Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) Questions Sore Throat

Can salt water gargling help treat my sore throat?

I am having severe throat pain that is making swallowing difficult. I am currently travelling to a foreign country, and I need to get rid of this as soon as possible. Can salt water actually help me?

4 Answers

Salt water won't cure you, but gargling with it can certainly help to alleviate some discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid dehydrating agents (alcohol, caffeine), get plenty of rest, wash your hands, and avoid spread to others as this may be contagious.
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Oral rinsing of the mouth and oral cavity are helpful for general oral hygiene. We suggest using any general mouth wash therapy as prevention.
Most sore throats in adults are viral in origin. Gargling with salt water may reduce mucosal surface viral/bacterial load. Put only half tsp of salt in a glass of lukewarm water, no stronger,