Saline irrigation and steam inhalation

A randomised controlled trial found that steam inhalations had little effect in sinusitis but that saline nasal irrigation (also called nasal douching) improved symptoms. Patients were more likely to feel they could manage the problem themselves and used less OTC medication. A short video showing patients how to use saline nasal irrigation, such as the one used by NHS Southampton Hospitals at youtube.com can be recommended. See also NHS guidance on How to clean your nose with a homemade salt water solution at: nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection.

Nasal saline irrigation may cause minor adverse effects, such as irritation. Patients sometimes experience some ear discomfort while rinsing, and after use they may experience drainage of left-over solution from the nose, sometimes many minutes or hours later.