Using physiological saline for babies: Do not abuse!

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by BSCK II Cao Thi Thanh - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Physiological saline is a very familiar cleaning solution, commonly used in every family. Many parents often use physiological saline to wash their children's nose and throat, including newborn babies. However, from a scientific perspective, is this habit reasonable? Let's hear from experts on this matter.

1. Uses of physiological saline

Physiological saline is a solution containing only water (H2O) and salt (NaCl) with a salt concentration of exactly 0.9% (or 9 parts per thousand), and must meet sterile packaging standards. The reason it is named "physiological" because it has salt content, osmotic pressure is close to the physiological environment inside the body.
Because of similar properties to body fluids, physiological saline has the main use in the role of circulating fluids. When the body is dehydrated, causing a drop in blood pressure due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, drinking cooked water can sometimes aggravate the condition due to the risk of electrolyte disturbances. Ripe water just provides water back without the necessary electrolytes. In acute cases, the patient needs to be rehydrated by intravenous saline infusion.
At the same time, physiological saline is commonly used when you want to clean non-infected wounds as well as on the mucous membranes of the body such as eyes, nose, ears, throat...

2. Dangers of abusing physiological saline

Today, on the market, there are many types of physiological saline for sale and popular advertising. These items are extremely diverse, with many rich designs, suitable for each object, including physiological saline for babies.
Even so, please don't forget that our body itself is a miraculous machine. The body knows how to regulate activities and self-cleaning, "lubricating" so that the activities take place in harmony. Specifically, in the nasopharyngeal cavities, the top mucosal layer is capable of excreting mucus. This mucus layer helps to warm, humidify inhaled air and clean surfaces. Dust or bacteria that stick to it will quickly be cleaned by this mucus layer and washed out of the cavity by natural exit routes. In addition, the mucus layer also plays an immune role. Destructive enzymes in the cells will be released, destroy bacteria, and act as a barrier against disease for the body.
Because of the above reason, if we use physiological saline too often, we inadvertently erase the functions of the lining of the nose and sinuses. For children, even if they use the right type of physiological saline for babies, breastfeeding mothers think it is safe for their babies, but in fact, they lose their mucus secretion reflex right from the day they are born. In addition, if not washed properly, it can cause further infection, bringing germs deep inside the body. And if after a period of continuous active nasopharyngeal washing, abrupt discontinuation will sometimes cause the mucosal layer to decrease in moisture, dry, and easily irritate, which is a favorable condition for viruses and respiratory bacteria. attack.
The role of physiological saline for babies is only really promoted when the child has problems with the respiratory tract. That's when children have colds, infections, increased mucus secretion; At the same time, the nose and throat are infected, the mucus is cloudy, thick, difficult to drain out, blocking the airways. Children's airways are narrow and soft, easy to collapse, children will show runny nose, wheezing, shortness of breath, cough with phlegm, and fever. Proper washing of the nose, throat and sinuses will help flush out dirt, kill germs and return natural ventilation to the baby's airway.

3. Instructions for properly rinsing the nose and throat with physiological saline

To promote the full effect when using physiological saline products for babies, parents also need to have certain understanding. Each manufacturer has different product designs, parents can choose forms with pre-made nozzles, easy to use, easy to determine the required amount for one use. For a child who is already talking, nasal irrigation should be explained thoroughly in order to encourage the child's cooperation. For older children, parents need to model, guide and encourage so that children can do it for themselves.
The washing of the nose with physiological saline for babies needs to be done in an independent and decisive step to avoid making the child cough, cause fear, or fuss. First, the child's head should be fixed on a hard surface and tilted to one side, underneath with a towel, absorbent gauze. Next, gently insert the nozzle of the pump into the lateral side of the upper nostril. Wait slowly for the water to drain from the nose below. Repeat two to three times depending on the child's condition is to do the same for the opposite side. Finally, dry the inside of the nose with a cotton swab but absolutely do not insert it too deeply and wipe the outer wing of the child's nose with a soft cloth.
If the baby's nasal discharge is too thick, you can add a few drops of physiological saline first to thin it out. Besides, you can also use a straw to remove mucus. Always keep in mind that the tools used for children need to be specialized for babies to be handled gently and carefully.
In summary, rinsing the nose and throat with physiological saline is always an effective, safe, and easy to do at home. However, parents should not overdo it, but need to understand the recommended times and how to do it to protect their children's respiratory health. If they notice abnormal signs in their children, parents should take their children to medical facilities for advice and examination.
Parents can take their children to Vinmec International General Hospital, which is one of the leading hospitals in the country for examination, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory, nutritional, digestive, and urological diseases. especially in infants and young children. With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.
If you have a need for consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals under the nationwide health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.