Some pediatricians recommend using a 10 percent salt solution to relieve nasal congestion in infants. Explain the effects this treatment would have on the cells lining the nasal cavity. Would it be effective?

What will be an ideal response?


The 10 percent salt solution is hypertonic with respect to the cells lining the nasal cavity (the solution contains a higher salt concentration than do the cells). The hypertonic solution would draw water out of the cells (which would shrink), adding water to (diluting) the mucus. Thinner mucus would help relieve the congestion.

Anatomy & Physiology

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