Abstract

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.

Key words: Influenza, viral infection, influenza virus antigen, nasal irrigation, anti-backwash, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule -1.