Cochrane review of nasal irrigation for upper airway infection

It’s commonly used to manage symptoms, but why is there so little research supporting it?

First, the details.

• 3 studies (618 participants) were included in the review.

And, the results.

• Most results showed no difference between nasal saline treatment and control.
• Support of benefit with nasal saline irrigation in adults included…
  • An insignificant difference of 0.3 day (7 hours out of 8 days) for symptom resolution — 1 study
  • Less time off work — 1 study.
• Minor discomfort was not uncommon.
• 40% of babies did not tolerate nasal saline drops.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded there are too few studies, and the risk of bias was too great to permit confident conclusions.

3/18/10 18:24 JR