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