How to Prevent Strep by Gargling Salt Water

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria. It's more prevalent in children than adults. The most common symptom of a strep infection is a sore throat, which is caused by inflammation of the mucosa tissue. When mucosa throat tissue becomes swollen during bacterial infection, it becomes engorged with water, making swallowing painful. Gargling with salt water draws out moisture from this tissue, reducing the inflammation and pain.

Things You'll Need

• Pitcher with lid
• Salt
• Baking soda

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour a pint of warm distilled or filtered water into a clean pitcher.

• 2

  Stir 2 tsp. of salt into the water. Keep stirring until all of the salt dissolves.

• 3

  Stir 1 tsp. of baking soda into the saltwater. Stir until all of the powder dissolves.

• 4

  Pour 8 oz. of the solution into a glass. Fill your mouth with the solution. It is not harmful if swallowed, but to avoid an unpleasant taste, avoid doing so.

• 5

  Tilt your head back with your face toward the ceiling. Gargle with the solution at the back of your throat so it reaches the inflamed mucosa tissue.

• 6

  Spit the solution into the sink. Repeat the gargling process.

• 7

  Cover the pitcher holding the remaining saltwater solution. The solution may be stored for up to one week. Keep it out of direct sunlight and off hot surfaces. Stir the solution before gargling with it again.