Alternative therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis: A review

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Integrative Medicine
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Alternative medicine use for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is rising without robust clinical evidence.
• Otolaryngologists and general practitioners face challenges in evaluating new and emerging therapies for CRS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review alternative therapies for CRS, their proposed mechanisms, and supporting evidence.
• To identify therapies lacking clinical validation and those showing potential for CRS treatment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of English-language literature on alternative CRS therapies.
• Searches conducted in PubMed, Cochrane databases, and via bibliography searches.
• Excluded therapies already recommended by professional bodies.

Main Results:

• Most reviewed alternative therapies for CRS lack specific clinical evidence.
• Therapeutic ultrasonography and phonophoresis show emerging promise with growing evidence.
• Baby shampoo, thyme honey, bromelain (in saline lavage), and Sinupret (oral echinacea) have some clinical support.

Conclusions:

• While some alternative therapies for CRS have a scientific basis, clinical evidence is often lacking.
• Emerging treatments and specific natural additives show potential but require high-level evidence from randomized controlled trials before recommendation.