Grandma's advice: Gargle some salt water, sweetie

September 2, 2008
St. Charles County

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that school’s back in session, sore throats are also settling in for roll call. Many people in the area recently have battled sore and scratchy throats.

Gargling with warm salt water has been many a grandmother’s favorite response when someone complains of a sore throat. The mixture tastes awful, but does that mean it works?

Actually, Grandma had it right. Gargling with a mixture of one teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water reduces tissue swelling and soothes a sore throat. Many people claim this is the most effective and affordable treatment of a sore throat.

Other self-care for a scratchy throat includes: drinking a lot of fluids; eating popsicles; and sucking on a piece of hard candy or lozenge.

Be aware that if a sore throat lasts for three to four days, is accompanied with a fever or swollen glands in the neck, one should seek medical assistance. These are symptoms of strep throat.

Copyright 2008 Neighbors About Town

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