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.

Recently Answered Questions Recently Answered Questions

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.

I have throat pain and an inability to shout. Could this be due to my thyroid issues?

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 »

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 »

Can aspirating soup cause sinus infection?

Query: Hello doctor, Is it possible to get some sort of sinus infection from accidentally aspirating soup when you are eating? I always make the mistake of choking on ramen and it has been happening a lot lately. I noticed in the last two months that every time I have ramen and choke on the soup, I get a ...  Read Full »


Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is very unlikely that you develop a sinus infection following consumption of any food. However, if your prone for a post nasal drip after consuming anything for that matter, it could be related to a food allergy what we categorise as NINAR (non infectious non allergic ...  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 »

After getting my teeth cleaned, why do I still have inflammation?

Query: Hello doctor, I got a teeth cleaning done, but the inflammation is still there. The dentist said that I need to get treated for a receding gum line through surgery. She said it was due to brushing hard and asked me to switch to a soft bristle toothbrush and sensodyne toothpaste. I am also awaiting ...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Use warm saline gargling daily at least 2 or 3 times, for two weeks. This will help in reducing the inflammation and help in preventing further recession of gum line. Also if you can get Betadine gargle for rinsing then it would be much better, this would be of great h...  Read Full »

How to treat gum swelling and bleeding?

Query: Hi doctor, Since 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 ...  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 good antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Metronidazole for five days to reduce the gum swelling.If you can buy medicine over-the-counter then buy...  Read Full »

What may be the reason for pain on the back side of roof of the mouth?

Query: Hi doctor, I have very bad pain on the back left roof of my mouth. My left top and bottom teeth, jaw and the left side of my tongue is really sore. I felt that there is a hard lump, which feels like a bone and it is excruciating to touch it. It hurts to swallow, yawn and makes my ear pop. The bump i...  Read Full »


Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern and it appears as you are having, Left peritonsillar abscess. Ectopic salivary gland on palate with secondary infection. For both the above conditions you have to consult your ENT doctor (ear, nose and throat specialist) for examination a...  Read Full »

What treatment should I do to my blocked, painful ears?

Query: Hello doctor, I want some advice on my blocked ears. My ears are also paining since 7 days. Since last week, I have been suffering from cough and cold. As both the ears are blocked, I have been suffering a hearing problem too. I think wax is stuck inside my ears. I have been using an ear drops twic...  Read Full »


Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava

Answer: HiWelcome to icliniq.com.I understand your concern, and most likely you are suffering from eustachian tube catarrh. This is a clinical condition arises due to eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube is a tubular connection between the middle ear and throat. Main function of this is to maint...  Read Full »

Can sinusitis cause bad breath?

Query: Hi doctor,I have a persistent bad breath and bad taste in my mouth. I have excellent oral hygiene, and my dentist said my teeth and gums are all healthy. My doctor said that it could be sinus drainage, but I have dealt with this for years even when I have no drainage. It is ruining my personal life ...  Read Full »


Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Did you get any CT scan of your sinuses done before to rule out sinusitis? Yes, sinusitis can cause such symptoms and to rule out that a CT scan is needed. Sinusitis also causes nose block, headache, and post-nasal drip. So if you have any of these symptoms, then it c...  Read Full »

Will dislodgement of paste in the dry socket cause any problem?

Query: Hi doctor, I had all of my teeth pulled out 14 days ago. When I went to the doctor three days ago, the doctor kept dry socket paste and stitched it in two spots. Today morning when I used my medicated rinse, the paste was dislodged out of my socket as well as my stitches seemed to be very loose. I t...  Read Full »


Dr. Bharat Joshi

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern. Since you have a dry socket, you have to be extra precautious. The chance of paste coming out is infrequent. Please maintain good oral hygiene, and please do take antibiotics and analgesics properly. I suggest...  Read Full »

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