London: A new study led by Indian-origin scientist Dr. Sandeep Ramalingam from the University of Edinburgh has revealed that using hypertonic saline nasal drops can significantly reduce the duration of the common cold in children by two days. The study, which involved 407 children aged up to six years, found that those who used salt-water nasal drops experienced cold symptoms for an average of six days, compared to eight days with usual care.
Dr. Ramalingam, a consultant virologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, noted that the inspiration for the study came from the traditional use of salt water for nasal infections and gargling. The research demonstrated that salt-water nasal drops not only reduced the duration of cold symptoms but also decreased the need for additional medications. Moreover, fewer family members caught colds when the children were treated with these drops.
Over 80% of parents in the study reported that the drops helped their children recover more quickly and said they would use them again. This simple and cost-effective intervention could offer parents a safe way to manage colds and reduce the overall health and economic burden associated with the common cold in children globally.
