Nasal Irrigation Vs. Steam Inhalation: Which Provides Better Relief For Chronic Sinusitis?

Nasal irrigation and steam inhalation both provide relief for patients with chronic sinusitis. But which method is better? A new study found that inhaling steam to open up clogged noses isn't enough.

Different Results

The study examined 871 patients in England with chronic or recurrent sinusitis. The research team found that patients who underwent nasal irrigation treatment experienced lower nasal congestion and other issues related to sinusitis including headaches and throat pain, according to HealthDay News (via the U.S. News & World Report).

Participants who did the nasal irrigation treatment used a neti pot, a vessel that resembles little teapots with long spouts and removes mucus and debris from the nasal cavities. The participants irrigated their clogged nose every day with the help of 5 ounces of saline solution in each nostril. The saline solution was made of one teaspoon of salt, a half teaspoon of baking soda, and one pint of water.

Participants who used the steam inhalation method did it for five minutes each day, along with a towel put over their heads while they're standing over a bowl of warm water. People who inhaled steam said their headaches were lessened, but they still experience nasal congestion.

Dr. Len Horovitz, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said the study's results are expected given that nasal irrigation is "foundational in sinus care," the U.S. News & World Report added. In steam inhalation, the heat can be harmful to a person because it causes swelling of the membranes.

Around 29.4 million people in the United States have chronic sinusitis, with adults comprising 12.3 percent of that number, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic sinusitis is linked to allergy, cystic fibrosis, gastroesophageal reflux, and contact with environmental pollutants, Medscape listed.

What Causes Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis involves inflammation and swelling up of the cavities, or sinuses, around nasal passages. Sinuses normally produce mucus and drain it via small openings into the nasal passages.

Inflammation, however, prevents the sinuses from doing this and blocks the drainage system. Short-term episodes of chronic sinusitis usually last for up to four weeks.

Doctors are still stumped as to what causes sinusitis. Some experts point to bad allergies, immunodeficiency, and a deviated septum, according to The New York Times. Sinus surgery, which removes the inflamed sinuses, is often done on patients who are not responding to antibiotics anymore.

Unfortunately, doctors believe that there's no cure for chronic sinusitis. The best way is for patients to learn how to handle the condition.