Hazy Sky and the Sterimar Spray Review

The first haze I could recall clearly was in the 90s, when I was in school.  Thereafter, it seems to have turned into an annual affair.  The haze comprises unhealthy particles (pollutants) in the air, and is caused by open-burning of estates from a neighbouring country.

It's only 10 in the morning.  Today's air index is worse than yesterday's, and this is not the worst in the whole country.

As someone "sensitive", the coming of the haze naturally poses a red flag when it comes to the risk of getting unwell.  

Here are among the common measures to be taken, vs what's in reality:

1) Avoiding outdoor activities

Unfortunately, this means cutting down on outdoor moments for many of us here who are presently already outdoor-deprived.  The effect is more significant for children compared to adults.  Perhaps staying indoor on a short-term basis shouldn't be that bad...   Thus, indoor playgrounds are expected to have more visitors during this hazy season. 

2) Using a face mask when out

The N95 mask is better than ordinary surgical mask.

However, having said that, I have not resorted to any mask yet, unless the air is really, really bad.  Firstly, I feel strange going public with a mask, and secondly it's very uncomfortable to breathe in humid air from within the mask.

3) Drinking more water

4) The saline nasal spray

I would like to share that this is among the best methods to eradicate / soothe an allergic nose that's sensitive to the haze.

For years, I used to complain about allergic rhinitis, and sometimes, sinusitis.  Antihistamines used to come into picture a few times in a year.  However, none seems to work as effectively as the saline nasal spray.

Introduction

The Sterimar Baby nasal hygiene spray contains sterilised sea water that has been diluted to make it isotonic. And being sea water means the spray contains trace amount of minerals that may be mildly antiseptic or anti-inflammatory.

The word "Baby" means the spray is made for infants, but it worksfor adults too (it works for me).  There's also a Sterimar spray without the "baby" label, with same content, only the nozzle size differs a little and there seems to be more ml.  Sterimar is manufactured in France.

How did the Sterimar spray come into picture?

Alvin had a chest infection (pneumonia) between April to May last year and was admitted to Columbia Asia Cheras.   

 In ward,besides IV antibiotic, neb and oral medications, paediatrician Dr Hew had also prescribed the Sterimar baby nasal spray.  It can used whenever necessary to help clear nasal congestion.   

Out of curiosity, I took the leftover spray from last year and tried - huhuhu, I am compromising on hygiene by reusing something belonging to someone else from so long ago (but the one shown in the pictures above is newly-bought).

How to use the Sterimar nasal spray, and how does it feel? 
I find it best to use it when lying down.  Lie to the left, insert the nozzle into the left nostril and spray once, wait for excessive flow out, and wipe.  Then change side, and repeat.  Wash the nozzle after use and let it dry.

Nasal spraying can be unpleasant and causes a bit of shock (as in frightening), so expect a toddler to scream/cry when using it.  Even I feel like screaming too when I use it on myself.

By now, I have been using the Sterimar spray for a week.  And I am glad to share that for one week, I was able to sleep better and not awakened by violent sneezing or post-nasal drip in the middle of the night, and need not take any antihistamine. 

How it works
Upon using the Sterimar spray, I thought it would have been great if Sterimar or any other normal saline spray is prescribed too, on top of the routine antihistamines.  The benefit of Sterimar seems to go beyond nasal cleaning.  By helping to clear the nose and at the same time flush out whatever allergen that's inhaled earlier, sneezing/runny nose is significantly reduced, therefore helps prevent post-nasal drip.  It also significantly reduces my dependency on antihistamine.  However, its effectiveness may differ between individuals.

How often to use?
It depends on each person.  For me, I use once in the morning when I reach my workplace from walking 10 minutes through the haze, once in the evening when I arrive at home, and once before bed.  

Where to buy and how much
The Sterimar baby nasal hygiene spray is available at pharmacies.  At Guardian, it's sold for RM27.15.  One bottle has a net volume of 50ml, for 150 doses.

NB: This is only a personal review and NOT a paid write-up.  ;)