Effectiveness of Over-The-Counter Intranasal Preparations: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

To compare the effectiveness of over-the-counter normal saline with nasal decongestant drops for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion, and to determine if nasal drops used alone are effective in the treatment of patients suffering from nasal congestion. Prospective, randomized double blinded study. Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Department. Patients suffering from nasal congestion and similar symptoms such as nasal discharge, dryness, crusting, sneezing, itching and loss of smell. Resolution of symptoms based on visual analog scale and objective findings on anterior rhinoscopy. Chi-square test was done for comparison between the saline and decongestant groups. Subgroup analysis was done for patients on additional medication such as antibiotics. The p value is 0.701671 for the effectiveness of saline against that of decongestant, thus no significant difference exists between them for the relief of nasal congestion. The p value is 0.007497 for those on antibiotics and those that were treated only with nasal drops, thus showing a significant difference (level of significance being p < 0.05). The effectiveness of both nasal saline and decongestant drops in bringing about relief of nasal congestion is similar, and both of them may also cause headache though the mechanism is not well understood from this study. Relief might be primarily obtained with the help of oral medication and not the use of nasal drops.

Level of evidence: Single-center randomized trial, level II b.

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