Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is the most common acute illness caused by viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx, with symptoms including nasal obstruction, sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and the common cold. 1 Outbreaks of respiratory tract infections are common, and if left untreated, can result in lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, or exacerbations in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis, thus resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.
1 Currently, there are no antiviral agents for the treatment of the common cold, as a large number of viruses can cause URTI; therefore specific antiviral treatment is impractical. 2 Saline nasal irrigation (SNI) is an alternative treatment for sinonasal conditions that…
