Compliance of Nasal Irrigation in Children with Allergic Rhinitis and Rhinosinusitis

Background: The compliance and tolerance of nasal saline irrigation (NSI) has not been studied in the Thai pediatric population. Objective: To determine the compliance of NSI in the children with allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. Material and Method: 60 evaluable children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and/or rhinosinusitis, aged 3 to 15 years, were recruited from Thammasat University Hospital. The children were divided into 3 different age groups; (20/gp): age 3 to 5 years (y), 6 to 10 y and 11 to 15 y. At enrollment, the parent or guardians of children were interviewed via a questionnaire (knowledge of NSI, opinions regarding compliance if NSI were prescribed and the technique of which NSI was taught). Children were followed-up to month to assess NSI compliance. Patients with poor NSI compliance were reevaluated regarding their NSI technique. Results: Most parents thought NSI would improve their child’s disease: 90% for age group 3 to 5 y, 95% (6 to 10 y), and 80% (11 to 15 y). Furthermore, most thought their child would tolerate NSI: 75% (3 to 5 y), 80% (6 to 10 y) and 100% (11 to 15 y). However, only 6 parents (30%) in age group 3 to 5 y thought that their child could have good compliance with NSI. At follow-up, 65% of age group 3-5 y had good compliance. Patients in all age groups had good compliance for NSI, group 6 to 10 y (85%). Although those aged 6-10 y (85%) did so most successfully. Conclusion: In this small study, children aged 3 to 15 y, most tolerate and complied well with NSI. NSI should more widely prescribed as adjunctive therapy for pediatric patients with rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. Keywords: Nasal saline irrigation, Allergic rhinitis, Pediatric rhinosinusitis