Why Does Gurgling With Saline Water Cure Sore Throat

Explains Biplab Das

Gurgling with saline water is a good way to alleviate throat infection. 

This infection is mainly caused by viruses and bacteria in the air we breathe in. Given their microscopic size, they easily get through the nasal passage and reside in the throat. Generally, our defence system tackles those intruders. Infection means that the system has gone haywire. 

Microorganisms damage the outer cells that line the surface area of the throat. As those cells harden, their cilia lose motility and microorganisms penetrate the inner lining of cells. When the outer cells of throat are hurt, infection is symptomised by pain. Simultaneously, all infected cells begin to dry up and a fluid called edema abnormally fills the intercellular space and this swells the gland. To quench the thirst of the cells with saline water is the immediate first aid. 

As saline water resembles the body fluid, it adds life to gasping cells. Saline water also brings the edema out of intercellular space and reduces gland swelling. It also smoothens the outermost surface of the throat, leaving a soothing effect. But the extent of saline water's success in killing the microorganisms is doubtful.