Abstract
Questionaries on rhinological treatments were sent to all ENT doctors in Hokkaido as well as to randomly selected ones in the rest of Japan. The frequencies of various treatments and their effects were analyzed. The most definite difference between the two regions was frequency and evaluation of nasal irrigation. 14 patients with paranasal sinusitis were radiologically examined before and after nasal irrigation and after antral lavage. Ciliary movements of the mucous membrane of the nose were microscopically observed while various solutions were perfused on the specimen. These fundamental experiments and bibliographical study suggested that nasal irrigation was a supportive therapy as one of cleansing methods. Nasal irrigation promotes the elimination of excess secretion and the recovery of ciliary activity. Indications and precautions of the method were considered.
