Sinus Irrigation with N-Acetylcysteine after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Preliminary Report of a Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Wee JH
Published in Diagnostics
Methodology
Single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing NAC-added sinus irrigation with standard irrigation after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis; SNOT-22 symptom scores and endoscopic appearance assessed over 12 weeks.
Key Findings
N-acetylcysteine sinus irrigation after endoscopic sinus surgery improved post-nasal drip and reduced crusting in the early postoperative weeks, but endoscopic and symptom differences versus saline were not maintained at later follow-up.
Conclusions
NAC irrigation improved post-nasal drip and crusting early after surgery, but differences were not sustained.
Limitations
Preliminary single-centre trial with small sample (n=49), single-blind design, and short follow-up with loss of between-group difference over time.
Supplements Studied
NAC irrigation showed benefits over saline irrigation in terms of improving postnasal drip, smell dysfunction, and crust after ESS for CRS without nasal polyposis in the immediate postoperative period.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.