Study Compares Nasal Irrigation against Saline Sprays for Sinus Sufferers
Nasal irrigation, sometimes called nasal washes or using a neti pot, are more effective at treating the symptoms of minor sinus problems, said researchers in a recent press release.
Researchers with the University of Michigan are calling for more physicians to recommend this treatment for patients who are suffering from sinus problems. This is the first study that has been conducted that examined the usefulness of nasal irrigation.
They compared the short-term relief that patients suffering from chronic nasal symptoms experienced by using both flushing (or irrigating) the sinuses compared to using saline sprays.
The results demonstrated that nasal irrigation was significantly more effective than the saline spray. Researchers noted that there have not been any clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of saline sprays.
A nasal irrigation is done by flushing the nasal cavity with a saline solution. Essentially, salt and baking soda are added to warm (not hot) water. This water goes up one nostril, and comes out the other. In the process? Irritants are flushed out and this helps "clean" the nasal passages.
The concept of washing one's sinuses is not new. Many ear, nose and throat physicians (otolaryngologists) recommend irrigating the sinus cavities to treat a myriad of sinus conditions. Additionally, many people have needed to wash their sinuses after having sinus surgery.
"The irrigation group achieved a clinically significant improvement in quality of life in terms of the severity of their symptoms, whereas the spray group did not. Strikingly, they also experienced 50 percent lower odds of frequent nasal symptoms compared with the spray group," said Melissa A. Pynnonen, M.D., clinical assistant professor in the University of Michigan Department of Otolaryngology.
About the study
Over 121 adults participated in this research study. All of them had chronic sinus problems. The group was split in half, with half using nasal irrigation and the other half using saline spray to treat their sinusitis.
The group using nasal irrigation found significant improvement and relief of their sinus problems by simply flushing their sinuses.
The results of this study are being published in the Archives of Otolarngology - Head & Neck Surgery.
Source:
http://www.newswise.com/p/articles/view/535439/
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