Saline Nasal Sprays

Saline Nasal Spray

Nasal congestion can truly get in the way of your day, making it hard for you to breathe and requiring you to keep tissues at your fingertips. Managing a stuffy nose doesn't have to mean resorting to the use of over-the-counter medications. Saline nasal spray is a natural alternative that can help you get relief from your symptoms. At Walgreens, we carry a wide selection of saline nasal spray products to help you find the right option for your needs.

What's in Saline Nasal Spray?

Saline is a simple combination of sodium chloride salt and water and is the primary or sole ingredient in saline nasal sprays. In order to ensure that the solution is hygienic, manufacturers of saline nasal sprays typically use purified water which has been put through processes to remove contaminants.

Most nasal sprays also contain ingredients to help preserve the saline solution and keep it fresh once you have opened the bottle. The preservatives may be man-made or natural ingredients depending on the formula. Saline nasal sprays do not contain any type of over-the-counter medication, making them different than decongestant nasal sprays.

How Do Saline Nasal Sprays Work?

The purpose of a saline nasal spray is to temporarily thin mucus in the nasal passages. The saline solution is packaged in a bottle with an applicator tip that dispenses the formula as a fine mist. When you squeeze the bottle and inhale, the solution enters your nostrils and mixes with mucus. By thinning the mucus, the nasal spray can make it easier for you to breathe for an extended period of time.

Why Use Saline Nasal Spray?

Because saline nasal spray does not contain medications, it can be used frequently to provide extended relief. Saline nasal spray can be used to reduce congestion due to seasonal allergies, the flu, the common cold and sinus infections. Doctors and health care providers also frequently recommend saline nasal spray for individuals who are suffering from dry nasal passages as the saline helps to keep the tissue moist and lubricated.

Choosing the Right Spray

Nasal spray products vary mostly in the size and shape of their packaging. For children, you can find bottles with smaller tips that are easier to insert in small nostrils. Some nasal spray products for adults come with interchangeable tips, giving you the freedom to choose the one that is the most comfortable for you. The sizes of nasal spray packaging are typically measured in fluid ounces. You'll find the size listed along with the product name for your convenience.