A Scientific Look at Nasal Saline Irrigation for Colds and Allergies

Daily Health

18/11/2025

A scratchy throat that turns into a blocked nose marks the start of a cold, an illness everyone knows. Many people catch it multiple times a year and feel unwell for days. Antibiotics do not kill the viruses and shop-bought drugs give only small relief. Rinsing the nose with mild salt water, an old technique now backed by research, is drawing new interest.

This article compares the rinse with usual ways of handling colds plus allergies. It is written for parents, students, office staff and anyone who wants advice based on data.

What is Nasal Saline Irrigation?

Nasal saline irrigation means washing the inside of the nose with a salt water mix. A pump spray bottle, a rubber bulb or a small teapot shaped neti pot serves as the tool. The neti pot design began in India five centuries ago - yet Greek besides Roman doctors also recorded similar treatments.

The Mechanism - How Does It Work?

Research shows three main effects:

Physical Cleansing: The salt water flows through the nose and carries out mucus, crusts, dust, virus particles but also allergens that irritate the lining.
Creating an Inhospitable Environment: Salt water is slightly more acidic than plain water. The small shift in pH can slow the ability of some viruses to multiply inside the nose.
Supporting Natural Defenses: Tiny hairs called cilia line the nasal passage. They beat in waves to sweep mucus and trapped particles toward the throat. The rinse keeps the cilia moist and upright so they continue to clear debris.

Evaluating the Scientific Evidence

A 2024 study in The Lancet followed more than 11,000 people - those who started the rinse when the first symptom appeared recovered about two days sooner. Smaller trials report up to four days’ shortening.

Other work shows the rinse lowers the amount of virus in the nose. One COVID-19 trial found that patients who rinsed twice daily carried far fewer viral particles than those who did not.

The rinse also helps chronic problems. A review of hay fever trials showed that daily use cut the need for antihistamine sprays as well as tablets. Patients with year round stuffiness, post nasal drip or repeated sinus infections also report fewer symptoms.

A Broader Impact - Reducing Antibiotic Resistance

Doctors write millions of antibiotic prescriptions each year for colds, even though those drugs do not affect viruses. Effective symptom relief from a simple rinse lets both patients and clinicians avoid unnecessary antibiotics slowing the rise of drug resistant bacteria.

How to Perform Nasal Saline Irrigation Safely

The method is inexpensive and needs only a clean device or the correct water. Choose a neti pot, a squeeze bottle or a fine mist spray.

To make the solution, dissolve half a teaspoon of plain, non iodized salt in one cup (8 oz) of water that is sterile. Sterile means either distilled water from a sealed bottle or tap water that has boiled for five minutes and cooled to lukewarm. A pinch of baking soda softens the mix and reduces sting.

Start the rinse when the first symptom appears or after close contact with someone who is ill. Rinse once after waking also once before bed - repeat during the day if the nose feels blocked. See a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

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