Researchers Discover ‘Extremely Cheap and Simple’ Way to Shorten Children’s Colds by Two Days

By Dr. Avi Verma, MD(h)

A recent study conducted in the UK has uncovered a simple yet effective method to reduce the duration of children’s colds by two days—using hypertonic saline nasal drops. These saltwater drops not only help alleviate symptoms but also decrease the likelihood of family members catching the same cold. This breakthrough offers an affordable and accessible solution for families grappling with the frequent upper respiratory infections that plague children, especially during colder months.

The Prevalence of Colds in Children

According to experts, children experience a significant number of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) every year. “Children have up to 10 to 12 upper respiratory tract infections, what we refer to as colds, per year,” explains Professor Steve Cunningham, a leading pediatrician from the University of Edinburgh. “These infections can have a big impact on children and their families. While medicines like paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are commonly used to ease symptoms, there are currently no treatments that can make a cold go away faster.”

Given the high frequency of infections and the disruptions they cause to school attendance, work, and daily life, finding a way to shorten the duration of colds is a welcome development.

The Study: How Salt Water Drops Help

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and led by consultant virologist Sandeep Ramalingam, introduced hypertonic saline (salt water) nasal drops as a potential treatment for colds in children. The researchers taught parents how to prepare and administer the saline solution to their children’s nostrils—three drops per nostril at least four times a day—until the child’s symptoms improved.

The trial involved 301 children. Half of the children received the saline nasal drops, while the remaining half continued with their usual treatments, such as rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen.

The results were striking. “We found that children using salt water nose drops had cold
symptoms for an average of six days, while those with usual care had symptoms for eight days,” said Cunningham. “The children receiving the salt water drops also required fewer medications during their illness, which is a huge plus considering the side effects some medicines can have.”

This seemingly simple solution not only shortened the duration of colds but also reduced the spread of infections within households. Only 46% of families who used the saline drops reported catching their child’s cold, compared to 61% in families that used traditional methods of care.
This reduction in transmission is especially important in close-knit family environments where respiratory infections can spread quickly.

How Do Salt Water Drops Work?

The science behind hypertonic saline nasal drops is fascinating. When applied to the nasal passages, the saline provides the cells lining the respiratory tract with additional chloride. These cells use chloride to produce hypochlorous acid, a natural substance that helps fight off viruses.

Cunningham explains, “By giving extra chloride to the lining cells, this helps the cells produce more hypochlorous acid, which helps suppress viral replication. This reduction in viral activity shortens the length of the infection, thus reducing the duration of symptoms.”

This method taps into a natural defense mechanism within the body, making it a safe, non- pharmaceutical way to enhance the immune response and alleviate cold symptoms in children.

A Solution with Global Potential

The study’s results are set to be presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria, a prestigious platform for respiratory medicine breakthroughs. Alexander Möeller, head of the ERS pediatric assembly, lauded the study as groundbreaking. “This extremely cheap and simple intervention has the potential to be applied globally,” Möeller said.
“Providing parents with a safe and effective way to limit the impact of colds in their children and family would represent a significant reduction in the health and economic burden of this most common condition.”

In addition to its simplicity, hypertonic saline is a cost-effective treatment that could have a widespread impact, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to expensive medications and healthcare is limited. The study’s chief investigator, Dr. Sandeep Ramalingam, pointed out that people in South Asia have been using salt water solutions for generations to treat colds, making this discovery not only modern but also deeply rooted in traditional medicine practices.

Parental Feedback and Future Applications

Parental feedback from the study was overwhelmingly positive, with 82% of parents reporting that the saline drops helped their children recover faster, and 81% stating they would use the drops in the future for treating colds.

Given the findings of this research, hypertonic saline nasal drops could soon become a staple in the household first-aid kit. They offer a simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive way to manage the common cold while reducing the need for medications that merely mask symptoms. More importantly, this approach could also lessen the spread of colds to other family members, potentially cutting down on missed school and work days.

Conclusion: A Simple Solution with Big Benefits

This research represents a significant step forward in managing one of the most common childhood ailments—the common cold. The use of hypertonic saline nasal drops offers an easy, low-cost method to reduce the duration of cold symptoms in children and prevent the spread of infection within households. As researchers continue to explore this treatment, its potential applications could extend beyond children to adults as well, offering relief to millions worldwide.

Parents looking for a safe, simple, and effective way to manage their child’s cold may want to consider saline nasal drops. With further studies underway and the support of global health organizations, this treatment could become a go-to option for families everywhere.
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