Study of Nasal Irrigation Versus Nasal Spray for Chronic Nasal and Sinus Symptoms

A Randomized Study of Nasal Irrigation Versus Nasal Spray for Chronic Nasal and Sinus Symptoms

This study will compare nasal saline irrigation with nasal saline spray for the treatment of chronic nasal and sinus symptoms. Participants will complete a questionnaire regarding their nasal and sinus symptoms and will be randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups. Each participant will be instructed on how to perform daily nasal treatment.The subjects will complete follow-up surveys at regular intervals to assess any change in their nasal symptoms after starting nasal saline treatment. Participants may take their usual medications for sinus symptoms during their participation in the study.

See publication: Arch OtolaryngolHeadNeckSurg. 2007;133(11):1115-1120

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years

• Presence of any one of the following symptoms for > 4 days/week and > 15 days in the past 1 month:

  • Nasal stuffiness
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nasal dryness or crusting
  • Abnormal nasal discharge
  • Thick nasal discharge

Exclusion Criteria:

• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in the last 3 months
• Epistaxis in the last 3 months that required treatment
• Acute illness like otitis media, laryngitis, pharyngitis, or rhinitis in the last 2 weeks
• Acute attack of asthma or bronchitis in the last 2 weeks
• Inability to speak or read English
• Current use of any of the study medications regularly for more than a week in the last 1 month
• Any history of intolerance to saline treatment (if used)