The Article in Brief

Qualitative Aspects of Nasal Irrigation Use by Patients With Chronic Sinus Disease in a Multimethod Study

David Rabago, MD , and colleagues

Background Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the nose and sinuses. In 1996, this common condition accounted for approximately 26.7 million office and emergency visits in the United States. This study examined patientsˇ¦ attitudes toward and experiences with hypertonic saline nasal irrigation (HSNI), a treatment that removes potentially allergen- and irritant-containing mucus by flushing the nasal cavity.

What This Study Found Twenty-eight patients who had participated in a research study that showed HSNI to be an effective treatment were interviewed. In this study, the authors identified 4 themes: (1) use of HSNI empowers those who use it by improving their ability to control sinus symptoms and treatment; (2) HSNI produces rapid and long-term improvement in the quality of life of patients with sinusitis; (3) there are barriers to use of HSNI, including fear, discomfort, time, and mild side effects; and (4) training and at-home use helps overcome these barriers.

Implications

• „H Doctors can confidently and safely prescribe this method to patients with chronic sinus symptoms.
• „H Patients may be more likely to use HSNI if they are educated and coached in its use.LI>