Saline solution (in other words, saline) is a solution of sodium chloride NaCl. Details about it, as well as how it is made and why it is used, will be discussed in our article.
How is saline made?
Saline solution, the composition of which does not contain many components, is produced in large quantities in production. In the process of creating this medical product, s alts are introduced into distilled water in a certain order. And only when the previous component is completely dissolved, add the next one.
To prevent the formation of a precipitate in the solution, carbon dioxide is passed through sodium bicarbonate. The last step is to add glucose. Of particular importance is the dishes in which saline is prepared. Its composition contains many elements necessary for the body, but there are no metals among them, since they negatively affect the vital activity of tissues. Therefore, it is especially important that saline is only prepared in glass containers.
What is saline for?
In general, this solution is actively used inmedicine. It is used when:
- dehydration (droppers);
- breeding various medicines;
- in an emergency, the solution acts as a blood substitute.
Also used for:
- injections and droppers;
- rinsing contact lenses;
- and also as an antimicrobial agent.
For medicine, saline is an almost indispensable thing, since all droppers in medical institutions are made on its basis: medicines are diluted with them to achieve the required concentration. Injections, especially vitamins, are most often also given with saline, which softens the effect of the drug and makes the injection less painful.
What is the product used for at home
Saline solution, the composition of which is indicated on the bottle, can always be freely purchased at the pharmacy. It can also be used at home, for example, for washing the nose. This substance can perfectly replace some expensive nasal sprays, and the effect will be exactly the same as after the use of expensive drugs.
In medicine, there are several varieties of saline, the composition of which, depending on the purpose of use, may differ slightly from each other. The composition of saline solution for washing the nose is not of fundamental importance, since this procedure can be performed using any version of the agent, but it is best to take a 0.9% concentration. Nasal lavage with saline isessentially, mechanical cleaning of the mucous membrane.
It is easy to do the procedure yourself. To do this, tilt your head forward so that the openings of the nasal passages are parallel to the floor. This posture is very important. The head must be held in this way to prevent the solution from entering the auditory tubes. After you need to draw in a nose some amount of liquid. During a runny nose, saline solution, the composition of which is absolutely safe and only benefits the body, will help clear the nose and make breathing easier.
Using saline for inhalation
Often this adjuvant is used for inhalation. For this, in addition to the solution itself, you will need a special device - an inhaler (nebulizer). The essence of this process is that a medicine diluted with saline is injected into the inhaler. Through a special nozzle, the patient inhales this medical device (prescribed drug), which has the desired effect on the body. Also, this procedure allows you to moisturize the surface of the mucous membrane.
The composition of saline for inhalation does not really matter, you can use any kind of solution - sterile or not, and also take it in any proposed concentration (from 0.5 to 0.9%). Inhalations using saline are very effective. Especially often they are prescribed to young children during colds. The procedure allows not only to cope with the ailment, but also to prevent it if inhalations are taken for prevention.
Droppers withusing saline
As we mentioned, most IVs in hospitals are made with saline. By diluting the drug with it, you can achieve the desired concentration of the administered medication. The composition of saline for droppers is indicated on the vial with this drug (as a rule, it is 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride solution that is used, it is also called isotonic). It is already in the concentration that is necessary for its use. It must be sterile, that is, it is forbidden to use the drug with broken packaging. Saline droppers are prescribed for dehydration, to thin the blood and to eliminate edema. If necessary, this remedy is combined with other medicines. We hope our article answered in detail the question of what saline is and why it is used.
