The Efficacy of Saline Nasal Irrigation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Single Centre Experience

Abstract

Background: Nasal irrigation (also known as nasal douche, wash or lavage) is a procedure that rinses the nasal cavity with water or isotonic or hypertonic saline solutions. Nasal irrigation with saline (salt water) is common in modern and traditional therapy regimes. Delivered by bottle, spray, pump or nebuliser, the topical use of saline has been included as a supplement to most treatment protocols. Aim of the Study: The study aimed to evaluate the Efficacy of Saline Nasal Irrigation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the ENT outpatient department of Ent, Monno Medical College and Hospital, Manikganj, Bangladesh from January 2022 to December 2022. Results: Most patients (76%) strictly used SNI, while a smaller proportion (24%) only occasionally used it. After treatment with SNI, 46% of cases showed improvement in symptoms, while 54% showed no improvement. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in efficacy between improvement and no improvement (p<0.05). These findings suggest that SNI may effectively manage nasal congestion symptoms, particularly when used consistently. Conclusion: Chronic rhinosinusitis significantly negatively impacts the healthcare and economy of not only the patients but also society. Saline nasal irrigation is a practical yet easy therapy method for alleviating the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis and improving the quality of life in these chronic sufferers.