Salt Water Gargling for Swallowing Difficulty
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether gargling with warm salt water (sodium chloride gargle) can ease swallowing difficulties after neck surgery known as ACDF. Participants will either gargle with salt water or not, and both groups will complete questionnaires about their symptoms. The trial aims to determine if the saltwater gargle can facilitate easier swallowing during recovery. Candidates who have recently undergone ACDF surgery at Keck Medical Center and are experiencing swallowing difficulties may be suitable for participation. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance recovery experiences for future patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this saltwater gargle is safe for reducing swallowing difficulty?
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the salt water gargling trial for swallowing difficulty because it offers a simple and natural approach compared to standard treatments, which often involve medication or surgery. This method uses a sodium chloride solution, tapping into the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of salt water, which is a familiar and accessible ingredient. Unlike other treatments that may require more complex interventions, salt water gargling is non-invasive and can be easily administered at home. This trial could reveal a cost-effective and straightforward option for improving postoperative recovery in patients facing swallowing challenges.
What evidence suggests that salt water gargling is effective for swallowing difficulty?
Studies have shown that gargling with salt water can ease sore throat symptoms and make swallowing easier by reducing swelling and pain in the throat. Research indicates that people who gargle with salt water feel relief within minutes. In one study, participants reported less throat soreness and found it easier to swallow after using a salt solution. In this trial, one group will receive the salt water gargle treatment to assess its effectiveness for swallowing difficulties after surgeries like multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). These findings suggest that salt water gargling might also help with swallowing difficulties following such surgeries.14567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ram K Alluri, M.D.
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for generally healthy adults aged 18-80 who have undergone multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. It's designed to help those experiencing difficulty swallowing post-surgery. Specific conditions like cervical radiculopathy, stenosis, spondylosis, myelopathy, and related spinal issues are included.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants in the experimental arm gargle with a warm saltwater solution once on POD 0, and three times daily from POD 1 to POD 7. Both arms complete questionnaires at specified intervals.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with questionnaires completed at 1-month postoperatively.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Sodium chloride gargle
Trial Overview
The study tests if gargling with warm salt water can reduce swallowing difficulties after ACDF surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group that gargles saltwater in addition to completing questionnaires on their condition.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
After their surgery, this arm will receive "treatment." Patients will be asked to gargle with a warm sodium chloride (salt water) solution. Patients will gargle with 15mL (15cc) of a premade solution of salt water one time (q.d.) on postoperative day 0 (POD 0), and three times a day (t.i.d.) for the next seven (7) days following their surgery (POD 1 - POD 7). Patients will also be asked to complete a series of study-related questionnaires at specified time points.
This arm will receive no intervention. The patients in this arm will only be asked to complete the questionnaires related to the study. They will only receive the care as prescribed by their physician and care teams.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Salt Water Gargling on Swallowing Following ACDF
The goal of this randomized control trial is to collect sufficient preliminary data on the efficacy of sodium chloride, hereafter referred to as "saltwater" ...
Salt Water Gargling for Swallowing Difficulty
Trial Overview The study tests if gargling with warm salt water can reduce swallowing difficulties after ACDF surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned ...
Randomised Controlled Trial of Salt Solution (Sodium ...
Sore throat relief, improvements in throat soreness and difficulty in swallowing, and throat numbness were observed as early as 1-5 minutes, and ...
Salt Water Gargle Effectiveness For Sore Throat
Gargling with salt water, or saline solution, has been shown to be an effective and simple method for alleviating sore throat symptoms in various contexts.
Randomised Controlled Trial of Salt Solution (Sodium ...
Gargling a salt solution, a natural, and harmless substance, can reduce the pain and other symptom of sore throat in patients with non-bacterial pharyngitis.
Salt Water Gargle Efficacy For Sore Throat
Gargling with salt water, or saline solution, has been shown to be an effective and simple method for alleviating sore throat symptoms in various contexts.
What are the benefits of saline gargles (sodium chloride ...
Saline gargles are a low-cost intervention with minimal potential harm and may be beneficial in reducing upper respiratory tract infections, ...
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