Saline nasal drops for a stuffy nose are easy to make at home. The
drops keep nasal tissues moist so the nose can filter the air and secretions
are easier to clear. Saline drops will not cause the nose to become more
stuffed up with continued use, as some medicated drops may.
Mix 0.25 tsp (1.25 g) salt in
1 cup (236.6 mL) of
body-temperature water. (Too much salt will dry nasal membranes.)
Place the solution in a clean bottle with a dropper (available at
drugstores). Use as necessary. Make a fresh solution every 3 days.
To insert drops, lie on your back with your head hanging over the
side of the bed. This helps the drops get farther back in the nose. Try to keep
the dropper from touching your nose.
You can also use saline nasal sprays. Nonprescription saline sprays
(NaSal, Ocean) are convenient, inexpensive, and sterile.
Print this page |
©1998-2009 Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics
