Nasal irrigation for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection by SARS-CoV-2: a narrative review

Song Li; Xi-Cai Sun; Zhong-Fei Wu; Li Hu; Jing-Jing Wang; Min Yin; Lei Cheng; De-Hui Wang

doi:10.3855/jidc.19234

Nasal irrigation for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection by SARS-CoV-2: a narrative review

Authors

Song Li Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Clinical Allergy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
Xi-Cai Sun Department of Rhinology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Zhong-Fei Wu Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Clinical Allergy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9932-9317
Li Hu Department of Rhinology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Jing-Jing Wang Department of Rhinology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Min Yin Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Clinical Allergy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
Lei Cheng Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Clinical Allergy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6541-7702
De-Hui Wang Department of Rhinology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.19234

Keywords:

upper respiratory tract infection, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, nasal irrigation, saline solution

Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization declared an end to the global emergency status of COVID-19 in May of 2023. However, the impact of COVID-19 is far from over. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to experience physiological, psychological, or cognitive symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and loss of smell or taste, known as long COVID. This review aims to describe the clinical characteristics of the upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) caused by SARS-CoV-2, and provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection by using nasal irrigation.

COVID-19 and nasal irrigation: Nasal irrigation presents a promising adjunct to standard COVID-19 prevention and treatment protocols. This practice is theorized to diminish viral presence in the upper respiratory tract, a region identified as a primary site for SARS-CoV-2 replication and shedding. By facilitating the removal of viral particles and enhancing mucociliary clearance, nasal irrigation could potentially lessen the severity of URTI symptoms and slow transmission rates. The review consolidates current evidence of the efficacy and safety of this approach across various populations, underscoring its practicality in both preventive and therapeutic contexts.

Conclusions: We recommend that saline nasal irrigation is an effective, safe and convenient strategy to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and alleviate the symptoms of URTI across various age groups.

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Published

2024-09-30

How to Cite

Li S, Sun X-C, Wu Z-F, Hu L, Wang J-J, Yin M, Cheng L, Wang D-H (2024) Nasal irrigation for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection by SARS-CoV-2: a narrative review. J Infect Dev Ctries 18:S81-S91. doi: 10.3855/jidc.19234

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Issue

Vol. 18 No. 09.1: September 2024 - SUPPLEMENT

Section

Coronavirus Pandemic

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