Nasal Irrigtation
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Nasal Irrigation with saline (sodium chloride) is often used to provide symptomatic relief for allergic rhinitis in patients of all ages. Considered an adjunct therapy, rinsing with saline has been shown to decrease nasal watering, itching, sneezing and congestion. Use of saline has also been linked to a reduction the in use of other medications to control symptoms, such as oral antihistamines. It is thought that by irrigating or flushing the nasal cavity, the saline helps to remove allergens and irritants from the nose and may improve mucociliary clearance. Saline may be used alone to reduce symptoms of mild allergic rhinitis, but is an adjunct to other treatments such as decongestants and antihistamines in moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.
There are many different formulations of nasal saline available, including sprays, drops, mists, etc., as well as many different concentrations of saline. There is no consensus in scientific literature on which formulation or which concentration of saline works best, but minimal adverse events have been reported with all formulations.
1. Garavello W, Romagnoli M, Sordo L, Gaini RM, Di Berardino C, Angrisano A. Hypersaline nasal irrigation in children with symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized study. Pediatrc Allergy Immunol 2003;14:140-143.
Nasal Irrigation with saline (sodium chloride) is often used to provide symptomatic relief for allergic rhinitis in patients of all ages. Considered an adjunct therapy, rinsing with saline has been shown to decrease nasal watering, itching, sneezing and congestion. Use of saline has also been linked to a reduction the in use of other medications to control symptoms, such as oral antihistamines. It is thought that by irrigating or flushing the nasal cavity, the saline helps to remove allergens and irritants from the nose and may improve mucociliary clearance. Saline may be used alone to reduce symptoms of mild allergic rhinitis, but is an adjunct to other treatments such as decongestants and antihistamines in moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.
There are many different formulations of nasal saline available, including sprays, drops, mists, etc., as well as many different concentrations of saline. There is no consensus in scientific literature on which formulation or which concentration of saline works best, but minimal adverse events have been reported with all formulations.
1. Garavello W, Romagnoli M, Sordo L, Gaini RM, Di Berardino C, Angrisano A. Hypersaline nasal irrigation in children with symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized study. Pediatrc Allergy Immunol 2003;14:140-143.