Compounding Nasal Irrigations
Compounding Nasal Irrigations Sarah Taylor, PharmD What is the role of nasal irrigations and when are they used? Chronic rhinosinusitis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes infected, irritated, or inflamed. The prevalence of rhinosinusitis globally is estimated to be as high as 12% and incidence in the US is thought to be 1-5%. 1,2 To be considered chronic, rhinosinusitis must have occurred for at least 12 consecutive weeks. 2 Conventional t reatment s may include irrigations with saline, intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays, short courses of oral steroids, or even oral antibiotics. 2 When conventional treatments are not successful, alternatives such as corticosteroids for nasal irrigation are sometimes considered. 2 One study of 12 patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and asthma treated patients with 0.5mg budesonide in 250ml normal saline. Half the volume was applied in each nostril twice daily for six months. The treat