It is winter and you are bundled up in a wool scarf, leather gloves and cotton thermals. Your nostrils feel tight and painful as you breathe in all the cold, dehumidified air. You are glad you have saline nasal spray handy because it serves to moisten and rinse your dried nostrils. Saline nasal spray is a salt solution you can buy at your local pharmacy; there are specific steps on how to correctly use it.
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them well.
Step 2
Blow your nose using a tissue to remove any mucus buildup.
Step 3
Remove the cap from the nasal spray and hold the nasal spray in your dominant hand. Place your thumb of your dominant hand on the bottom of the bottle and your index and third finger of your dominant hand on the top portion of the bottle. Do not let go.
Step 4
Shake the nasal spray in your dominant hand to mix the contents well.
Step 5
Push down on the nasal spray with your dominant hand keeping the grip on the bottom and top part of the bottle.
Step 6
Repeat step 5 until a fine mist of saline nasal spray emerges.
Step 7
Tilt your head forward and place your index finger from your non-dominant hand onto your left nostril and press firmly to occlude it.
Step 8
Place the tip of the nasal spray into your right nostril and breathe in deeply as you press down on the nasal spray. Dab your nostril with tissue if necessary.
Step 9
Repeat steps 3 to 8 to use the nasal spray for your left nostril.
Step 10
Recap the nasal spray and store at room temperature.
Tips and Warnings
- Saline nasal sprays are also available in a squeeze bottle. To use this bottle, squeeze the center of the bottle to emit the spray.
Things You'll Need
- Nasal Spray
- Tissue
