Want to help your child get over a cold quicker? Nasal saline spray may be just what you and your child need. That's the result of a study from the Czech Republic. Children that received the nasal spray experienced a faster resolution of their nasal symptoms and fewer recurrences of them than the children that received traditional cold treatment alone.
The 401 children age six to ten years old in the study had uncomplicated cold or flu symptoms. All of the children received standard cold care, but half were also treated with a modified seawater solution nasal wash. (The manufacturer of the seawater solution sponsored the study.)
According to lead researcher Ivo Slapak, MD, of the Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Teaching Hospital Brno, "Children in the saline group showed faster resolution of some nasal symptoms during acute illness and less frequent reappearance of rhinitis subsequently. Results showing reduction in URTIs (upper respiratory tract infections) were robust and consistent in a number of parameters, including rhinologic symptoms, medication consumption, reported illness, school absence, and complication rate. Children showed a higher acceptance for the milder cleansing strength (fine spray)."
Archives of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, 1/08
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