Recent studies prove that the ancient practice of nasal irrigation is effective in combating the common cold.
It starts with a slight scratchy sensation in the back of the throat. Then a sneeze. Then coughing, sniffling and total congestion, with or without fever, for a few unbearable days. In men, they say it attacks more.
Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract – also known as colds – they are annoying.
In addition to not responding to antibiotics, most over-the-counter medications may not show great results.
In a new article on , Mary J. Scourboutakosfrom Old Dominion University (ODU), in the USA, cites recent studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the ancient practice of saline nasal irrigation to combat constipation in both adults and children.
Nasal irrigation with saline solution not only shortens the duration of the disease, but also reduces viral transmission to othersminimizes the need for antibiotics and can even reduce a patient’s risk of hospitalization. Even better, It costs pennies and does not require a prescription – says the doctor.
“As a family doctor, I see common colds every day. My patients are often skeptical when I first recommend saline nasal irrigation. However, they often come back to tell me that this practice has worked. Not only does it help with respiratory viruses, it also helps control allergies, chronic congestion, post-nasal drip and recurrent sinus infections,” said Scourboutakos.
How does it work?
Nasal saline irrigation is a process by which the nasal cavity is bathed with a salt water solution. In some studies, this is done using a pump action spray bottle.
In others, participants used a neti can traditionalwhich is a container similar to a teapot.
This practice of nasal irrigation originated in ayurvedic traditionwhich is a system of alternative medicine from India over 5,000 years old.
Saline nasal solution has some key benefits. First, physically eliminates debris from inside the nasal passage. This includes not only mucus and scabs, but also the virus itself, along with allergens and other environmental contaminants.
Second, salt water is slightly lower on the pH scale when compared to fresh water. Yours acidity creates an environment hostile to viruses and makes its replication difficult.
Third, nasal saline helps restore the actions of part of our natural defense systemmade up of microscopic hair-like projections called cilia, which line the surface of the nasal passage. These cilia move in a coordinated manner, functioning like an escalator, propelling viruses and other foreign particles out of the body. Nasal saline irrigation helps keep this system working effectively.
What does the investigation show?
A study of more than 11,000 people in The Lancet in 2024, demonstrated that nasal irrigation with saline solution, started at the first sign of symptoms and performed up to six times a day, reduced the duration of symptomatic illness by approximately two days.
However, they reported that reducing the duration of the disease can be up to four days.
Research has also demonstrated that nasal irrigation with saline can help prevent the spread of disease.
A study in hospitalized patients showed that, after detection of COVID-19 via nasal swab, nasal saline irrigation performed every four hours for a period of 16 hours reduced the viral load of COVID-19 by 8.9%. The viral load in the control group continued to increase during that time.
The benefits of saline nasal solution also extend beyond acute infectious diseases. When performed regularly by patients with rhinitis allergic disease, also known as hay fever, a meta-analysis of 10 randomized clinical trials showed that nasal irrigation with saline can allow a 62% reduction in allergy medication use.
It is also effective for chronic congestion, post-nasal drip and sinus infections applicants.
Why is it important?
In addition to helping patients feel better faster, one of the most valuable benefits of saline nasal irrigation is that its use can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptionswhich are a major contributor to antibiotic resistance.
It is well established that antibiotics do not shorten the duration or reduce the severity of respiratory tract infections. Despite this, studies have shown that patients are happier when they leave their doctor’s office with a prescription for antibiotics in hand.
This may explain why 10 million inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions are given every year for viral respiratory tract infections. In one of more than 49,000 consultations for respiratory infections, antibiotics were prescribed unnecessarily to 42.4% of patients.
One reason why patients with upper respiratory viral infections tend to initially feel better on antibiotics is due to their off-target anti-inflammatory properties. However, this benefit may be better obtained with anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxenwhich can be taken in conjunction with saline nasal irrigation.
Overall, saline nasal irrigation is a cheap, effective, evidence-based alternative that not only shortens the duration of illness but also prevents its spread, minimizes the need for unnecessary antibiotics, and keeps people out of the hospital.
Trick within anyone’s reach
For those who want to try it, nothing fancy is needed. You don’t even need a neti pot. Many pharmacies sell salt water in a container with a mouthpiece and even spray bottles that can be refilled with a homemade saline solution.
Approximately half a teaspoon of non-iodized salt can be mixed with 1 cup of water. It is important for safety that the water is either distilled or boiled for at least five minutes and then cooled to destroy any harmful bacteria. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to reduce any potential stinging.
Note that saltier solutions are no longer effective. However, some studies have suggested that natural seawater, due to its additional minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, may offer even greater benefits.
Saltwater solutions can also be purchased, which may be worth trying for those who have a poor response to saline alone.
For best results, you should begin irrigating the nasal passage at the first sign of an infection. Washing can be repeated throughout the day as many times as necessary during the duration of the illness. At a minimum, the nasal passages should be irrigated every morning and night. It’s also good gargle salt water as a complementary therapy.
