A simple saline solution could be the key to shortening colds in young children—and even protecting the rest of the family from getting sick.
New research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Vienna (September 2024) found that using saline nasal drops reduced the duration of colds by two days.
The study, led by Professor Steve Cunningham from the University of Edinburgh, also revealed that children who received saline treatment needed less medication and were less likely to spread the virus to their families.
The Science Behind Saline Treatment
The study was inspired by common practices in South Asia, where people frequently rinse their noses or gargle with saline when they have a cold. Researchers wanted to test whether this simple remedy actually makes a difference.
A randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 407 children under six years old. Of those, 301 children caught a cold during the study period:
150 children received three saline drops per nostril, at least four times daily, until their symptoms disappeared.
151 children served as the control group and did not receive any saline treatment.
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The results were clear:
Children who used saline drops recovered in six days (compared to eight days in the control group).
They required fewer additional medications during their illness.
Family members were less likely to catch the cold—only 46% of family members of treated children got sick, compared to 61% in the control group.
Why Does Saline Work?
Salt is made up of sodium and chloride, and chloride plays a crucial role in the body’s natural defenses.
When delivered to mucosal cells in the nose and windpipe, chloride helps produce hypochlorous acid, a substance that fights off viruses. By boosting this natural defense, saline drops slow viral replication, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
Parents in the study overwhelmingly supported the use of saline drops:
82% believed it helped their child recover faster.
81% said they would continue using saline drops for future colds.
With no medications available to cure the common cold, saline nasal drops could be a game-changer for families dealing with frequent infections.
Easy to make and apply, this simple remedy might just help parents and children breathe a little easier—literally.
