Two sprays, two ways to help
Hypertonic saline (saltwater) can help flush harmful pathogens out of your nose, calm inflammation and support healing.
HOCl, made by electrolyzing salt water, is a strong disinfectant that your immune system also makes. It kills pathogens on contact, which can help prevent viral infections.
Studies suggest that regular use of saline or HOCl sprays can lower your risk of catching a virus and help you recover faster if you do get sick.
Make it or buy it
You can make a saline spray at home (opens in a new tab). Use distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water, as for nasal irrigation.
Many companies sell hypertonic saline sprays (NeilMed (opens in a new tab), Quinton Medical (opens in a new tab) and others) and HOCl sprays (UltraPure (opens in a new tab), Sinus Plumber (opens in a new tab) and others).
Caution
Ask your health care provider before you try these sprays. Use saline made with safe water, or an HOCl spray made for the nose.
The research
20 papers chosen for this practice, each with its source and summary. After them, every study in the database that mentions nasal spraying.
A new nasal spray called “Pathogen Capture and Neutralizing Spray” (PCANS) offers a drug-free way to protect against respiratory infections by forming a barrier in the nose that captures and neutralizes viruses and bacteria effectively.
Key points
- PCANS is a drug-free nasal spray that prevents respiratory infections.
- It forms a protective coating in the nasal cavity to capture and neutralize pathogens.
- Reduces pathogen load by over 99.99%.
- Safe for daily use and retains in the nasal cavity for at least 8 hours.
- Protects against severe H1N1 Influenza in mice, improving survival and reducing lung viral levels.
The study introduces a new nasal spray designed to effectively capture and neutralize a wide range of respiratory pathogens, offering a promising drug-free method to prevent respiratory infections.
Key points
- PCANS is a drug-free nasal spray designed to prevent respiratory infections.
- It effectively captures and neutralizes a wide range of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.
- Offers protection within 15 minutes of administration, significantly reducing viral load.
- Can be used alongside vaccines to enhance protection against infections.
- Demonstrates a long residence time in the nasal cavity, reducing the need for frequent dosing.
- Safe for daily use, with minimal side effects compared to other nasal sprays.
- Potentially beneficial for high-risk populations and in areas with low vaccination rates.
The review found no completed studies on the effectiveness of antimicrobial mouthwashes and nasal sprays for COVID-19 patients, but identified 16 ongoing studies that may provide future insights into their benefits and risks for both patients and healthcare workers.
Key points
- No completed studies found on the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes and nasal sprays for COVID-19 patients.
- 16 ongoing studies aim to evaluate various mouthwash and nasal spray interventions.
- Potential benefits include reducing viral load and protecting healthcare workers.
- Concerns about possible adverse effects, such as loss of smell and changes to oral/nasal microbiota.
- Future studies should focus on both efficacy and safety of these interventions.
A study found that a nitric oxide nasal spray can significantly reduce the viral load in patients with mild COVID-19, potentially speeding up recovery and decreasing the risk of transmission.
Key points
- Nitric oxide nasal spray (NONS) shows effectiveness in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load in mild COVID-19 patients.
- Significant reduction in viral load observed within 24 to 72 hours of treatment.
- Patients treated with NONS reported faster symptom resolution compared to placebo.
- No serious adverse events noted in either treatment group.
- Study supports potential emergency use of NONS for mild COVID-19 infections.
This study investigated the effectiveness of using Physiomer, an undiluted seawater nasal spray, to reduce the duration of nasal symptoms in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 or URTIs, by mechanically evacuating nasal secretions containing the viruses and reducing contact time between the viruses and the nasal mucosa.
Key points
- Physiomer, an undiluted isotonic seawater nasal spray, may reduce the duration of nasal symptoms caused by mild to moderate COVID-19 and URTIs.
- Nasal saline irrigations can reduce the duration of infectious episodes and relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) caused by various respiratory viruses including coronaviruses.
- Preliminary data showed that daily nasal wash can significantly reduce symptom duration in subjects with mild and moderate forms of COVID-19.
- The study will take place in France among adults subjects who developed nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea no more than 48 hours before study inclusion.
- The study will evaluate the effectiveness of Physiomer on reducing the duration of nasal symptoms (nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea) in subjects with mild to moderate COVID-19 and URTIs.
A new drug-free nasal spray called AM-301 has been found to be safe and highly effective in reducing the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and its Delta variant in lab tests, suggesting it could serve as a protective barrier against COVID-19.
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Early use of azelastine nasal spray in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 may significantly reduce viral load and improve treatment outcomes.
Key points
- Early use of azelastine nasal spray may lower viral load in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
- The study suggests potential benefits of azelastine in managing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Results indicate a need for further research on azelastine’s effectiveness in COVID-19 treatment.
A nasal spray containing hypochlorous acid may be a convenient alternative to traditional saline irrigation for patients recovering from sinus surgery, as it showed similar benefits in reducing symptoms and improving health outcomes.
Key points
- HOCl nasal spray is effective as an alternative to normal saline nasal irrigation after sinus surgery.
- Both treatments showed benefits, but HOCl spray is more convenient for patients.
- Further research is needed to explore long-term effects of HOCl on nasal health.
A new nasal spray has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers, offering a safe and effective preventive option against the virus.
Key points
- The nasal spray significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infections in healthcare workers by 62% compared to placebo.
- It was found to be safe and well tolerated with no serious side effects reported.
- The spray also reduced clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19.
- The study suggests it could be a valuable preventive measure, especially in low-income countries with low vaccination rates.
- Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy against future variants and other viruses.
Nasal sprays for treating COVID-19: a scientific note (opens in a new tab)
Nasal sprays are being explored as a promising alternative method for preventing and treating COVID-19 due to their potential for easy administration and effective mucosal immunity.
Saline Nasal Irrigation for Upper Respiratory Conditions (opens in a new tab)
Saline nasal irrigation can be an effective treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis, and may also be helpful for managing symptoms of mild to moderate allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections, according to consensus guidelines, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for these conditions. Saline nasal irrigation is generally considered safe and can be easily performed at home with a neti pot or nasal spray bottle.
Key points
- A patient with leg pain that worsens with standing and improves with bending forward has a 75% probability of having lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, lamotrigine, sodium valproate, and topiramate are effective in controlling seizures in newly diagnosed partial or generalized epilepsy.
- Adding second-line drugs to usual treatment reduces seizure frequency in persons with drug-resistant partial epilepsy, but increases adverse effects such as dizziness and somnolence.
- In persons who have been seizure-free for at least two years while on treatment, almost 60 percent of those who withdraw from antiepileptic treatment remain seizure-free, compared with almost 80 percent of persons who continue treatment.
- High-dose supplemental vitamin D (482 to 770 IU per day) can reduce risk of nonvertebral fractures by at least 20 percent, and hip fractures by at least 18 percent.
- Caffeine intake is directly correlated with small but notable fetal growth restriction. Although a safe threshold cannot be determined, maternal caffeine intake of less than 100 mg per day minimizes the risk of fetal growth restriction.
- Patients started on rosiglitazone have higher rates of all-cause mortality and hospitalization for CHF than those using pioglitazone. The risks of MI or stroke are comparable for the two drugs.
Saline Nasal Spray: How To Make It, When To Use It, Health Benefits (opens in a new tab)
Saline nasal spray can help alleviate allergy symptoms by restoring moisture to dry nasal passages, thinning mucus, and cleansing nasal passages of pollen and other allergens, but it’s important to use it correctly and consult with a doctor if unsure.
Key points
- Saline nasal spray can help with nasal allergies by restoring moisture to dry nasal passages and sinuses, curbing inflammation of mucous membranes, thinning mucus, giving less postnasal drip, and cleansing nasal passages of pollen and other allergens.
- Over-the-counter saline sprays and rinses can help remove pollen from the nasal lining and add moisture if your nose feels dry from winter weather.
- You can easily make a saline solution at home to wash your nose and sinuses using non-iodized salt and baking soda.
- If you use a nasal steroid spray to treat your allergies, doctors suggest you first use a saline spray to cleanse the nose and rid it of thick mucus and debris.
- Talk to your doctor or allergist if you’re not sure how to use saline nasal spray correctly.
A new nasal spray treatment using nitric oxide has been shown to significantly accelerate the clearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a seawater nasal spray in reducing the duration of nasal symptoms of COVID-19 and reducing the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in subjects with mild to moderate COVID-19, and the study will take place in France among adults subjects with mild to moderate COVID-19 who developed nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea no more than 48 hours before study inclusion.
Key points
- A medical trial is being conducted to assess the efficacy of a natural seawater nasal spray, Physiomer®, to reduce duration of COVID-19 nasal symptoms and reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load in subjects with mild to moderate COVID-19 disease.
- Nasal saline irrigations are frequently prescribed for both prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).
- The sponsor hypothesized that the daily use of seawater nasal wash in subjects with mild to moderate forms of COVID-19 would relieve nasal symptoms caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, including nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, and would reduce the intranasal viral load.
- The study will take place in France among adults subjects with mild to moderate COVID-19 who developed nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea no more than 48 hours before study inclusion.
- Subjects positive for SARS-CoV-2 will be randomized into one of two study groups: control group or nasal wash group.
- Subjects in the nasal wash group will be asked to perform daily nasal wash for a 3 weeks period with Physiomer®, a 100% seawater isotonic nasal spray.
- Subjects in both groups will complete daily online questionnaires for a 3 weeks period.
- The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Physiomer®, an undiluted isotonic seawater nasal spray, on reducing the duration of nasal symptoms of COVID-19 (nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea) in subjects with mild to moderate COVID-19.
- The study is estimated to start on May 27, 2021, and end on October 27, 2021.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified the routes that the COVID-19 virus takes to enter and exit cells in the nasal cavity, which could lead to the development of a nasal spray to prevent infection; the virus attaches itself to cilia and microvilli structures found on multiciliated epithelial cells, which form a protective barrier to keep viruses from entering the airway, and the researchers found that inhibiting ciliary motion or microvilli gigantism could prevent respiratory viruses from colonizing the nose and throat, potentially limiting future pandemics.
Key points
- SARS-CoV-2 takes specific routes to enter and exit cells in our nasal cavity
- Cilia and microvilli are two structures found on multiciliated epithelial cells that are involved in the virus’s entry and exit
- Cilia are appendages that the virus initially attaches to, while microvilli enlarge and branch to release attached viral progeny to spread to other cells
- Human ciliated nasal epithelial cells are the primary entry site for SARS-CoV-2 in nasal epithelial tissue
- Eliminating mucin from the mesh prevents the mesh from blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection of the organoids
- Inhibiting viral entry or exit in airway cells could prevent unknown respiratory viruses from making themselves at home in your nose or throat
The need for COVID-19 nasal protection is as plain as the nose on your face (opens in a new tab)
To further protect against COVID-19, dental professionals should consider using a nasal barrier cream or spray to reduce the viral load originating from the nose, which is the primary site of respiratory infection, as shown by studies indicating that molecular iodine is effective as an antimicrobial agent and can reduce the viral load to below the limits of detectability.
Key points
- The nose is the primary site of COVID-19 respiratory infection and the virus is exhaled from infected individuals in normal breathing.
- Higher viral loads are found in the nasal passages than in the mouth.
- Nasal hygiene is important to minimize the viral load from the nasal passages of infected patients.
- Swabbing the internal surfaces of the patient’s nostrils with an effective antimicrobial cream provides additional protection.
- Antimicrobial prerinses are effective in reducing microbial aerosols.
The research introduces a new nasal spray designed to effectively prevent respiratory infections by capturing and neutralizing pathogens using a multi-modal approach, offering a promising alternative to traditional vaccines.
The study proposes using hypochlorous acid as a nasal spray to help protect healthcare workers at high risk of COVID-19 infection, showing promise in reducing viral load and enhancing safety.
Key points
- Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is proposed as a nasal spray for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers.
- HClO is a safe and effective antimicrobial solution, reducing viral load without harming human cells.
- The study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HClO compared to a placebo in high-risk health personnel.
- The trial is randomized, double-masked, and placebo-controlled.
- Expected study completion date is August 15, 2021.
A study found that people who frequently suffer from respiratory infections are interested in using nasal sprays for prevention, but they also have concerns and doubts that could be addressed through better information and support.
Key points
- Nasal sprays may help prevent respiratory tract infections (RTIs).
- Many people are interested in using nasal sprays for prevention, especially those with recurrent or severe infections.
- Concerns about nasal sprays include side effects, complexity, and personal experiences.
- Providing information and support can help address doubts and improve adoption.
Will Saline Irrigation Ease Sinus Congestion? (opens in a new tab)
Saline irrigation can help ease sinus congestion, reduce allergy symptoms, and may play a role in COVID-19 recovery; it is an easy-to-use and widely available non-drug option that can save lives, and can be done with a neti pot or nasal spray.
Key points
- Saline irrigation can help ease sinus congestion and may also play an important role in recovery from COVID-19.
- Saline nasal rinsing is an effective, inexpensive way to reduce allergy symptoms.
- Nasal irrigation with saline can be helpful in cases of chronic sinus irritation.
- You don’t have to use a neti pot to ease sinus congestion. You can use a more modern system of nasal irrigation, such as one made by NeilMed.