Study finds saltwater nose drops treat colds in children faster, cure two days earlier

A new study has revealed important findings that could change the way colds are treated in children. Hypertonic saline nasal drops prepared with salt water reduce the duration of colds in children. It is simple, affordable and effective in quickly alleviating cold symptoms. Since children often suffer from colds, this remarkable nasal drop will help provide relief and ease the recovery process.

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The whole family is affected by cold

Children often catch colds, with 10-12 upper respiratory tract infections, commonly known as colds, a common cold, a year, the researchers said. This not only affects the child but also the health of the family. Cold symptoms are contagious, causing other family members to fall ill. Although there are existing medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, there is no treatment to shorten the duration of a cold. With a longer recovery time, other family members, especially those caring for the sick child, are more likely to catch a cold from the child.

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Saline nose drops shorten the cold by 2 days

However, this study found that saltwater nasal drops may be effective in treating colds. Saltwater nasal drops reduced cold symptoms and colds recovered within 6 days, whereas with standard treatment, symptoms persisted for up to 8 days. Saltwater nasal drops reduced the duration of colds by 2 days.

By reducing the duration of colds, transmission of contagious symptoms within the family was limited. Children who were given saltwater nose drops required fewer medications. According to study participants, only 46% of families who used the drops reported that other household members caught the child’s cold. This is a major, unprecedented finding when compared to the 61% of families who followed traditional cold treatment methods. This reduced the spread of illness within the household and prevented disruption to regular household activities.

How do nose drops work?

This nasal drop is made from salt water. Professor Cunningham explained the efficiency of salt water in the research. He said, “Salt is made up of sodium and chloride. Chloride is used by the cells lining the nose and respiratory tract to make hypochlorous acid within the cells, which they use to defend against virus infection. By giving extra chloride to the lining cells, it helps the cells make more hypochlorous acid, which helps suppress viral replication, reducing the duration of virus infection and therefore also reducing the duration of symptoms.” Salt water enhances the body’s natural defense system. This is why salt water is used to gargle for sore throat and for many traditional remedies in South Asia.

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