Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Salt water nasal sprays and rinses
Your clinician has recommended that you use a salt water nasal spray or rinse. These help to remove pollutants or allergens from the nasal passages, wash out thick or dried mucous, decongest the nose, and reduce post-nasal drip.
The following recommended products are easily available in chemists, supermarkets and online. They don’t require a prescription (i.e. over the counter - OTC). Equivalent brands are available.
Please follow any additional advice given to you by your clinician, such as frequency and timing of use.
Nasal sprays
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| Vicks VapoSpray |
Sterimar Breathe Easy |
Directions
- Tilt your chin down slightly, insert the nozzle into your nostril, aiming diagonally towards the ear on that side (i.e., right nostril aim towards right ear), and squirt the spray into your nose
- You can gently ‘sniff’ the spray backwards into your nasal passages
- Repeat on the other side
- Allow the spray to sit for a few seconds, then blow your nose thoroughly
- You can repeat if your nose still feels congested.
Nasal rinse - NeilMed
Directions
(see leaflet in box for full details)
- Fill the bottle to the top line (240ml) with boiled water that has cooled down to body temperature (not too hot or cold)
- Add one sachet to the bottle, screw on the cap, cover the hole with a finger, and shake to mix the solution
- Leaning over the sink, place the bottle against one nostril. Squeeze the bottle (applying consistent pressure) until you have used half the bottle (120ml) – the fluid will flow up your nostril and then come down and out the other side
- Keep breathing through your mouth (this stops the fluid from entering your throat)
- Allow the fluid to drain, then gently blow your nose
- Repeat on the other side with the remaining liquid (120ml).
DIY salt solution
You can make up the following solution to use with the NeilMed bottle, as above:
• 240ml boiled water that has cooled to body temperature
• 0.5tsp (2.5g) salt
• 0.5tsp (2.5g) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, NOT baking powder)
Clean the bottle after every use and replace it every 3 months.
Barrier Nasal Sprays
These nasal sprays work by creating a barrier similar to mucus that traps the pollutants/irritants or allergy particles, which can then be removed by the body’s natural nasal and sinus clearance mechanisms or flushed out with saline. The Fusion Allergy range uses a particle called Ectoin which is a naturally occurring, drug free solution. Neilmed’s Nasogel is also drug free, formulated with sodium hyaluronate and Aloe Vera.
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Fusion Allergy Nasal Spray |
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Neilmed Nasogel |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/024
Approval date:
6 January 2025
Review date:
1 December 2026
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.