Common "Saline Gargling" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Saline Gargling

Saline gargling is the most used home remedy for sore throat, cold, cough, sinus infection, allergies, mononucleosis, and gingivitis. Salt is known to draw water from the cells and prevents microorganism from re-entering the cells, thus treating mild inflammation. To make saline water at home, mix 1/4th or 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

Can a thyroid issue be the reason for my throat pain?

Query: Hello doctor, My TSH level is 6.52. Can you suggest me a medicine to control it? I feel fatigue and cold intolerance. Also, I have throat pain and inability to shout. Are these because of the thyroid issues?  Read Full »


Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I just read your query and from what you have mentioned, it is not clear if you are already taking any medications for hypothyroidism or not. If you are, then there is no need to increase the dose as of now. You must take it early in the morning on waking up and then...  Read Full »

I am experiencing throat pain and headaches. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor,I am a 21-year-old female experiencing throat pain, headaches, and overall sickness for the past two days. Please help.Thank you.  Read Full »


Dr. Sini. P

Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.I understand your concern. You have a simple viral infection causing upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Therefore, you need to take a tablet containing a combination of Chlorpheniramine maleate, Paracetamol, and Phenylephrine three times a day for three days. Use ...  Read Full »

Can throat infections spread? Please advise.

Query: Hello doctor, I am 15 years old and my friend has a throat infection. I was along with him while he had the infection and now the roof of my mouth and throat is kind of sore. It feels like there is mucus stuck there and I have a weird taste in my mouth. Could I have a throat infection? And if I do,...  Read Full »


Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. There are chances of spread of throat infection through: The air we breathe. Direct contact like kissing, etc. Sharing spoon or fork while taking food. Sharing the cigarette while smoking. Thus, there are fair chances that you might have acqui...  Read Full »

I have gum bleeding despite using mouthwash. Why?

Query: Hi doctor, From two to three weeks I have been experiencing buccal bleeding. I have inflamed gingiva behind one of the upper teeth. I can sense the lump with my tongue on the gum. I went to the dentist and he told me that it was gingivitis and he gave me a special mouthwash for gingivitis. But, I do...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The photos are not at all clear to give exact diagnosis (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You should start taking antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Metronidazole for five days to reduce the gum swelling. If you can buy medicine over-the-counter then buy t...  Read Full »

Why does my son have a continuous fever?

Query: Hi doctor, My son, who is 15 years old, is suffering from fever. He has constant 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit of fever with throat pain for the last 15 days. Blood tests indicate negative for malaria and typhoid. We consulted an ENT specialist and he indicated tonsillitis. My son is taking Movace...  Read Full »


Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It would be helpful if you do a CBC (complete blood count) and CRP (C-reactive protein). From that we can understand the level of infection. Also, tonsillitis can also be so severe that it may last for up to 10 days. Betadine gargle three times a day with warm water fo...  Read Full »

I have something on the roof of my mouth. Is it a burn?

Query: Hi doctor, I have something on the roof of my mouth. I am wondering if it is a burn or something else.  Read Full »


Dr. Himayoon Majeed Mir

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have been through your query and I can understand your concern. From the picture, it seems that it is a burn (attachment removed to protect patient identity). But I want to know how long it has been there and if you had anything very hot liquid or food in the past ...  Read Full »

Can you suggest medicine for heavy head and runny nose?

Query: Hello doctor,I have a heavy head and a runny nose. The day before yesterday I got cold and had buttermilk as well. So, cold happened yesterday and there was cough (not yellow only white and thin like spit) as well but I took medicine from a chemist. He gave me Cinarest, Mox 500, both two tablets. I ...  Read Full »


Dr. Anshul Varshney

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. For URTI (upper respiratory tract infection), I advise taking an antibiotic like Azithromycin only in case you have a persisting fever. Otherwise, in most cases, URTI is due to viral infection and it gets better within five days. You should take an antiallergic like Levoc...  Read Full »

How to treat a lump inside the cheek?

Query: Hi doctor, There is a small lump inside my left cheek. It has been there for about three days. There is no pain, but when I push it with my tongue or if I hit that then it will be painful. I am attaching a photo. Does it look serious? I have to wait for two weeks until my appointment with a dentist....  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. You need not have to worry much as it is nothing serious. It is a swelling along with ulcer formation of cheek due to biting of cheek by the corresponding upper and lower teeth. The upper tooth nearby to the ulcer is not in shape which results in the cheeks getting stuc...  Read Full »

How to remove hanging flesh from my wisdom teeth?

Query: Hello doctor,I am 18 years old. Today, I felt something around my last top teeth. My wisdom teeth are about 10 % out. But, I saw meat hanging in front of it like a bit of my gum had detached from the main gum. Should I apply force to remove it or leave it as it is?  Read Full »


Dr. Asma Parveen

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The condition which you have described is called pericoronitis, which is present in most cases of wisdom tooth removal. It is the inflammation of the gums around the wisdom tooth. If there is pain associated with this, then you need to start with some warm saline gar...  Read Full »

My wife is breastfeeding our child with a cold and fever. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor, My wife is breastfeeding our 6 months old baby. She was having fever and cold since yesterday. I need your medical advice.  Read Full »


Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. This appears to be a viral infection that typically resolves on its own within 5 to 10 days. Gargling with lukewarm saline water (saltwater) is recommended, along with maintaining regular teeth brushing, especially before bedtime. It's essential for her to stay well-hydr...  Read Full »

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