Things you need to know about Saline Solution

Have you heard the word "saline"? Maybe you've used it to clean a small wound, when you have a stuffy nose, or a doctor has told you about it. Simply put, it's a specially formulated salt water mixture. But this is not like regular salt water, it's made to a specific standard that is very beneficial to our health. Let's learn everything about this saline solution today.

What exactly is Saline?

Saline solution is a solution made by mixing purified water and salt, a chemical called sodium chloride , in a specific ratio.

One thing we often hear about in this regard is "Normal Saline ". If you have been given "saline" in a hospital, this is what you have been given. "Normal saline" has a salt concentration of 0.9%. That means 9 grams of salt are added to one liter of water. The specialty of this is that it is similar to the salt and water balance in our body's blood. That is why it can be given intravenously (IV) without any harm.

What are the main uses of saline?

Saline is a very important substance in our daily lives as well as in medical treatments. Let's take a look at its main benefits.

How do you use saline to treat a stuffy nose?

Nasal irrigation with saline is very helpful when you have a cold or allergies that make it difficult to breathe due to a blocked nose. This helps thin the thick mucus inside the nose and allows it to drain more easily. You can use a device like a "Neti Pot" for this.

Is saline good for eyes?

If something like dust or a small insect gets into your eye, it's best to wash it out with saline. But there's something you need to be very careful about here.

Saline is also used to clean contact lenses, but only after cleaning them with a disinfecting solution and rinsing them. Saline cannot kill germs.

Saline to wash wounds

If you get a small cut or scrape while playing in the garden or doing chores, immediately rinsing it with saline will remove any dirt or soil and greatly reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, it is wise to add a bottle of saline to every home's first- aid kit. However, if the bleeding does not stop, if the wound is large, or if it looks like it needs stitches, see a doctor immediately.

How to make saline nasal rinse at home?

You can make saline solution at home to use just for rinsing your nose. But the most important thing is the type of water you use.

You can use:

• Water labeled "Distilled" or "Sterile" from the pharmacy or supermarket.
• Alternatively, boil regular tap water for 3-5 minutes, let it cool, and then use it. The remaining water can be stored in a clean, airtight bottle and used within 24 hours. Discard the water after 24 hours.

How to make:

1. Mix dry ingredients: Mix together 3 teaspoons of non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda and store in a clean, airtight container.

2. Make the solution: Add 1 teaspoon of the dry mixture to 8 ounces (about 240 ml) of lukewarm (steamed) water and stir well.

3. Rinse your nose: Follow the instructions that come with your neti pot or other device.

When should you see your doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

• If you see signs of a skin infection (e.g. redness , swelling, warmth).
• If you have signs of an eye infection (e.g. watery eyes, redness, itching, pain or swelling).
• If the symptoms do not improve or worsen even after rinsing the nose.
• If a wound does not heal.

Saline is a very useful and simple thing, but it must be used carefully. It is safest not to use homemade saline, especially for eyes, contact lenses , or new piercings. If in doubt, it is best to consult your doctor before doing anything.