The effectiveness of nasal saline irrigation (seawater) in treatment of allergic rhinitis in children

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of nasal saline irrigation in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children and to assess whether nasal saline irrigation could be used as a complementary therapy for AR in children in combination with the intranasal corticosteroids (INS).MethodIn total, 61 children with AR were divided into three groups: the nasal irrigation, intranasal corticosteroid, and combined treatment groups. Symptoms and signs of AR and eosinophils (EOS) in the nasal secretions were evaluated after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks of treatment.ResultsIn AR children treated with nasal irrigation and a decreased the INS dose, a significant improvement in symptoms and signs and a significant decrease in the mean EOS count in nasal secretions were observed at week 12.ConclusionNasal saline irrigation with physiological seawater is well tolerated and benefits the patients with AR, and can thus be considered a good adjunctive treatment option to maintain the effectiveness of the INS at a lower dose, thus resulting in reduced side effects and a decreased economic burden.