A solution that has an osmotic pressure higher than the osmotic pressure of the blood plasma is called a hypertonic solution. Most often, this excess is 10%.
The osmotic pressure of different cells is different, and it depends on the species, functional and environmental specifics. Therefore, a hypertonic solution for some cells can be isotonic and even hypotonic for others. Plant cells immersed in a hypertonic solution are reduced in volume, as it sucks water out of them. Red blood cells of animals and humans in hypertonic solution also decrease in volume and lose water. The combination of hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic solutions is used to measure osmotic pressure in tissues and living cells.
Due to its osmotic effect, hypertonic solution is widely used in the form of compresses to separate pus from wounds. In addition, locally it has an antimicrobial effect. The scope of hypertonic solutions is quite wide. Hypertonic solution of sodium chloride is externally used in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract and purulent wounds, and is used intravenously for gastric, pulmonary and intestinal bleeding. In addition, a hypertonic solution is used to wash the stomach in case of silver nitrate poisoning.
Outwardly, for the treatment of purulent wounds, 3-5-10% hypertonic solutions in the form of lotions, compresses and applications are used. 10% hypertonic solutions are slowly injected intravenously in the treatment of gastric, pulmonary and intestinal bleeding, as well as to increase diuresis. It is extremely important that when the solution is administered intravenously, it does not get under the skin, as this will lead to tissue necrosis. Hypertonic solutions are also used as enemas (80-100 ml of 5% solution) to stimulate bowel movements. In addition, 2-5% hypertonic solutions are used orally for gastric lavage. For diseases of the upper respiratory tract, 1-2% sodium chloride is used for rinsing, bathing and wiping.
Hypertonic solution: preparation
A hypertonic solution (10%) is produced in the form of a powder in sealed bottles of 200 or 400 ml. For inhalation and intravenous administration, the solution must be sterile, therefore, for these purposes it is better to get it in a pharmacy. And the tool for compresses, applications and rinses can be prepared independently. A hypertonic solution is prepared in a ratio of 1:10, i.e., one part of salt per ten parts of water. Its concentration should not exceed 10%, since capillaries may burst in places where the compress is applied.
In the treatment of many diseases, sodium chloride hypertonic solution is used. How to cook this substance yourself? Due to the extremely simplicity of the technology for preparing the solution, do not try to stock up on them for the future. Remember that a self-prepared solution should be used immediately, since it is not subject to storage.
With laryngitis and sore throat, a gargle requires a not very concentrated solution (2 g of salt per 100 ml of water). To wash the stomach in case of poisoning, you will need about a liter of solution, and salt should be taken 30 grams. If you do not need a cleansing enema, but you need to empty the intestines (for example, in the pre-, postpartum or postoperative period), a 5% hypertonic solution is used. In the treatment of purulent wounds, a 10% hypertonic solution is used, the preparation of which has its own characteristics. Salt dissolves the worse, the higher its concentration, and the ingress of undissolved salt crystals into the wound is simply unacceptable, therefore, the solution for the treatment of purulent wounds must be brought to a boil. This will help the salt crystals to completely dissolve and disinfect the solution. Before use, the liquid must be cooled to room temperature.