Qualitative Aspects of Nasal Irrigation Use by Patients With Chronic Sinus Disease

PURPOSE 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 partici-pants 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 identifi ed discomfort, time, and mild side effects as barriers to HSNI use; and (4) participants identifi ed aspects of training and at-home use that overcame these barriers. CONCLUSION 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