Comparison of treatment experience in intranasal medicated oil application ( <i>nasya</i> ) versus saline nasal wash ( <i>jala neti</i> ) in patients with symptoms of sinusitis

The study aimed to determine (i) the patient-reported treatment experience of Jala neti (JN) and Nasyam (NS) in individuals with symptoms of rhinosinusitis, and (ii) the immediate effects of JN and NS on symptoms of rhinosinusitis. Forty-one patients (group average age ± standard deviation; 43.90 ± 13.94 years) with symptoms of rhinosinusitis (i.e., nasal obstruction, nasal secretion, facial pain, and headache) with a rating of 4 or higher on a visual analog scale (VAS) for any of the two symptoms were recruited. Of these, 21 received JN and 20 received NS. Treatment experience was assessed using the treatment experience questionnaire. The intensity of rhinosinusitis symptoms (i.e., nasal obstruction, nasal secretion, facial pain, and headache) was assessed before and after the JN and NS using separate VAS. The treatment experience was compared using Mann–Whitney U-test. The immediate effect of JN and NS on the intensity of rhinosinusitis symptoms was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The experience of negative bodily sensations differed significantly between JN and NS, with lower negative bodily sensations after JN ( P &lt; 0.05, Mann–Whitney U-test). There was a significant reduction in (i) nasal obstruction, (ii) nasal secretion, (iii) facial pain, and (iv) headache after JN and NS ( P &lt; 0.05; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). JN had lower negative bodily sensations compared to NS. Both JL and NS are effective in reducing the intensity of symptoms of rhinosinusitis. The findings suggest that JN may be preferred over NS for patients who are excessively anxious or unwell.