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Jan 31, 2019 Interviewer: Does gargling salt water when you get sick actually do anything? We'll find out next on The Scope. Announcer: Health information from experts supported by research. From University of Utah Health, this is thescoperadio.com. Interviewer: Dr. Tom Miller, so there's kind of this rumor thing out there. My mom tells me, my wife tells me, when I start, like, talking about how I'm getting a tickling in my throat, I feel like I'm getting sick, they say, "Oh, you got to gargle salt water. You got to gargle salt water." And I'm like, "I don't want to gargle salt water," but I do because, you know . . . Dr. Miller: Because you don't want to get in trouble. Interviewer: I'm an obedient son/husband. But does it actually really do anything? Does it shorten the duration? Does it actually prevent something from coming on? Give me the . . . Dr. Miller: Well, it depends. Let's talk about does it actually do something. I think, you know, gargling salt water, for some, might soothe that tickle in the throat or that little bit of pain in the back of the throat due to a virus. But in terms of will it shorten the length or duration of that illness, no it won't do that. But it's perfectly fine to gargle with it. I wouldn't swallow the salt water. That has its own implications. But if you find that it soothes the back of your throat, you could go ahead and gargle. And the same is true with mouthwashes like Listerine or Scope if that tends to make you feel better for a little while. That's fine, but it's not going to shorten things, or it's not going to make that virus go away. Interviewer: So that salt's not getting back there and causing a toxic environment? Are there other things that people do that really they think is going to shorten the duration, but it really doesn't? Just it kind of soothes things . . . Dr. Miller: Throat lozenges, you know, and things for cough that come along with that tickle in the back of the throat. They soothe the back of the throat. they make you feel better, but it's not going to change the duration of the illness or the intensity. Interviewer: Yeah. Dr. Miller: You know, throughout the day. Interviewer: And zinc tablets, what about those? That's another one I hear. Dr. Miller: It hasn't been proven to really reduce the length of the cold, but it's not going to hurt people. Interviewer: So if you want to do it, then go ahead. It's not . . . Dr. Miller: Yeah, it's fine. I don't say to people that it's going to make a difference, but I tell them if they think it's going to make a difference or if they've tried it and they feel like it's made a difference, I'll tell them scientifically there's not a lot of evidence for that, but it's available over-the-counter. If they want to use it, they can. Interviewer: All right, sounds good. So if you want to use those things, you can if it brings you some sort of relief or comfort. Don't expect it to really shorten the duration. And maybe you do it just to keep your mom/wife happy. Announcer: Have a question about a medical procedure? Want to learn more about a health condition? With over 2,000 interviews with our physicians and specialists, there's a pretty good chance you'll find what you want to know. Check it out at thescoperadio.com.
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Find a doctor or location close to you so you can get the health care you need, when you need it. Find a DoctorRelated PodcastsWith October in full swing the leaves are changing colors, the lines for pumpkin spice-flavored coffee are out the door…and people in Augusta are getting sick. The change in weather sparks the unofficial start of cold and flu season; one of the most common symptoms is a sore throat. You’ve probably heard that gargling with salt water will help ease throat pain and might even accelerate the healing process. Is there any truth to this? An Age-Old Remedy That WorksSore throats are usually caused by a virus—often the common cold or flu. Allergy symptoms including postnasal drip can also cause a sore throat. They are often the first symptom you notice, an indication that illness is imminent. Fortunately they tend to run their course in a few days, but the pain they cause during that time can make you downright miserable. Medications might help, but Augusta mothers have been recommending a saltwater gargle for decades. If this sounds like an old wives’ tale (no offense, mom!), you’ll be surprised to learn that there is some scientific basis to this claim. Will saltwater cure a sore throat?Saltwater won’t actually cure a sore throat, but it can help reduce pain and discomfort. This is because saltwater has hypertonic properties; in other words, the osmotic pressure in saltwater is higher than the pressure in the fluid of the surrounding cells. In layman’s terms, osmosis refers to the movement of water molecules across cell membranes; hypertonic fluids encourage movement of water from the cell to the surface, helping to draw out not only liquid, but any virus or bacteria in your throat, as well. After gargling, when you spit out the water, you will get rid of some of the germs, as well. An additional benefit of a saltwater gargle is that moisture on the surface of the throat acts as a lubricant and will help relieve some of the soreness. How to Gargle with SaltwaterMaking a saltwater gargle is easy and inexpensive. The key is to make sure you have enough salt to make the water hypertonic; at a minimum, dissolve a quarter teaspoon of salt in a half cup of warm water.
You’ll want to do this several times a day to really benefit, but in about 24 hours you should begin to feel better. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day so the salt doesn’t dry out the rest of your cells. Don’t use a saltwater gargle if…Not everybody should gargle with saltwater to help with a sore throat. Individuals with high blood pressure should focus on other home remedies that help moisten the throat. Chicken soup is another mom- and grandmother-approved solution that actually works; it contains nutrients that fight infection naturally. Other tips include honey, ginger, using a humidifier and staying away from cigarette smoke. If you still have a sore throat, call your local ENT.If you have tried a saltwater gargle and your sore throat hasn’t gone away after a few days, make an appointment with an ENT in Augusta GA. You’ll want to make sure there isn’t anything more serious, such as strep throat, causing your symptoms. Related Home Remedy Posts:
Does gargling salt water get rid of sore throat?1. Gargling with Salt Water. While salt water may not provide you with immediate relief, it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle away.
How often should I gargle salt water for sore throat?Your Albany ear, nose and throat doctor recommends a saltwater gargle two to four times a day, depending on how bad your symptoms are. You should start to feel better after 24 hours. It's important to drink lots of water so the salt doesn't cause your other cells to dry out.
Why does warm salt water gargle help a sore throat?The Mayo Clinic notes that warm liquids can help to ease the discomfort associated with a sore throat. Penn Medicine explains that salt water can help to kill bacteria, ease pain and loosen mucus, making it especially helpful in relieving your symptoms.
What is the fastest way to cure a sore throat?Lifestyle and home remedies. Rest. Get plenty of sleep. ... . Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. ... . Try comforting foods and beverage. ... . Gargle with saltwater. ... . Humidify the air. ... . Consider lozenges or hard candy. ... . Avoid irritants. ... . Stay at home until you're no longer sick.. |
Gargling warm salt water help sore throats
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