Comparative study of intranasal hypertonic seawater saline versus intranasal normal saline in allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic disease with variable response to therapy. Nasal irrigation with saline, including hypertonic saline, has been recommended for sinonasal conditions. Methods: All consecutive patients reporting with AR symptoms established by ARIA at a zonal and tertiary care referral hospital from July 1 to September 30, 2015 were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in Group A were treated with hypertonic seawater saline (HSS) 2.2% Group B with normal saline (NS) 0.9% respectively. Symptoms were assessed at the start of the treatment and after 2 months using 4 point scale. 60 patients were included in final analysis. Results: The mean total nasal symptoms post treatment when compared to pre-treatment were low in both the groups [2.19 (pre- treatment) vs. 1.03 (post treatment) in Group A and 2.18 (pre-treatment) vs. 1.46 (post treatment) in Group B] and the difference was statistically significant for both groups (P =0.0001). On comparing post-treatment symptom scores between both groups, Group a benefitted more than Group B and it was statistically significant (P =0.002). The difference in individual symptom improvement (except sneezing) post treatment exhibited a statistical significance in Group A.No side-effects were seen with either of the sprays. Conclusions: In our study, both treatments provided clinically meaningful responses, but the overall result favored HSS. Hence, HSS can be an effective and safe therapy for AR.