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New Research Highlights Benefits of Hypertonic Saline Nasal Drops for Reducing Colds in Children
Recent findings indicate that hypertonic saline nasal drops can effectively shorten the duration of the common cold in children by an average of two days. This promising research is set to be shared at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria. Additionally, the use of these saline drops appears to limit the transmission of colds within households.
The key results stem from the ELVIS-Kids randomized controlled trial, presented by Professor Steve Cunningham from the Child Life and Health department at the University of Edinburgh, UK.
Professor Cunningham noted, “Children typically experience between 10 to 12 upper respiratory infections annually, significantly affecting both their well-being and that of their families. Current medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen can alleviate symptoms, but no treatment exists to expedite recovery from a cold.”
Leading the investigation, Dr. Sandeep Ramalingam, a consultant virologist with NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, drew inspiration from traditional practices in South Asia where salt-water solutions are commonly used for nasal irrigation and gargling to combat colds. He aimed to investigate whether these anecdotal benefits could be validated in a comprehensive clinical study.
The research team enrolled 407 children, aged six years and younger, into a trial where participants were either treated with hypertonic saline at approximately 2.6% concentration or received standard care upon developing cold symptoms. Out of the total, 301 children were confirmed to have a cold; of these, 150 parents were instructed to prepare and administer sea salt-based nasal drops (three drops per nostril at least four times daily) while 151 received usual care practices.
According to Professor Cunningham, “Our findings revealed that children utilizing saline nasal drops experienced cold symptoms for an average of six days, compared to eight days for those receiving standard care. Additionally, those using the saline drops required less medication during their illness.”
He elaborated, “Salt, composed of sodium and chloride, plays a crucial role; chloride aids nasal and tracheal cells in generating hypochlorous acid, which helps defend against viral infections. By supplementing the lining cells with additional chloride, we enhance their ability to produce this acid, thereby inhibiting viral replication and shortening the cold’s duration.”
The study also noted a marked decrease in the rate of cold transmission; households using saline drops reported a lower incidence of other family members contracting a cold (46% compared to 61% in the standard care group). Furthermore, 82% of parents expressed that the nose drops facilitated their child’s quick recovery, with 81% indicating a willingness to use the drops in future instances.
Professor Cunningham emphasized, “By shortening the duration of colds in children, we effectively reduce the likelihood of additional infections within the household. This has important implications for the overall well-being of families, enabling them to swiftly return to routine activities such as schooling and work.”
Professor Alexander Möeller, Head of the ERS Pediatric Assembly and Department of Respiratory Medicine at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, who did not participate in this study, commented on its significance. “This pioneering research explores the effects of saline nasal drops on children experiencing colds. While most colds are usually benign, they can be quite distressing for young children and their families.”
He further noted, “This inexpensive and straightforward intervention has the potential to be implemented globally. Providing parents with a simple, safe, and effective means to alleviate the effects of colds would significantly ease the health and economic burdens associated with such a prevalent condition.”
The research team plans to conduct additional studies to evaluate the impact of saltwater nasal drops on wheezing episodes during colds, as preliminary results indicated a notable decrease in wheezing among children treated with the drops (5% compared to 19%).
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