Saline irrigation to treat sinus infections

A study from the University of Nebraska reports that antibiotics are too frequently prescribed to treat sinus infections (acute or chronic rhinosinusitis).

That’s not new, but the mention of using a salt-water rinse as treatment is worth discussing.

In the USNews.com account of the study, Dr. Donald Leopold states, “Patients demand antibiotics … and for doctors, it’s quicker to write a prescription than to explain how to rinse with salt water.”

Salt-water solution nasal washing facilitates nasal drainage and cleans the airway from any postnasal discharge. Supporting studies can be read here and here.

A video demonstrating the correct technique for using the neti pot is here. And MayoClinic.com has instructions for making the solution.3/21/07 19:09 JR