PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Rabago, David
AU  - Barrett, Bruce
AU  - Marchand, Lucille
AU  - Maberry, Rob
AU  - Mundt, Marlon
TI  - Qualitative Aspects of Nasal Irrigation Use by Patients With Chronic Sinus Disease in a Multimethod Study
AID  - 10.1370/afm.552
DP  - 2006 Jul 01
TA  - The Annals of Family Medicine
PG  - 295--301
VI  - 4
IP  - 4
4099  - http://www.annfammed.org/content/4/4/295.short
4100  - http://www.annfammed.org/content/4/4/295.full
SO  - Ann Fam Med2006 Jul 01; 4
AB  - PURPOSE We qualitatively assessed attitudes regarding use of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation (HSNI) for frequent rhinosinusitis and chronic sinonasal symptoms in a 3-part, multimethod study. METHODS We conducted semistructured, in-depth interviews with 28 participants who recently used nasal irrigation in studies assessing HSNI. RESULTS Four themes emerged: (1) HSNI improved self-management of sinus symptoms, creating a sense of empowerment; (2) HSNI produced rapid and long-term improvement in quality of life; (3) participants identified discomfort, time, and mild side effects as barriers to HSNI use; and (4) participants identified aspects of training and at-home use that overcame these barriers. CONCLUSION HSNI is a safe, well-tolerated, inexpensive, effective, long-term therapy that patients with chronic sinonasal symptoms can and will use at home with minimal training and follow-up. Success with HSNI will likely be improved by patient education.