Abstract

Liu Chi Jialu

To investigate if nasal irrigation could impact the severity and duration of viral URTI. 22 patients with new onset non-influenza URTI were randomized to Control (Control, N=12) or Nasal Irrigation Group [NI-Flu (-), N=10], and 8 patients with new onset influenza URTI were assigned to Nasal Irrigation Group [NI-Flu (+), N=8]. Patients in control were treated with standard of care, those in Nasal Irrigation Groups performed nasal irrigation three times a day. URTI scores were determined at Day 1, 4 and 8 visits. Influenza virus antigen and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule -1 in nasal secretions were measured at each visit. Clinical symptoms and signs of URTI were significantly improved for patients in both Nasal Irrigation Groups as compared to Control on Day 4 and 8. Patients with positive influenza virus antigen initially become negative on Day 4 and 8 after daily nasal irrigation. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule -1 concentration in nasal secretion was significantly reduced on Day 4 and 8 in the Nasal Irrigation Groups as compared to Control. Nasal irrigation 3 times a day reduced the severity and shortened the duration of viral URTI, probably in part by removing viruses and inflammatory mediators from and inhibiting viral replication in the nasal cavities.