Impact of gargling on respiratory infections

Abstract

Respiratory infection is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The outbreaks of influenza and the Middle East respiratory syndrome have added to the miseries of human beings. Interventions such as the use of masks, social distancing, hand washing, and the use of personal protective equipment by health care professionals have minimized the transmission of pathogens from infected to healthy individuals. Another intervention is gargling which is most commonly performed by the Japanese to avoid respiratory infections. PubMed was used to search articles on gargling in respiratory infections published in the last three decades. Gargling is effective in upper respiratory infections (URTIs). URTI precedes lower respiratory tract infection; early intervention could prevent complications. The gargling agents in this review are classified as synthetic and natural gargling agents. The mouthwashes or gargling agents reviewed in this article have proven efficacy in reducing either bacterial or viral (or both) respiratory infections. The mouthwashes available over the counter may also have side effects. The use of mouthwash should be based on the potential benefit of oral and systemic conditions.