A randomized, prospective, double-blind study on the efficacy of dead sea salt nasal irrigations.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this randomized, prospective, double-blind study was to compare nasal irrigation using hypertonic Dead Sea salt (DSS) solution with hypertonic saline in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and improvement of quality of life (QOL).


METHODS
With Institutional Review Board approval, 42 adults seeking treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis in a tertiary university-affiliated medical center were studied. After history and endonasal examination, computed tomography imaging, and QOL survey (Standardized Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire [RQLQ(S)]), patients were randomized to self-administered hypertonic saline spray and irrigation twice daily or hypertonic DSS spray and irrigation. Patients were reassessed weekly and at 1 month.


RESULTS
Both groups had similar symptoms and RQLQ(S) scores before treatment and had significant improvement after treatment. However, the DSS patients had significantly better symptom relief and only the DSS group showed improved RQLQ(S) scores.


CONCLUSIONS
We present a short-term study providing level I evidence on the superiority of DSS over saline nasal irrigation for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.
Friedman
Michael
M
Department of Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60602, USA. hednnek@aol.com
Vidyasagar
Ramakrishnan
R
Joseph
Ninos
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic