There is good evidence that physiological saline (salt water) nasal sprays, help control hay fever. These sprays and nasal irrigation solutions will wash away pollen grains that cause nasal allergies resulting in hay fever and chronic rhinitis. They also aid and restore the normal muco-ciliary clearance of mucus which is very important for the normal functioning of the nose. Normal saline helps reduce nasal congestion after viral colds and improves the control of hay fever when used together with antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays. These saline sprays are cheap, simple to use and very safe in all age groups including pregnancy, while breastfeeding and in infants. Allergic rhinitis is a growing problem for babies who are naturally obligate nose breathers (principally breathing through their nose and not their mouth) and if their noses are blocked with mucus, they will have great difficulty with sleep and feeding disturbances.
- Garavello W, Di BF, Romagnoli M, Sambataro G, Gaini RM. Nasal rinsing with hypertonic solution: an adjunctive treatment for pediatric seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005;137: 310-4
