Saline nose drops can provide symptomatic relief. Efficacy of this treatment has been proven for ragweed, grass, tree pollens and dust mites. It is most effective in seasonal pollinosis, and also can control perennial symptoms. Most physicians overprescribe. Very useful in the infant.
Few studies indicate their effectiveness.
Cool Mist may be preferable. No good studies in children, but it is clear that using these medications does not prevent otitis media, sinusitus, or asthma. The use of medications for the common cold is high and represents a huge national expense. Pediatricians should be aware that the use of most of these medications is of unproven efficacy, but parents will use them anyway. We need to learn the ingredients of the most commonly used medications to best advise our patients which are the least dangerous to use.