Original Paper

Nasal Lavage in Pregnant Women with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Study
Werner Garavello^{a, b}, Edgardo Somigliana^c, Barbara Acaia^c, Lorenzo Gaini^b, Lorenzo Pignataro^b, Renato Maria Gaini<sup>a

a</sup>Department of Otorhinolaryngology, DNTB, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, and
^bDepartment of Otorhinolaryngology,
^cFondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, IRCCS, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milano, Italy

Address of Corresponding Author

Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2010;151:137-141 (DOI: 10.1159/000236003)

  Key Words

• Allergic rhinitis
• Nasal rinsing
• Pregnancy

  Abstract

Background: Nasal rinsing appears particularly suitable in the management of pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis since no deleterious effects on the fetus are to be expected. However, to date, no studies have specifically investigated this option. Methods: Pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis were randomized to intranasal lavage with hypertonic saline solution 3 times daily (n = 22) versus no local therapy (n = 23) during a 6-week period corresponding to the pollen season. Patients were invited to keep a daily record of rhinitis symptoms (rhinorrea, obstruction, nasal itching and sneezing), to record consumption of oral antihistamine and to undergo rhinomanometry. Results: The rhinitis score was similar at study entry but a statistically significant improvement in this score was observed in the study group during all subsequent weeks (p < 0.001 for weeks 2–6). The mean number of daily antihistamines use per patient per week was significantly reduced at weeks 2, 3 and 6 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Baseline rhinomanometry performed at week 1 showed similar nasal resistance in the study and control groups. In contrast, a statistically significant difference emerged in the 2 following evaluations. At week 3, nasal resistance in the study and control groups was 0.96 ± 0.44 and 1.38 ± 0.52 Pa/ml/s, respectively (p = 0.006). At week 6, it was 0.94 ± 0.38 and 1.35 ± 0.60 Pa/ml/s, respectively (p = 0.006). No adverse effect was reported in the active group. Conclusions: Nasal rinsing is a safe and effective treatment option in pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Correspondence to: Dr. Werner Garavello
Department of Otorhinolaryngology
Ospedale San Gerardo, University of Milano-Bicocca
Via Pergolesi, 33, IT–20052 Monza (Italy)
Tel. +39 039 233 3623, Fax +39 039 324 017, E-Mail werner.garavello@unimib.it

  Article Information

Received: February 23, 2009
Accepted after revision: April 24, 2009
Published online: September 15, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 26