Greetings!
I wasn't sure where to put this question, so I opted for S&AS. If it belongs somewhere else, the Censors are welcome to put it elsewhere, and I won't be offended.
I have a question, but first a little background. I have had serious sinus issues since I was 12 (I am now 40) that have kept me blowing my nose on average about every 5-10 minutes since the Seventh Grade. It is painful, annoying to myself and others, and just downright a pain in the arse. I have been on various prescription nasal sprays (right now I am on Flo-nase), and, although it helps marginally (insofar as I can breathe at all), it is only of marginal benefit. Well, to make a long story short, friends have been recommending that I use saline nasal spray.
I finally broke down and bought a bottle two days ago. I have used it about four times a day. And, holy crap! I have gone from blowing my nose every 5-10 minutes to maybe once every hour! Its less painful, I can actually breathe through my nose for the first time in my life since adolescence, although I still can't get enough air that way, its less annoying to me and others, I mean, wow, its like a whole new world in the respiratory department!
What I want to know is simple: How the hell does this stuff work? I mean, its not even medicated! Its salt water, for heaven's sake! So why so much relief? Not that I am bitching, mind you! I have never been so happy in all my life! But I want to know, how exactly does this work?
So, are there any doctors, nurses, or other health professionals that can explain this to me? I would really appreciate it! Thanks!