BACKGROUND: Nasal douching is recommended for the treatment of a variety of diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Nasal douching with saline solution has proven to be effective in chronic rhinosinusitis and after sinus surgery and is recommended by different otolaryngologic societies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to determine whether nasal douching is effective in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis and in preventing recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. We also reviewed whether nasal douching has adverse eff ects and can lead to recurrent upper respiratory tract infections if performed regularly over a longer period of time. RESULTS: Nasal douching with saline solution has a limited effect in adults with acute rhinosinusitis (level of evidence Ia). It is effective in children with acute rhinosinusitis in addition to the standard medication (level of evidence Ib) and can prevent recurrent infections (level of evidence IIb). It is assumed that nasal douching improves the function of the mucous membranes. There is currently no evidence that daily nasal douching with isotonic saline solution over a longer period of time has an adverse effect on the individual health or leads to a higher rate of infections. CONCLUSION: Nasal douching with saline solutions can be recommended for adults with acute rhinosinusitis (grade of recommendation A), in addition to the standard medication in children with acute rhinosinusitis (grade of recommendation A) and to prevent recurrent infections (grade of recommendation B).
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