Efficiency of hypertonic and isotonic seawater solutions in chronic rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Background: To compare the efficiency of isotonic and hypertonic seawater solutions used for nasal lavage and quality of life of the patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods: A random and controlled clinical study was performed. The study included 60 patients with history of chronic rhinosinusitis. At the beginning of the study, each subject was given a Patient Logbook, which needed to be filled out daily during the 15-day study period. There were three visits per each patient during the study.

Results: Results Patient Logbook notes showed significant statistical differences in all symptoms in the group of patients using hypertonic seawater solution. However, while the notes showed significant statistical differences in congestion and rhinorrhea, in the group of patients using isotonic seawater solution, other symptoms showed no major changes during the study period.

Conclusions: Hypertonic seawater solution has been proven to be better than isotonic seawater solution in eliminating the symptoms of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, cough, headache and waking up during the night.