Nasal Irrigation Techniques in Respiratory Health
Summary
Nasal irrigation, often termed nasal lavage, has a long history of use in managing upper respiratory conditions by mechanically flushing mucus, allergens and pathogens from the nasal passages. Modern approaches encompass a spectrum of delivery systems—from low-pressure sprays and syringes to large-volume pressurised devices—and a variety of solution formulations, including isotonic and hypertonic saline, mineral-enriched mixtures and adjunctive bioactive agents. The overarching aim is to enhance mucociliary clearance, moderate local inflammation and promote epithelial repair while maintaining patient comfort and adherence. Growing evidence highlights the importance of solution osmolality, additive compounds and delivery parameters in determining clinical outcomes across chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis and postoperative care. This summary offers an accessible yet rigorous account of current practices, global significance and emerging avenues for standardisation and innovation.
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Nasal Irrigation Techniques in Respiratory Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nasal irrigation techniques in respiratory health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Mucociliary clearance: Coordinated transport of mucus by ciliary beating to move trapped particles and pathogens toward the nasopharynx.
Hypertonic solution: A fluid whose osmolarity exceeds that of body secretions, drawing water into the nasal lumen to reduce mucosal oedema.
Isotonic solution: A fluid matching the osmolarity of body secretions, used to hydrate nasal mucosa without altering cellular fluid balance.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): A minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under endoscopic guidance to restore sinus ventilation and drainage by removing obstructive tissue.
References
- Efficacy of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of nasal inflammatory diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024).
- Efficacy and Safety of Xylitol Nasal Irrigation after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study. Biomedicines (2024).
- Efficacy of nasal irrigation with hypertonic saline on chronic rhinosinusitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology (2020).
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