Drug Free Nasal Sprays - what are the ingredients?

[ChrisGeorge]

Hello,

I am new to this forum, so I hope I am doing this correctly. I am 65 years old and I have been recently diagnosed with a Sinusitis problem. My doctor suggested I use a nasal spray to get relief. Given my aversion to drugs, he also suggested that I use something called a Neti-pot. I tried the neti pot a couple of times and I do not think I will ever understand how it works.

My question to the experts on this forum is, could you please help me select a good nasal spray, preferably one which does not have any drugs. From what I have read, it seems the main cause of discomfort for those suffering from sinusitis is when mucus collects in the sinuses and the nasal passage. Please explain how the ingredients in the nasal spray tackles this problem.

Many thanks.

[MarkMM]

Hi Chris,

You mentioned about the ingredients in a nasal spray and especially mentioned Sodium Chlorite and Sodium Carbonate. I use Sinox Nasal Spray which has these ingredients and here is my take on these ingredients.

Sodium Chlorite: Both Sodium Chlorite and common salt (Sodium Chloride) have anti-microbe properties, Sodium Chlorite is more effective. Sodium Chlorite is added to packaged meat because of its ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Also when it acidifies, it produces Chlorine Dioxide which is shown to kill a wide range of microorganisms. Incidentally Chlorine Dioxide is also used to purify the water we receive at home.

Sodium Carbonate: When acidified helps loosen persistent mucus in the nose. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking soda) can also be used, but it irritates the nose.

The nasal spray should mild acids like lactic, citric and phosphoric acids which maintain the ph of the nasal spray to the slightly-acidic levels.

Hope this helps.

[MarkMM]

Hi Chris,

You mentioned about the ingredients in a nasal spray and especially mentioned Sodium Chlorite and Sodium Carbonate. I use Sinox Nasal Spray which has these ingredients and here is my take on these ingredients.

Sodium Chlorite: Both Sodium Chlorite and common salt (Sodium Chloride) have anti-microbe properties, Sodium Chlorite is more effective. Sodium Chlorite is added to packaged meat because of its ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Also when it acidifies, it produces Chlorine Dioxide which is shown to kill a wide range of microorganisms. Incidentally Chlorine Dioxide is also used to purify the water we receive at home.

Sodium Carbonate: When acidified helps loosen persistent mucus in the nose. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking soda) can also be used, but it irritates the nose.

The nasal spray should mild acids like lactic, citric and phosphoric acids which maintain the ph of the nasal spray to the slightly-acidic levels.

Hope this helps.

[bsmsl]

haha... I agree about the pepper spray.  I won't be using it, but wanted to offer it as an idea if you were open to it.

You may want to look for a hypertonic saline recipe.  I personally didn't like it, but many people do.  That is a stronger than normal saline which also has hydrogen peroxide in it.  I have a recipe developed by the med school in Missouri, but I prefer the normal saline.  I ocassionally use baking soda which just "buffers" the saline for some people.  It really is a personal choice as to what you like and what works for you.

Take care.

[susancm]

There are  nasal sprays out there that just have saline in them.  They don't shrink nasal membranes, just add moisture.
Take care,
Sue

[ChrisGeorge]

Thank you so much for your advise.

I read on one of the forums that Sodium Chlorite may be better than salt (which is Sodium Chloride). Any thoughts on this? You also mentioned baking soda; the same post mentioned that Sodium Carbonate maybe better than baking soda in loosening persistent mucus.

I cannot imagine spraying pepper into my nose. I think I'll give the capcaicin based spray a pass.

Thank you once again.

[bsmsl]

Hi, I am not oneof the experts on this forum, but I have some ideas.

You may prefer the NeilMed Sinus Rinse bottle over the netti pot.  I find the netti pot akward to use, but the bottle is quite easy.  You can find the bottle in just about any pharmacy.  I use 1/4 tsp non-iodized salt (pickling salt) in 8 oz of water.  Some people like to mix in a pinch of baking soda.  It is best to use distilled water.  

There are some homeopathic nasal sprays that you can ask your pharmacist about.  However, homeopathic products do contain chemicals that act like medicines.  They are just not regulated by the FDA.  Sinus Buster has capcaicin (sp?) which is derived from a pepper.  You can try that if you want.  I have heard storied from people who liked it and others that don't.  

Take care and I hope that helps you some.