Are Saline Irrigations Effective in Relieving Chronic Rhinosinusitis Symptoms? A Review of the Evidence

Nasal saline irrigation (NSI) is sometimes used as a therapy to promote healing and provide comfort for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). To determine the efficacy of NSI for CRS, an evidence-based review was conducted. We found that, although current practice guidelines for CRS recommend NSI as an adjunct treatment, the evidence for the true benefit of NSI is sparse and inconsistent. Our review supports that NSI causes minimal or no adverse affects, provides a cheaper alternative to many traditional treatments, and decreases the risk of antibiotic overuse; therefore, health care providers can prudently include NSI as a treatment for CRS.