What is saline
Physiological serum or saline solution is a sterile medication based on sodium chloride in a concentration of0.9%, which is used very frequently in outpatient and hospital care in patients, who for some reasontheir levels of mineral salts and water have been decompensated.
The active substance of this solution is sodium chloride, in aconcentration of 9 grams per liter of sterile water, a chemical compound used to restore normal levels of electrolytes in the body.
Note: The administration of the saline is through parenteral or intravenous routeand the dose will be determined by your treating physician according to the previous evaluation.
What is saline for?
As mentioned above, the physiological serum has specific purposes in the body, which we will mention below:
1. Restoration of fluids and electrolytes
There are some conditions in which the bodyloses a lot of water and electrolytes, such as excessive sweating or a very prolonged diarrheal episode, causing deterioration in the health of patients. (1)
In this sense, some scientific data describe the usefulness of the use of solutions such as saline, in rapid intravenous rehydration processes in decompensated patients. (two)
To highlight: Physiological serum is also used to treat acid-base imbalance, caused by gastrointestinal losses such as diarrhea. (3)
2. Cleaning eyes, nose, wounds and burns
Irrigation, washing or cleaning of organs such as the eyes, the nasal cavity , washing wounds or burns, must be done with a sterile solution to avoid possible infections, allergies or contamination. (4)
In this sense, the physiological solution is a pharmaceutical product that is free of other chemical elements and its composition is similar to that of tears from the eyes or sweat.
You should know: For irrigation , the use of common water is not recommended, since it contains other substances such as chlorine and other minerals that may not favor the patient’s health.
3. Nebulizations
Nebulization is a medical procedure, with which a medicine is quickly delivered to the lungs.
Note: To dilute the concentration of the drug and make it more quickly accessible to the target organ, the saline solution combined with the drug to be placed is used, transferred through a nebulizer device, guaranteeing the sterility of the mixture. (5)
4. Supply and dilution of substances
For parenteral or intravenous treatment of drugs, it is required that these be diluted in a sterile solution, which allows a progressive assimilation of the drug in the body. (6)
To highlight: The physiological solution contains almost the same properties of blood and body fluids , so it facilitates the entry of the drug into the human body.
Side effects of physiological saline
Some patients may be exposed to risks due to the consumption of certain medications, so it is necessary to warn that the administration of saline solution may cause some of the following adverse effects :
- Allergic reactions due to contact with any of the components of physiological saline.
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea .
- Arterial hypertension, pulmonary edema, abdominal cramps.
- Muscle spasms, respiratory interruption.
- Renal insufficiency.
Important: If you notice the appearance of any of these symptoms or any other not included in the list, it is recommended to stop using it and consult your treating doctor.
Contraindications of physiological saline
Treatment with saline solution is contraindicated in those patients who may suffer from any of the following health conditions :
- Hypersensitivity to any of the components of physiological saline.
- In patients with hyperchloremia (high level of chloride in the blood).
- During unsupervised pregnancy.
- In patients with hypernatremia (electrolyte disturbances with high sodium level).
- In the combination and supply of drugs not compatible with physiological serum.
- In patients with uncontrolled or unsupervised hypertension.
You should know: Before using physiological saline, the patient or their relatives must provide all the important information to the doctor about their medical history, in order to take the most appropriate intervention strategy.
Key Findings
- Physiological serum is a sterile medicine based on sodium chloride, in a concentration of 0.9%.
- Physiological serum is used to restore normal electrolyte levels in the body.
- This pharmaceutical product is also used for cleaning organs , burns and wounds.
- Physiological serum facilitates the administration of drugs by nebulization, intravenously or parenterally.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.