Seawater spray 'effective treatment for infant colds'

23 Jan 2008

A seawater nasal wash solution may help ease children's cold symptoms and prevent repeat respiratory infection, a new study has found.

A recent report published in Archives of Otolaryngology revealed that using a nasal spray of balanced saline solutions can be effective in treating upper-respiratory tract and sinus infections common in young children.

The authors stated that: "It is not clear whether the effect is predominately mechanical, based on clearing mucus, or whether salts and trace elements in seawater solutions play a significant role."

Commenting on a nasal spray available in the UK for children and babies, Sterimar, Dr Glenis Scadding, ENT specialist at the Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, said: "The nose acts as a filter against irritants and germs but can't function properly if it is congested.

"Using this 100 per cent natural sea water spray helps to clear the airways and allows your nose to do its job effectively, helping you to avoid further illness."

The findings are significant against the backdrop of recent reports warning against the use of over-the-counter cold and flu medicines to treat infants under the age of two.

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