What is Saline?

When taken through an IV, this sterilized salt-and-water solution can rehydrate patients who are unable to drink. It can also be used to help flush the kidneys in order to get the body to pass kidney stones into the bladder and out the urethra. This form of solution is often mixed with glucose (sugar) to help offset the amount of sodium. Saline can also rinse the nasal passages as a way to reduce allergies or infections. A special teakettle-shaped applicator (nasal irrigator) is typically used to pour the solution into one nostril and out the other. The process is then repeated for the other nostril. It is important that the water, applicator, and solution are all sterile. Otherwise, harmful bacteria could be introduced into the body through the nasal passages. Eye drops use saline as an ocular means of transportation to deliver a wide variety of different medications (steroids, antihistamines, beta blockers, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, for example) into the body. As with nasal irrigators, it is important that the tip of the eyedropper does not touch any surface before use. A final use is to wash wounds and certain skin conditions. Unlike tap water, a sterile premade solution has virtually no risks of causing an infection. In its sterile form, it is one of the most sanitary liquid to clean wounds.