Saline nasal irrigation is an adjunctive therapy for upper respiratory conditions that bathes the nasal cavity with spray or liquid saline. Nasal irrigation with liquid saline is used to manage symptoms associated with chronic rhino-sinusitis.
Consensus guidelines recommend saline nasal irrigation as a treatment for a variety of other conditions, including rhinitis of pregnancy and acute rhinosinusitis. Saline nasal irrigation appears safe, with no reported serious adverse events. Minor adverse effects can be avoided with technique modification and salinity adjustment.
| KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE | EVIDENCE RATING |
| Nasal irrigation is an effective adjunctive therapy for symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. | А |
| Based on limited evidence, nasal irrigation may be an effective adjunctive treatment for symptoms of irritant rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, and viral upper respiratory tract infection; and for postoperative care after endoscopic sinus surgery. | В |
| Nasal irrigation has been recommended for mild to moderate rhinitis of pregnancy, acute rhinosinusitis, sinonasa sarcoidosis, and Wegener granulomatosis. | С |
Upper respiratory conditions, such as acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), and allergic rhinitis, are common disorders that negatively affect patients' quality of life. Saline nasal irrigation is an adjunctive therapy for upper respiratory conditions, likely originating in the ayurvedic medical tradition. Its use, including indications, solutions, and administration devices, was first described in medical literature in the early 20th century. Saline nasal irrigation is an effective management strategy for many sinonasal conditions. In a survey of 330 family physicians, 87 percent reported recommending it to their patients for one or more conditions.
Nasal irrigation is performed by instilling saline into one nostril and allowing it to drain out of the other nostril, bathing the nasal cavity. Saline nasal irrigation can be performed with low positive pressure from a spray or squirt bottle, or with gravity-based pressure using a vessel with a nasal spout, such as a neti pot. Both are available over the counter.
Source: Saline nasal irrigation for Upper respiratory conditions, 2009.