An Australian study has found that saline nasal spray can significantly improve sleep and breathing in children, possibly reducing the need for surgical procedures.
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Researchers from Monash University, Monash Children's Hospital, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and the Royal Children’s Hospital have demonstrated that a daily application of saline nasal spray can effectively alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (OSDB), commonly known as obstructive sleep apnea in children. This condition, which affects up to 12% of children, leads to airway blockages during sleep and can result in snoring, behavioral issues, and other health problems.
The clinical trial, referred to as MIST+, involved 150 children between the ages of 3 to 12 who were referred for sleep-related breathing issues. Participants first received a six-week treatment with saline nasal spray. Notably, about one-third of the children experienced complete resolution of their symptoms solely from the saline spray.
Children who continued to show symptoms were randomly assigned to either a steroid nasal spray or continued saline treatment for an additional six weeks. The results indicated no significant differences between the two groups, and by the end of the 12-week trial, 50% of the children had recovered, thus avoiding specialist consultations and surgery.
Adjunct Clinical Professor Gillian Nixon, the lead author of the study published in Sleep Advances, stated that these findings could help healthcare providers manage the high number of children with sleep-related breathing difficulties, reducing wait times for specialist care.
Nixon emphasized the importance of sleep in children's health and development, noting that saline nasal sprays—available at local pharmacies—can be a practical and cost-effective first step before considering more invasive treatments. She advised families to discuss using saline spray with their general practitioners for up to 12 weeks to address symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea prior to seeking specialist intervention.
The MIST+ trial results support the potential of simple remedies in managing common pediatric health issues.