Saline Spray Worth a Try

Long-term use of nasal sprays with decongestants can cause “rebound stuffiness,” in which symptoms recur and might be even worse than before taking the medicine.

Over the last several years, manufacturers have introduced non-medicated nasal sprays to reduce the misery and the chance of rebounding. The newest is Nasal Moist, a saline solution that can be used as often and long as necessary, according to its manufacturer, Blairex Laboratories. It is expected in pharmacies soon. Cost is about $3 for a 1.5-ounce bottle.

Worth a try? Yes, says Gerald Klein, UC Irvine associate clinical professor of medicine and pediatrics and a Vista allergist. The saline-only solution might be especially good for alleviating dry nasal passages or stuffiness from sinus infections. But don’t expect it to relieve severe congestion, other experts say.