Saline can reduce mucus and some irritants when used correctly and hygienically.
Use a ready-made sterile solution or boiled and cooled water according to the device instructions; untreated tap water is unsuitable. Keep the device clean and dry. Ear pain, repeated bleeding or severe symptoms require medical advice.
Medical principle
Breathing symptoms can result from infection, allergy, asthma, heart problems or environmental factors. Onset, triggers, fever, wheezing and limits on activity are important to assessment.
Practical steps that may help
- Avoid smoke and known triggers and maintain adequate ventilation.
- Practise correct inhaler technique with a doctor or pharmacist; incorrect technique reduces treatment benefit.
- Record cough duration, fever, sputum, wheezing and links with seasons or surroundings.
When should you seek medical care?
Severe or sudden breathlessness, blue colouring, inability to speak a full sentence, chest pain, coughing blood or reduced awareness require an immediate call to local emergency services.
View a trusted medical source ↗