Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Salt Water Gargling Thrice A Day Safe?
Question: Is it all right to gargle with salt and warm water 3 times a day.
Like to visit on Christmas Day my family. Is this contagious? My doctor said that it would be all right to visit. Do you agree? There will be an enfant and a l 1/2 year old present. No fever or couging or sneezing. Diagnosed me last Wednesday with Acute Viral Tonsilitis. I have a burning sensation and soreness on the right tonsil. What do you suggest? (swollen right gland and swollen and inflamed tonsils)
Stopped antibiotics on Monday, 12-20-14 - When could I get a throat culture on the right tonsil and throat for it to be accurate (either bacterial or viral infection) Thank you .in advance.
Like to visit on Christmas Day my family. Is this contagious? My doctor said that it would be all right to visit. Do you agree? There will be an enfant and a l 1/2 year old present. No fever or couging or sneezing. Diagnosed me last Wednesday with Acute Viral Tonsilitis. I have a burning sensation and soreness on the right tonsil. What do you suggest? (swollen right gland and swollen and inflamed tonsils)
Stopped antibiotics on Monday, 12-20-14 - When could I get a throat culture on the right tonsil and throat for it to be accurate (either bacterial or viral infection) Thank you .in advance.
Brief Answer:
Yes, you can
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
There is no harm in gargling your throat with warm water or saline several times a day even though it may not be necessary.
A viral sore throat or tonsillitis is self limiting and you don't require antibiotics. In certain viral infection like Epstein Barr virus, amoxicillin can make your symptoms worse.
I don't think there is any harm in you spending your Christmas with your family.
Wish you a very happy Christmas
Dr Noble Zachariah
Yes, you can
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
There is no harm in gargling your throat with warm water or saline several times a day even though it may not be necessary.
A viral sore throat or tonsillitis is self limiting and you don't require antibiotics. In certain viral infection like Epstein Barr virus, amoxicillin can make your symptoms worse.
I don't think there is any harm in you spending your Christmas with your family.
Wish you a very happy Christmas
Dr Noble Zachariah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your excellent answers to my questions.
Also, I wanted to know if Acute Viral Tonsillitis can turn into a bacterial infection after about the second week of diagnois.
#2 Can you have a viral or bacterial infection without a fever?
#3 If it is an acute viral tonsillitis infection, is there a medicine for this? As you mentioned, antiobiotics will not help.
#4 If pain and burning on right tonsilil continues, should I receive a culture of my throat besides another ENT exam to determine if it is a true bacterial infection before I start another antiobic. Or just assume that it is a bacterial infection if doesn't go away. Thank you in advance.
Also, I wanted to know if Acute Viral Tonsillitis can turn into a bacterial infection after about the second week of diagnois.
#2 Can you have a viral or bacterial infection without a fever?
#3 If it is an acute viral tonsillitis infection, is there a medicine for this? As you mentioned, antiobiotics will not help.
#4 If pain and burning on right tonsilil continues, should I receive a culture of my throat besides another ENT exam to determine if it is a true bacterial infection before I start another antiobic. Or just assume that it is a bacterial infection if doesn't go away. Thank you in advance.
Brief Answer:
A bacterial infection may follow the viral infecti
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
viral infection can be followed by a bacterial infection. Fever is more common with bacterial infection. The viral infection is self limiting and antiviral medicines may do more harm than good and hence not advised unless immunocompromised. If you have symptoms persisting, please see the ENT doctor and get a culture done from the lesion.
A bacterial infection may follow the viral infecti
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
viral infection can be followed by a bacterial infection. Fever is more common with bacterial infection. The viral infection is self limiting and antiviral medicines may do more harm than good and hence not advised unless immunocompromised. If you have symptoms persisting, please see the ENT doctor and get a culture done from the lesion.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
