Sinuses Massage versus Saline Nasal Irrigation on Selected Outcomes among Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent and multifaceted condition, characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms and varied etiologies.Its diverse nature profoundly affects both patients and the healthcare system.Aim: the aim of the current study is to compare the effectiveness of sinuses massage versus saline nasal irrigation on selected outcomes of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.Methods: The current study employed a prospective observational, comparative design, utilizing a convenient sample of 80 adult patients who presented with symptomatic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and met diagnostic criteria.Data collection relied on three instruments: a structured interviewing questionnaire, along with the Arabic versions of both the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index.Results: For the two groups who apply nasal irrigation and massage; the results showed a noted decline in the total score means of the nasal symptoms, while the decrease of means scores of nasal irrigation participants is less than those in the 2 nd group of massage especially in the post-intervention scores and follow-up.Regarding the study participants' scores of the nasal problems' effects.For the two groups who apply nasal irrigation and massage; the results showed a marked decline of the total score means of the nasal problems' effects especially in the follow-up phase which indicate the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of the study participants.Conclusions: The current study revealed that, for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, saline nasal irrigation was more effective than sinus massage in reducing symptoms and improving overall outcomes.Saline nasal irrigation excels at reducing nasal congestion and enhancing mucociliary clearance, while sinus massage is effective in relieving headaches and facial pain.Consequently, a combined strategy of both approaches could yield the most comprehensive benefits.