Can saline sort a stuffy nose?

To unblock and breathe free, saline treatments are gaining popularity. But which should you use?

So you’ve heard that washing or cleansing the nose and sinus cavities can help clear congestion. But is it better to use a saline nasal spray or sinus wash? And what’s the difference anyway?

Let’s start with what can cause congestion. It’s primarily the result of pathogens, viruses, allergens or irritants lodging in the nose or the back of the throat. Once there, they can linger, multiply or irritate eventually causing any number of cold-like symptoms including a runny or blocked nose, sore, dry throat, coughing and sneezing. They can even cause inflammation in the sinus area, the small cavities near the front of the face.

When to use a nasal spray

A preservative-free saline nasal spray can help clear excess mucus or irritants from nasal tissue particularly near the entrance of the nose. If the congestion is moderate or localised to just this area, perhaps it’s just a blocked or runny nose you’re dealing with, then a spray will help. However, if the invading nasties are lodged further back in the nose and throat or have begun causing congestion in the sinus area which are the small cavities near the front of the face, a more thorough cleanse might be required.

When to use a sinus rinse

Sinus rinses can help clear excess mucus and irritants not only from nasal tissue at the front and back of the nose but also within sinus cavities. Also, it’s not just adults who can benefit from a nasal rinse. They can also be used in children as young as 4 years old.

Which one is right for me?

If you only have mild nasal congestion, then a preservative-free saline spray like FLO Saline Plus will help. If a child needs attention, try FLO Baby and Kids sprays and drops, an especially easy option given the sprays can be applied at any angle which is perfect for little wrigglers. If your symptoms are more severe, maybe you have the beginnings of a sore, niggly throat or perhaps you’ve begun feeling pressure in your sinus cavities, a rinse like FLO Sinus Care may be more helpful. You’ll find the complete range of FLO saline sprays, drops and rinses at your pharmacy which you can learn more about here.