[Tolerance, subjective complaints and mucociliary clearance in rhinitis sicca before and after nasal irrigation with Rhinomer Force 1].

Background: Rhinitis sicca is a widespread disease, caused by a variety of factors. There are many different treatments, but none is more reliable than the other.

Methods: In a prospective study we examined 12 patients before and after a ten-day course of nasal irrigation with Rhinomer Force 1 regarding their symptoms, the mucociliary clearance measured with the saccharin test according to Andersen and tolerance of therapy.

Results: Improvement of nose breathing (57%), sensation of mucous running in the pharynx (42%), feeling of a dry nose (42%, significant p = 0.0313). The overall improvement was significant (67%, p = 0.054). Mucociliary transport analysed for each side of the nose (24 sides) resulted in 38% improvement (up 10 min in average), 12% same result, 50% worsening (down 12 min in average). The acceptance was reported as very good in 91% of the study group.

Conclusions: Depending on the symptoms, a high to significant amount of improvement is documented after therapy with isotonic salt water solution. In our study the measurement of the mucociliary transport does not correlate with subjective symptoms. It does not appear to be an adequate tool for diagnosing rhinitis sicca or evaluating the success of treatment.