A pilot study found that using hypertonic saline nasal irrigation and gargling can significantly reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms in adults.

- Hypertonic saline nasal irrigation and gargling (HSNIG) can reduce the duration of common cold symptoms by about 1.9 days. - 87% of participants found HSNIG acceptable; 93% felt it improved their symptoms. - HSNIG led to a 36% reduction in over-the-counter medication use. - There was a 35% decrease in the transmission of the virus to household contacts. - A larger trial is needed to confirm these findings.

This is from Nature in 2022 at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-37703-3

Saline water gargling and nasal irrigation may help reduce the risk of COVID-19 by targeting the virus in the upper respiratory tract, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness.

- Limited evidence on saline gargling and nasal irrigation's effectiveness against COVID-19. - These methods are simple, economical, and globally implementable. - Previous studies suggest potential benefits in reducing viral load and preventing infections. - Saline solutions may help clear pathogens from the upper respiratory tract. - Considered harmless and can be easily practiced by individuals, especially in home quarantine. - Further clinical studies are needed for conclusive evidence.

This is from Journal in 2022 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7528968/

Saline solution gargling and nasal rinsing have been studied in a double-blind randomized controlled trial for their potential impact on SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing valuable insights for non-specialist readers.

This is from ScienceDirect in 2023 at this link.

Saline solution gargling and nasal rinsing have shown potential as simple and safe interventions in reducing the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

This is from Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in 2023. Link

Gargling with salt water may help reduce the risk of Covid hospitalization, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting.

- Gargling with salt water may help prevent Covid hospitalization. - Both low- and high-dose saline regimens are associated with lower hospitalization rates compared to controls in SARS-CoV-2 infections. - Saline nasal irrigation and gargling improve respiratory symptoms associated with coronavirus infection.

This is from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in 2023 at https://acaai.org/news/new-study-gargling-with-salt-water-may-help-prevent-covid-hospitalization/

Hypertonic saline nasal irrigation and gargling may reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract infection caused by coronaviruses, including COVID-19, according to a pilot study. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the full effectiveness of this intervention.

- Hypertonic saline nasal irrigation and gargling (HSNIG) reduced the duration of coronavirus upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) by an average of two-and-a-half days. - HSNIG may offer a potentially safe, effective, and scalable intervention for COVID-19. - HSNIG reduced the duration of URTI, over-the-counter medication use, transmission within household contacts, and viral shedding. - Epithelial cells produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) from chloride ions, which has an antiviral effect against various viruses. - SARS-CoV-2 titres are higher in the nose than the throat, suggesting that measures to control the infection and viral shedding can help reduce transmission. - HSNIG reduced the duration of illness, blocked nose, cough, and hoarseness of voice in individuals infected with coronavirus. - The findings suggest that HSNIG may have a role in reducing symptoms and duration of illness in COVID-19.

This is from Journal of Global Health in 2023 at URL.

The study analyzed the effect of steam inhalation, saline gargling, and povidone-iodine gargling on COVID-19 patients in Bangalore, and found that povidone-iodine gargling was effective in providing early test negativity, whereas saline gargling was effective in early clinical recovery.

- Povidone-iodine gargling can help in early test negativity. - Saline gargling is effective in early clinical recovery. - Steam inhalation can help in overall symptom recovery. - These interventions can be practiced safely by the public to curb the transmission of the disease and provide symptomatic improvement to patients across the globe.

This is from Indian Journal of Community Medicine in 2021 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9400364/.

Gargling with water is an effective and low-cost way to prevent upper respiratory tract infections among healthy individuals, according to a randomized controlled trial.

- Gargling with water can help prevent upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among healthy people. - This is a virtually cost-free and simple method that could benefit the general population. - The study found that the incidence rate of first URTI was lower in the water gargling group compared to the control group. - Even when a URTI occurred, water gargling tended to attenuate bronchial symptoms.

This is from American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2005 at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379705002588.

Gargling with certain mouthwash formulations containing cetylperidinium chloride, chlorhexidine, and hexetidine showed potential in reducing SARS-CoV-2 in the throat, which could help minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

- Gargle formulations containing povidone-iodine and essential oils have shown potential effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. - Chlorhexidine and Listerine antiseptic have demonstrated antiviral properties against certain viruses. - Chloride ions may enhance the antiviral immune response in non-myeloid cells.

This is from Sci Rep. in 2021 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8519917/