Saline nasal rinses for pediatric sinusitis

Medical evidence to support sinus irrigations:

A University of Michigan study (well designed and executed as a randomized, controlled trial of more than 100 people with chronic rhinosinusitis) found that the severity and frequency of symptoms were significantly reduced in those who used nasal rinses daily compared with those who did not. Similar results are also reported for a smaller group of children with allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes).

Saline options

I originally used several homemade recipes for my own rhinosinusitis and I liked some more than others. More recently, I have converted to a commercially prepared saline rinse system and formula. There are several available. I use the one from NeilMed, and this is the one I recommend to my patients.

It’s easier than making mine (I’m basically lazy), and I really preferred their squeeze bottle to the suction-bulb syringe I was using. Its formula also doesn’t burn the lining of my nose like all of my homemade recipes do. (Disclaimer: I have no financial ties to NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc).

Hang there

Finally, if you are going to do this for your child, be patient, be persistent. I have several children in my practice as young as 4 who tolerate this on a daily basis. Most of these children are in the very sick category, and if they do not flush their sinuses daily, they can end up in the hospital with severe sinusitis, requiring intravenous medication or surgery.

Wrestling match

Most young children start out fighting rinses, making each rinse session for the first week a wrestling match with you. This is one of those times when you need to be your child’s father more than your child’s friend.

Two adults may be required to do the job properly and safely for a time. But over time they recognize how much better they feel without sinus symptoms and resign themselves to making sinus irrigations part of their daily routine.

Is anyone doing these rinses? Does anyone enjoy doing these rinses on a daily basis? I do not believe it. Personally, I hate to rinse my sinuses, but if I don’t, my sinusitis returns immediately.

Being sinus free is worth it. Instead of feeling like you or your child are your doctor’s personal experiment, instead of living off antibiotics, try saline nasal rinses.