Fatal infant nasal seawater spray instillation

Acta Paediatr. 2006 Jun;95(6):751-2. doi: 10.1080/08035250600557105.

Abstract

The use of seawater nasal spray is considered safe and sold as a non-prescription medicine. However, it is well known that nasal manipulations can provoke vagal reaction leading to acute life-threatening events. A case of fatal seawater nasal spray application in an infant is presented.

Conclusion: We do not consider the use of seawater nasal spray to be absolutely safe, especially among infants with disordered autonomic function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Instillation, Drug
  • Nasal Obstruction / therapy*
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers
  • Seawater / adverse effects*