Fiziološka raztopina lekarna

Customer question:

Can saline be used to clean the wound? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Yes, saline (sterile saline) is commonly used to clean wounds. Normal saline is isotonic to the rest of the body's tissues, meaning it has a similar concentration of salt and other dissolved substances to the body's cells and blood.

This is precisely why it is less likely to cause any damage or irritation to the wound. The physiological solution is practical in removing residues and impurities from the wound. The physiological solution is gentle on tissues, as it does not contain antiseptics or detergents that could slow wound healing or cause irritation.

When cleaning the wound, observe the following instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly first,
• Dry the area with a clean cloth or gauze,
• if using a syringe, gently spray the saline solution over the wound to help remove dirt,
• apply (as agreed with the doctor) antibiotic ointment,
• cover with a clean bandage.

It is essential to know that saline solution is excellent for the initial cleaning of wounds, but it does not contain antiseptic agents. In some situations, doctors may recommend using an antiseptic cleaning solution, especially if there is concern about infection. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for instructions for deep, large, or heavily contaminated wounds.

What does saline contain?

The saline solution in its basic form contains two components: sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, and water, which acts as a solvent in which the sodium chloride is dissolved.

The most commonly used water in medical settings is called "saline," which has a concentration of 0.9% sodium chloride. This means 9 grams of sodium chloride are dissolved in 1000 ml (or 1 liter) of water. This concentration is roughly equivalent to salt in human blood, which is why it is called "normal" saline.

There are other concentrations of saline, such as hypertonic or hypotonic saline, that are used for specific medical purposes. The difference between these solutions is the amount of sodium chloride they contain relative to water.

It is also worth noting that commercially prepared saline solutions, especially those intended for injection or intravenous use, may also contain other additives mainly to maintain sterility or to adjust the pH so that it is closer to the value of human blood. Always check the label or directions for a complete list of ingredients if using a commercially prepared product.

Can the saline solution be used to gargle a sore throat?

Yes, saline gargling can be used for a sore throat. Salt can draw excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the throat, reducing swelling and discomfort. Gargling saline solution can help moisten the throat, temporarily relieving pain or dryness. It can also help flush irritants or microbes from the throat.

To gargle saline solution:

• dissolve half a teaspoon of table salt in about 240 ml of warm water
• stir the solution until the salt is completely dissolved
• gargle the solution for a few seconds and then spit it out
• repeat as needed, especially after a meal or before bed

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