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Review
. 2025 Aug 1;61(8):1402.
doi: 10.3390/medicina61081402.

Nasal Irrigations: A 360-Degree View in Clinical Practice

Luca Pecoraro  1 , Elisabetta Di Muri  1 , Gianluca Lezzi  1 , Silvia Picciolo  2 , Marta De Musso  2 , Michele Piazza  3 , Mariangela Bosoni  4 , Flavia Indrio  5
Affiliations
Review

Nasal Irrigations: A 360-Degree View in Clinical Practice

Luca Pecoraro et al. Medicina (Kaunas). .

Abstract

Nasal irrigation (NI) is an effective, safe, low-cost strategy for treating and preventing upper respiratory tract diseases. High-volume, low-pressure saline irrigations are the most efficient method for removing infectious agents, allergens, and inflammatory mediators. This article reviews clinical evidence supporting NI use in various conditions: nasal congestion in infants, recurrent respiratory infections, acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic and gestational rhinitis, empty nose syndrome, and post-endoscopic sinus surgery care. NI improves symptoms, reduces recurrence, enhances the efficacy of topical drugs, and decreases the need for antibiotics and decongestants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NI has also been explored as a complementary measure to reduce viral load. Due to the safe profile and mechanical cleansing action on inflammatory mucus, nasal irrigations represent a valuable adjunctive treatment across a wide range of sinonasal conditions.

Keywords: mechanical cleansing; nasal irrigation; sinonasal disorders; upper respiratory tract infections; viral load reduction.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Optimal head position for effective NI.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Key points about NI.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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