Significance of saline nasalirrigation for COVID-19 infection: observations and reflections from nursing care of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed a tremendous burden on the world’s healthcare systems, prompting medical professionals worldwide to diligently research and experiment with treatment methods to prevent infection and alleviate symptoms. Previous studies have shown the potential of nasal irrigation in reducing viral clearance time and alleviating local symptoms of COVID-19. However, views differ regarding its efficacy in improving systemic symptoms. Thus, we sought to examine whether saline nasal irrigation might play a role in treatment and self-care after COVID-19 infection, but further validation is still necessary. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 468 patients and 51 healthcare personnel concurrently. The participants were grouped based on whether they received saline nasal irrigation. We used χ 2 tests and Fisher’s exact tests to assess the differences in the rates of COVID-19 infection and the rates of developing a fever after COVID-19 infection among different groups. Additionally, we used independent samples t -tests and Mann-Whitney U tests to evaluate differences in the maximum fever temperature and fever duration among participants with fever in different groups. Results The rate of developing a fever after COVID-19 infection was lower (37.7%) in the patients who underwent saline nasal irrigation. Among all febrile patients, there was no difference in the highest fever temperature, but patients who underwent saline nasal irrigation had a shorter fever duration (1.72±1.05 days). Additionally, the rate of COVID-19 infection and the rate of developing a fever were higher, and fever symptoms were more severe in the healthcare worker group than in the patient group. Conclusions Saline nasal irrigation can alleviate symptoms caused by COVID-19 infection.