How to Use Saline Nose Spray

Nose congestion is caused by a variety of things. You may get stuffed up because of the common cold or the flu. Other reasons include sinus infections, seasonal allergies and hay fever. A lesser-known cause of nasal congestion is swelling of the tissue lining of the nose caused by inflamed blood vessels. Whatever the case, a stuffed-up nose is no fun to live with. Saline nose sprays can provide nasal congestion relief quickly.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. salt (table or kosher)
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• Container that holds 2 cups
• Nasal syringe
• Tissue

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour two cups of warm water into a container or glass.

  Fill up a glass or other container with two cups of warm water.

• 2

  Add salt and baking soda to the water.

  Mix one half tsp. of baking soda and one tsp. of salt with the warm water. Mix until the salt and baking soda are fully dissolved.

• 3

  Fill the syringe with the solution.

  Fill up the nasal syringe with the solution you just made.

• 4

  Lean over a sink with a tilted head.

  Lean over the bathroom or kitchen sink and tilt your head to one side.

• 5

  Gently place the tip of the nasal syringe into the upper nostril.

• 6

  Press the nasal syringe plunger until the water starts to flow into your nose. The water should flow into your upper nostril, through the nasal passage and out your lower nostril.

• 7

  Blow your nose gently with a tissue.

  Gently blow your nose with a tissue. This will clear out any leftover mucus or debris that was in your nose.

• 8

  Repeat the process with your head tilted to the other side.