Effectiveness of sinus irrigation in chronic sinusitis

Sep 18 2007

Nasal irrigation has been widely used by rhinologists in treating sinonasal diseases.

It not only removes static secretion and promotes mucociliary clearance, but in chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal flush is also a route for topical drug administration into paranasal sinuses.

But a new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO raises concerns that nasal irrigation techniques are not as effective as previously thought. The prospective study included 14 patients presenting with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis. Patients underwent nasal irrigation using either a douche irrigation syringe or a spray. For each patient, a computed tomography scan was undertaken to determine the volume and the distribution of staining in the nose and the paranasal sinuses.The results showed that neither nasal douche nor spray effectively delivers nasal irrigation solution into paranasal sinuses in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Results from the study could impact future research into delivery methods for medications intended to treat sinus conditions.