from the date of manufacture. Manufacturing data is indicated on the packaging or on the bottom of the bottle.

The contents of the bottle are sterile, so after opening, the medicine should be used within 30-45 days. Medicines with an expired shelf life are contraindicated for use.

The cheapest sea water for the nose

As a rule, when choosing a medicine, we focus not only on its composition and effectiveness, but also on the cost. A wide range of nasal medications allows you to choose the best option in terms of price and quality. The cheapest sea water for the nose is the one that is prepared independently, at home. To do this, you need to buy sea salt without additives at the pharmacy (price from 5 UAH), dilute the required amount in boiled water, filter and use.

Let's look at pharmaceutical preparations of natural saline solution and their cost:

• Aqualor series of preparations – from 350 UAH and up.
• Aqua Maris nasal spray line – from 60 UAH.
• Humer aerosol group – from 150 UAH.
• Marimer – from 100 UAH.
• Otrivin – from 60 UAH.
• Prevalin – from 160 UAH.
• Quix – from 135 UAH.
• Physiomer – from 360 UAH.
• Allergol Doctor Theiss – 80 UAH.
• No-salt – from 10 UAH.
• Dolphin – from 240 UAH.
• Rhinorin – from 300 UAH.

Nasal sprays with sea water are a safe and effective means for cleaning and caring for the nasal cavity. Preparations based on it have different prices, volumes and concentrations.