Widely available over-the counter nasal sprays could keep upper respiratory tract infections - like colds, chest infections, flu, sore throat, and sinus infections - at bay, and prevent full-blown symptoms from developing, one of the largest trials to date to test their effectiveness finds. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 14,000 adults, found overall they reduced the days of illness by around 20 per cent, and also reduced the number of days with severe symptoms, time off work or normal activities, and antibiotic use. The study led by the University of Southampton in collaboration with the University of Bristol, and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine today [12 July].
There is some recent evidence that using nasal sprays to wash out virus from the nose and throat, or improving immune function through increasing exercise and managing stress, could reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections. To investigate this, researchers undertook a large-scale randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of two different types of nasal spray and an online resource providing advice on physical activity and stress management. Researchers recruited 13,799 adult patients from 332 GP practices.
All patients had an existing health problem or risk factor for infection, and/or recurrent respiratory infections in the past. Patients were randomized to receive one of three interventions. Th.