Question 1

is it possible to over-use salt water nasal douche? been using it for 2 years 2x per day to clear irritants + allergy meds. worried about any damage.

Accepted Answer

Study points to yes: Saline irrigation can be beneficial when used for a short period of time. A study presented at the 2009 College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggested that chronic use of saline was counter productive. Although it removes pathogens when used from time to time, chronic use may remove the "good bacteria". Usually 1-3 weeks of use once a day is enough. If symptoms persist, see an ENT.

Question 2

whats the best way to detox your body? also is a salt water flush like used in the master cleanse safe?  reason to detox is allergies constipation etc

Accepted Answer

Allergy treatment: The best way to treat allergies is avoidance of the triggering allergen.  For environmental allergies, antihistamines and topical nasal steroids sprays are very effective.  Allergy injections are very useful for long term treatment.  There is no role for "detoxifcation" in the treatment of allergies.

Question 3

i just went swimming at the beach and swallowed salt water now
i am coughing and have a sore throat. what should i do? i also have allergies n asthma

Accepted Answer

Breathe...: First; try to expel the water; as long as you have no difficulty breathing you should be fine.  You may want to drink a cup of warm/hot tea with some honey in it; or a lozenge to soothe your throat...But other than that you should be fine.  If there is any doubt in your mind that you are not well then by all means call your doctor and get checked out, or visit your local emergency room.

Question 4

how many different categories of fish allergy exist? is it salt-water vs. fresh-water fish?

Accepted Answer

No category: There isn't any categorization of allergies between fresh vs salt water fish. Allergy to one fish does not mean you are allergic to all, but may have higher risk of developing such. Shellfish does same thing, but the incidence of allergies to shellfish is higher.
Symptoms vary from minor irritation to hives to anaphylactic reaction/shock.
Be cautious and consult your doc...
Good luck.

Question 5

13 month old with flu like symptoms. scratches nose vigorously. can i give him aller guard? (allergy nasal spray). it contains 2% ectoin, sea salt and water.

Accepted Answer

Allergy: Ectoine is a compound that does stabilize the cell membrane. In this case the histamine cells of the nose. Should not be problem.

Question 6

red irritated sore throat lasting 6 months! nothing helps (antibiotics, salt water gargle, acid reflux, allergy meds, steroids). remove tonsils help?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillitis: This is probably viral.  Mono can also cause that.  see your doctor.

Question 7

can you soak a wound in epsom salt water?

Accepted Answer

Simple Care: The real question-what not to do that slows down healing. Avoid alcohol, peroxide, hibiclens, betadine, epsom salts, bleach solutions. Inflammation ( red, hot, swollen, tender) is important to healing  so anti-inflammatories (motrin, advil) are bad. Cover the area with a clean dressing changed every other day  and protected from trauma.  Antibiotics do not help healing unless it is truly infected.

Question 8

how long must you do salt water washes after a circumcision?

Accepted Answer

Ask the surgeon: Surgeons have their own post-op instructions and may differ from my advice.

Question 9

i have a cough that's gotten worse even after rinsing with salt water, cough drops, and getting it checked out. what should i do now?

Accepted Answer

Sources: Could be from sinus drip, or from below, bronchial inflammation (asthma) among others. Recc see a pulmonologist if your primary agrees.

Question 10

can salt water baths help a woman's ph balance? i am very sensitive so medications always throw my levels off after i am done taking them.

Accepted Answer

Maybe.: Epsom salt baths can help lots of problems - muscle aches and pains and some wounds.  I'm assuming you're speaking of your vaginal ph balance?  If so, ingesting healthy bacterial flora such as acidophilus and bifidophilus, and active yogurt cultures would be most helpful to replenish your normal vaginal ph.  Good luck!

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Doctor answers about:

Allergy to salt water

A member asked:

Is it possible to over-use salt water nasal douche? been using it for 2 years 2x per day to clear irritants + allergy meds. worried about any damage.

A member asked:

Whats the best way to detox your body? also is a salt water flush like used in the master cleanse safe? reason to detox is allergies constipation etc

A member asked:

I just went swimming at the beach and swallowed salt water now i am coughing and have a sore throat. what should i do? i also have allergies n asthma

A member asked:

How many different categories of fish allergy exist? is it salt-water vs. fresh-water fish?

A member asked:

13 month old with flu like symptoms. scratches nose vigorously. can i give him aller guard? (allergy nasal spray). it contains 2% ectoin, sea salt and water.

A member asked:

Red irritated sore throat lasting 6 months! nothing helps (antibiotics, salt water gargle, acid reflux, allergy meds, steroids). remove tonsils help?

A member asked:

Can you soak a wound in epsom salt water?

A member asked:

How long must you do salt water washes after a circumcision?

A member asked:

I have a cough that's gotten worse even after rinsing with salt water, cough drops, and getting it checked out. what should i do now?

A member asked:

Can salt water baths help a woman's ph balance? i am very sensitive so medications always throw my levels off after i am done taking them.

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