Saline Reduces Nasal Infection Symptoms

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Research confirms a salt-water rinse reduces symptoms of chronic nasal infections.

Researchers reviewed eight studies looking at saline irrigation to alleviate pain and congestion associated with long-term infections of nasal passages. Up to 15 percent of people have chronic nasal infections, also called chronic rhinosinusitis. Many healthcare programs recommend spraying saline into the nose to relieve symptoms.

The review results show saline is indeed helpful in treating the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis when it's used as the sole treatment. Saline also showed benefit when it was used as an adjunct to other treatments. However, saline was not shown to be as effective as an intranasal steroid.

Lead researcher Richard Harvey, M.D., from the University of Oxford and Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in London, was quoted as saying, "While there is no evidence that saline is a replacement for standard therapies, spraying or irrigating saline into the nose is likely to improve symptoms for people with persistent infections."

Why saline works to reduce symptoms is not all that clear, but researchers report it could be because saline softens mucus making it easier to remove. Saline may also help wash bacteria, viruses and allergic particles out of the nose.

Dr. Harvey concluded, "Doctors should consider recommending saline therapy as an adjunct for managing the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis."

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SOURCE: Cochrane Database of Systemic Review 2007, Issue 3, Article No.: CD006394

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