Atomized nasal douche vs nasal lavage in acute viral rhinitis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the atomized nasal douche in the restoration of physiological nasal functions in patients affected by acute viral rhinosinusitis, when compared with nasal lavages with isotonic sodium chloride solution. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: The ENT Department at the University of Siena Medical School. Patients: Two hundred patients affected by acute viral rhinosinusitis were included in the study. Interventions: Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: group 1 patients received an atomized nasal douche, and group 2 patients received nasal lavages with isotonic sodium chloride solution. Patients underwent treatments 4 times per day for 15 days in our institution under our direct control. Results: Atomized nasal douches significantly improved inspiratory and expiratory rhinomanometric resistance (P < .01) and nasal volumes measured by acoustic rhinometry (P < .001). Nasal lavages were unable to modify these variables significantly (P < .3). Only atomized nasal douches were able to normalize mucociliary transport time to a physiological level (P < .001). Conclusions: The atomized nasal douche demonstrated a better efficacy than traditional nasal lavages with isotonic sodium chloride solution in restoring all the physiological nasal functions. For this reason, and considering ease of use, painlessness, cheapness, and manageability of the instrument, we suggest the use of the compressor-micronizer chamber system (Rinoflow Nasal Wash & Sinus System) as a routine adjuvant to every treatment of acute rhinopathies.