Qualitative aspects of nasal irrigation use by patients with chronic sinus disease in a multimethod study

• Published in: Annals of family medicine 2006-07, Vol.4 (4), p.295-301
• Main Authors: Rabago, David, Barrett, Bruce, Marchand, Lucille, Maberry, Rob, Mundt, Marlon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Nasal Cavity; Nasal Lavage Fluid; Nose Diseases - therapy; Original Research; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology; Patient Education as Topic; Quality of Life; Rhinitis - therapy; Saline Solution, Hypertonic - therapeutic use; Sinusitis - therapy; Therapeutic Irrigation - psychology
• ISSN: 1544-1709; 1544-1717
• DOI: 10.1370/afm.552

We qualitatively assessed attitudes regarding use of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation (HSNI) for frequent rhinosinusitis and chronic sinonasal symptoms in a 3-part, multimethod study. We conducted semistructured, in-depth interviews with 28 participants who recently used nasal irrigation in studies assessing HSNI. Four themes emerged: (1) HSNI improved self-management of sinus symptoms, creating a sense of empowerment; (2) HSNI produced rapid and long-term improvement in quality of life; (3) participants identified discomfort, time, and mild side effects as barriers to HSNI use; and (4) participants identified aspects of training and at-home use that overcame these barriers. HSNI is a safe, well-tolerated, inexpensive, effective, long-term therapy that patients with chronic sinonasal symptoms can and will use at home with minimal training and follow-up. Success with HSNI will likely be improved by patient education.