Can this simple saline solution help kids get over colds faster? Science says yes

Have you ever wished there was a simple, low-cost way to help your kids recover faster from colds? A recent study has parents talking—suggesting that a simple saline solution might help kids feel better faster. Pediatric ER physician Dr. Beachgem, who is also a mom of four, recently shared insights about how hypertonic saline nasal drops could be a game-changer for cold season.

Not only can it shorten the time kids spend feeling sick, but it can also reduce the chances of other family members catching the illness. Here’s what parents should know.

@beachgem10 New publication shows hypertonic nasal saline can decrease how long kids are sick AND decrease the risk of getting people sick at home. This is easy, cheap and low risk! #saline #sick #virus #kids #parents #doctors ♬ original sound – Beachgem10

What the study found

This recent study, conducted by researchers from the University of Miami, examined 407 children under six years old. Of these, 301 children developed a cold. The researchers divided them into two groups: one group used hypertonic saline nasal drops, while the other group followed the usual cold care routines, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. The study was published in EurekAlert and can be accessed here.

The results were pretty impressive. Kids who received the saline drops got better in about six days, while those in the control group took around eight days to recover. That’s two extra days of sniffles and sleepless nights that parents might be able to avoid!

Related: Just like long Covid, you can have a ‘long cold’, study finds

What’s special about hypertonic saline?

The key here is that the saline used in the study wasn’t your regular saline spray. It was hypertonic saline with a 2.6% sodium chloride concentration—more concentrated than the usual 0.9% saline you might find at the pharmacy. In the study, parents gave their kids three drops in each nostril, four times a day, for about five days.

So, why does this work? The cells in our nasal lining use chloride to produce something called hypochlorous acid, which plays a big role in defending against viruses. Essentially, this solution may help the body fight off infections more effectively. Plus, saline is great for relieving nasal congestion, which is a win when your little one is stuffed up and struggling to breathe comfortably.

Could this help prevent the spread at home?

If you’ve ever had one child get sick, you know how quickly it can spread to everyone else in the house. Here’s a potential bonus: The study found that using hypertonic saline didn’t just help kids recover faster—it also seemed to reduce the chances of spreading the cold to family members.

In households using the saline treatment, only 46% of families reported other members getting sick, compared to 61% in the group that didn’t use it. That’s a significant difference!

What about adults and other illnesses?

While this study focused on kids under six, there’s growing evidence that hypertonic saline may benefit adults, too. Some researchers have even looked into its potential benefits for COVID-19, particularly when used as a nasal rinse or gargle. While more research is needed, this might be a helpful tool for the whole family.

Related: Which cold and flu medications can I take while breastfeeding?

Should you try it?

Hypertonic saline is affordable, easy to use, and available at most pharmacies—no prescription needed. Just make sure to look for a hypertonic solution (check the sodium chloride percentage on the label), and as always, check with your pediatrician before introducing a new remedy.

To learn more about this study and hear the insights from TikTok user @beachgem10 herself, check out her video: Watch on TikTok.

While it’s no cure-all, hypertonic saline might just become your go-to trick for keeping colds shorter—and your family a little healthier this season.