Nasal Rinse May Help Relieve Asthma Symptoms

Simple nasal rinses could provide relief of chest and breathlessness symptoms afflicting asthma patients, according to a new study.

Researchers at Heartlands Hospital (Birmingham, United Kingdom) and Birmingham Regional Severe Asthma Services (United Kingdom) conducted a study involving 30 patients with severe asthma and rhinosinusitis who were taught to rinse their nasal passages with a saline rinse. The impact of saline rinsing on nasal and chest symptoms and scores were evaluated using the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), which gauges patient-reported bronchodilator use, wheeze, nighttime breathlessness symptoms, and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).

Symptoms were assessed once before starting treatment and once again three months later. The researchers found that after three months, 88% of the patients reported improved nasal symptoms, 62% reported improved chest symptoms, 69% showed a clinically measured and significant decrease in nasal symptoms, and 83% showed clinically significant improved ACQ scores. The study was presented at the British Thoracic Society winter meeting, held during December 2016 in London (United Kingdom).

“Two thirds of patients with severe asthma also suffer with rhinitis; this can lead to nasal congestion, forcing patients to adopt abnormal breathing patterns such as mouth breathing, which exposes the airways to cold dehumidified air,” said lead author physiotherapist Anita Clarke, of Birmingham Regional Severe Asthma Services. “Nasal irrigation can certainly help reduce nasal symptoms and also reduce asthma symptoms. The ability to 'nose breathe' is an essential part of an efficient breathing pattern, and this study shows the treatment can provide the added benefit of helping people with asthma feel they can breathe more easily.”

Asthmais defined as a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry.

Related Links:
Heartlands Hospital
Birmingham Regional Severe Asthma Services