Each year, children can suffer from 10 to 12 upper respiratory tract infections, commonly known as colds, which can significantly affect them and their families. There are medications that can relieve symptoms, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but there are no cures for colds that can heal more quickly.
A study from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom found that saltwater nose drops can help reduce the duration of cold symptoms in children.
"Since salt water solutions are commonly used as a cure for nasal infections and as a gargle, that was the inspiration for this idea: to see if a home cure could also be replicated in a large-scale trial," said Dr. Sandeep. Ramalingam, Consultant Virologist, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Honorary Clinical Professor, University of Edinburgh.
For the study, researchers recruited 407 children up to six years old and found that those who used saltwater nose drops had cold symptoms for an average of six days, compared to eight days with usual care.
The children also needed less medication during their illness. The study also found that fewer households reported that family members caught a cold when children received saltwater nose drops: 82 percent of parents said the drops helped the child get better quickly and 81 percent said they I would use them in the future.
Research also showed that parents can safely prepare and administer nasal drops to their children, giving them some control over the common cold affecting their children.
Offering parents a safe and practical way to limit the impact of colds on their children and family would represent a significant reduction in the health and economic burden of this common condition. This incredibly inexpensive and simple intervention has the potential to be applied globally.
A study from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom found that saltwater nose drops can help reduce the duration of cold symptoms in children.
"Since salt water solutions are commonly used as a cure for nasal infections and as a gargle, that was the inspiration for this idea: to see if a home cure could also be replicated in a large-scale trial," said Dr. Sandeep. Ramalingam, Consultant Virologist, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Honorary Clinical Professor, University of Edinburgh.
For the study, researchers recruited 407 children up to six years old and found that those who used saltwater nose drops had cold symptoms for an average of six days, compared to eight days with usual care.
The children also needed less medication during their illness. The study also found that fewer households reported that family members caught a cold when children received saltwater nose drops: 82 percent of parents said the drops helped the child get better quickly and 81 percent said they I would use them in the future.
Research also showed that parents can safely prepare and administer nasal drops to their children, giving them some control over the common cold affecting their children.
Offering parents a safe and practical way to limit the impact of colds on their children and family would represent a significant reduction in the health and economic burden of this common condition. This incredibly inexpensive and simple intervention has the potential to be applied globally.
