A multicenter survey on the effectiveness of nasal irrigation devices in rhinosinusitis patients

Background Nasal irrigation is widely used as an adjunctive treatment for rhinosinusitis. However, there is little information available regarding the efficacy of the devices used in this procedure. The objective of this study was thus to evaluate the effectiveness of nasal irrigation devices based on the experiences of patients with rhinosinusitis. Methods We conducted a multicenter survey study between November 2017 and December 2019. The questionnaire was developed based on the available literature and expert opinion and submitted to the otolaryngology residents and staff of each center as well as those in their networks. Results Four hundred eighteen patients were enrolled in this study: 76 with acute viral rhinosinusitis (18%), 53 with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (13%), 156 with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (37%), and 133 with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (32%). We found that high‐volume devices were most effective in helping to clear secretion in patients with acute viral rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis ( P = .017, .009, .002, respectively) and in reducing post‐nasal drip in those with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis ( P = .040). There were no statistically significant differences among devices in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Conclusions Nasal irrigation with high‐volume devices was an effective treatment for rhinosinusitis and was more effective at clearing nasal secretion and reducing post‐nasal drip than that with other types of devices. Level of Evidence 2C