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


METHODS
We conducted semistructured, in-depth interviews with 28 participants who recently used nasal irrigation in studies assessing HSNI.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Rabago
David
D
Department of Family, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, USA. rabago@fammed.wisc.edu
Barrett
Bruce
B
Marchand
Lucille
L
Maberry
Rob
R
Mundt
Marlon
M
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000628:therapy; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000628:therapy*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000523:psychology
D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic