Home Remedy Spray for Dry Nose

A dry stuffy nose is often indicative of sinus problems, dry air, medications such as decongestants and medical disorders including Sjogren's syndrome and Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Home remedy treatment for your dry nose is similar for all causes; however a doctor should be seen to treat any underlying medical condition.

Benefits

• Nasal irrigation research by David Rabago, MD, University of Wisconsin and associates has been shown to help with sinus, upper respiratory infections and allergies. Mayo Clinic suggests saline nasal spray for allergies and sinuses. It helps flush out mucus, irritants such as smoke or pollen, relieves dryness and improves normal nasal secretions.

Preparation

• Although you can just pour the solution into your hand and sniff up the fluid, it is easier to purchase a large syringe or bulb, or a nasal irrigation utensil such as a neti pot or nasal cup. You will need sea salt which is pure salt. Do not use other salts as they have added ingredients. Table salt contains iodine and ingredients to prevent clumping that can irritate your nasal passage or cause a reaction. Filtered or distilled water is ideal but using tap water is also okay.

Recipe

• Most recommendations are to use only sea salt and water. Using a clean container, put at least one-fourth teaspoon up to a maximum of one-half teaspoon of sea salt in eight ounces of warm water and mix until dissolved. If the solution feels irritating, you can add one-fourth teaspoon of baking soda to the mixture.

Process

• Pour the solution into your nasal irrigation device. Have tissues on hand. While over the sink, to catch dripping, turn your head to one side and spray or squeeze enough of the mixture (about two ounces) into the nostril so it flows down your throat into your mouth. It is best if it also flows into and out of the other nostril, so experiment with different head positions, even tilting backward, until you find one that works for you. Gently blow the saline out, then repeat procedure with the other nostril. Repeat procedure at least one to two times.

Other Aid

• If your home or the weather is very dry, setting up a humidifier or vaporizer may help alleviate your dry nose. Petroleum jelly should not be used, or only rarely, as inhalation of this into the lungs can result in lipoid pneumonia. Therefore use only a little to coat your nostrils and not within several hours of lying down. Andrew Weil, MD, says you can help drainage and blood flow by placing hot wet towels over your face three or four times daily. He also recommends drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated and inhaling steam with oil of eucalyptus or oregano.