Does gargling with salt water help a sore throat

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Effectiveness of Gargling with Salt Water for Sore Throat Relief

Introduction to Sore Throat Causes and Treatments

Sore throats are a common ailment often caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or sinus infections. They can make it difficult to talk and breathe, and if symptoms persist for more than five to seven days, medical consultation is recommended. Common home remedies include increasing liquid intake, gargling with warm salt water, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers .

Clinical Trial on Salt Water Gargling for Non-Bacterial Pharyngitis

A randomized clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of gargling with a salt solution (sodium chloride 3%) compared to a thymol glycerine solution in patients with non-bacterial pharyngitis. The study involved 100 patients who were divided into two groups. Results showed that patients who gargled with the salt solution experienced significant reductions in sore throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and throat swelling compared to those who used the thymol solution. The p-values for these improvements were all less than 0.001, indicating a statistically significant difference .

General Recommendations for Sore Throat Management

General advice for managing sore throats includes gargling with warm salt water, which can help alleviate symptoms. This simple and natural remedy is often recommended alongside other measures such as increasing fluid intake and using over-the-counter pain relievers. If symptoms persist, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected .

Conclusion

Gargling with salt water is an effective and natural remedy for reducing the symptoms of a sore throat, particularly in cases of non-bacterial pharyngitis. Clinical evidence supports its use, showing significant improvements in pain, swallowing difficulty, and throat swelling. This method, combined with other supportive measures, can provide relief and is a recommended practice for managing sore throat symptoms.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Randomised Controlled Trial of Salt Solution (Sodium Chloride) Mouth Wash vs Thymol Glycerine Usage in Sore Throat with Non Bacterial Pharyngitis

Gargling a salt solution can reduce the pain and other symptoms of sore throat in patients with non-bacterial pharyngitis.

RCT

2019·

4citations

·Mohd Azreen Ezairy Bin Mohmad Sallih et al.

Sore throats.

Infections from viruses or bacteria are the main cause of sore throats and can make it difficult to talk and breathe. Allergies and sinus infections can also contribute to a sore throat. If you have a sore throat that lasts for more than five to seven days, you should see your doctor. While increasing your liquid intake, gargling with warm salt water, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help, if appropriate, your doctor may write you a prescription for an antibiotic.

1990·

10citations

·H. Marcovitch

Gargling with Sodium Azulene Sulfonate Reduces the Postoperative Sore Throat After Intubation of the Trachea

Gargling with Azunol effectively reduces postoperative sore throat and pain after endotracheal intubation, with no adverse reactions observed.

RCT

2005·

69citations

·J. Ogata et al.

Efficacy and safety of ketoprofen lysine salt mouthwash versus benzydamine hydrochloride mouthwash in acute pharyngeal inflammation: a randomized, single-blind study.

Ketoprofen lysine salt mouthwash provides longer analgesic relief and greater local tolerability than benzydamine hydrochloride mouthwash for patients with acute pharyngeal inflammation.

RCT

2001·

28citations

·D. Passali et al.

A randomized controlled study to compare the efficacy of amyl meta cresol-2, 4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol lozenges Vs warm saline gargles Vs control in the prevention and treatment of post-operative sore throat after endotracheal intubation

AMC-2,4-DCBA lozenges provided the maximum benefit in patient comfort for post-operative sore throat symptoms at 24 hours post-surgically, while warm normal saline gargles showed no significant benefit in relieving post-operative sore throat compared to placebo.

RCT

2022·

0citations

·Deepak S. Phalgune et al.

An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Licorice Gargle for Attenuating Postoperative Sore Throat: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind Study

Licorice gargle performed 5 minutes before anesthesia effectively reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat.

RCTHighly Cited

2009·

72citations

·A. Agarwal et al.

Effect of Oral Care Solution on Sore Throat After I-Gel Laryngeal Mask General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Gargling with oral care solution before anesthesia induction significantly reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat in patients undergoing i-gel laryngeal mask general anesthesia.

RCT

2023·

0citations

·Yan Zhang et al.

An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Aspirin and Benzydamine Hydrochloride Gargle for Attenuating Postoperative Sore Throat: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind Study

Aspirin and benzydamine hydrochloride gargles significantly reduced the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat in female patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy under general anesthesia.

RCTHighly Cited

2006·

100citations

·A. Agarwal et al.

Gargling with Ketamine Attenuates the Postoperative Sore Throat

Gargling with ketamine significantly reduces postoperative sore throat, improving patient satisfaction after surgery without causing drug-related side effects.

RCT

2009·

61citations

·A. Rudra et al.

Effects of Aroma Gargling, Cold Water Gargling, and Wet Gauze Application on Thirst, Halitosis, and Sore Throat of Patients After Spine Surgery

Aroma gargling effectively reduces thirst, halitosis, and sore throat in patients after spine surgery compared to cold water gargling and wet gauze application.

2017·

16citations

·Kyung Eun Oh et al.

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