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Published on: June 7, 2017
A randomized controlled study comparing the efficacy of soap versus soap-plus-microwave disinfection for irrigation
Araya Satdhabudha1, Orapan Poachanukoon1,2, Sumalee Kondo3
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Background:
Nasal irrigation is an effective component of sino-nasal disease management. Nonetheless, bacterial contamination is worrisome.
Objective:
To study bacterial colonization incidence using squeeze-bottle nasal irrigation devices, after disinfection with soap or soap-plus-microwave technique, in pediatric acute rhinosinusitis.
Methods:
A randomized, prospective, controlled study was conducted on acute rhinosinusitis children, aged 2-15 years. Each participant was randomized into a soap-cleaning or soap-plus- microwave group. For a two-week period, participants irrigated their nostrils with NSS twice daily and cleaned the bottle after each use. In the end, bottles were sent to a microbiological laboratory for bacterial identification.
Results:
The mean 5S Score and satisfaction score gradually improved in both groups with no significant differences between groups. Bacterial identification frequency in the soap group was slightly higher than in the soap-plus-microwave one, without statistical significance. For safety and tolerability, all participants reported 100% adherence to nasal irrigation. The soap-plus-microwave group reported more minor adverse outcomes than the soap-cleaning one. No thermal deformation of irrigation bottles was observed.
Conclusions:
Regular cleaning of nasal irrigation devices is needed to minimize bacterial contamination. Only soap or soap plus microwave disinfection appeared simple and safe for disinfection. Both techniques can equally minimize the rate of bacterial contamination. Although no gross thermal deformation at optimal power and duration, chemical irritants after high power or long microwave durations may be a concern.
Insights
Regular cleaning of nasal irrigation bottles is crucial for managing bacterial contamination in pediatric acute rhinosinusitis. Both soap and soap-plus-microwave disinfection methods proved safe and effective in minimizing contamination.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Nasal irrigation is a key treatment for sino-nasal diseases.
- Bacterial contamination of nasal irrigation devices is a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bacterial colonization in squeeze-bottle nasal irrigation devices.
- To compare disinfection efficacy of soap versus soap-plus-microwave techniques.
- To evaluate these methods in pediatric acute rhinosinusitis patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, prospective study involved 2-15 year olds with acute rhinosinusitis.
- Participants were assigned to soap-cleaning or soap-plus-microwave disinfection groups.
- Nasal irrigation bottles were microbiologically analyzed after two weeks of use.
Main Results:
- Both disinfection methods showed comparable effectiveness in minimizing bacterial contamination.
- Patient satisfaction and symptom scores improved similarly in both groups.
- The soap-plus-microwave group reported slightly more minor adverse outcomes, but no thermal damage occurred.
Conclusions:
- Consistent cleaning of nasal irrigation devices is essential.
- Soap and soap-plus-microwave disinfection are safe and simple methods.
- Both techniques effectively reduce bacterial contamination, though microwave safety requires careful adherence to parameters.
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