Sore Throat Salt-Water Gargle? How Much Salt???

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Hello, I am a school nurse and wanted clarification on exactly how much salt:water ratio we should be using for gargles? Thanks!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I don't know if you ahve a special school policy.....but at home I make my kids witha couple of table spoons per 8oz.

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Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health, Home Care.

Believe it or not, I would consider this an OTC which would require a parent signature. I wouldn't do it on my own. (Except if I had a sore throat.)

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Salt water gargle.... hmm. I'd probably do what Esme suggested and make sure the kids didn't try to say "salt water gargle" 10 times in a row. Nothing like a pretzel knot of the tongue diagnosis to go along with a sore throat. That'll make your day worse!

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I use about a teaspoon in 4oz of water. I just eyeball it.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

i just eyeball it too. enough salt to cover the botton of the dixie cup, maybe a bit more.

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I just eyeball it too. I used to measure out 1 tsp in a about 4 oz water but now I don't measure it. I always know if their throat really hurts if they're willing to do the salt water gargle.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.
I just eyeball it too. I used to measure out 1 tsp in a about 4 oz water but now I don't measure it. I always know if their throat really hurts if they're willing to do the salt water gargle.

ha ain't that the truth! especially with the kids that already know what it entails!!

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