The purpose of this study is to evaluate if using nasal irrigation, also known as nasal lavage, for 14 days after a positive test in high risk patients can reduce the severity of symptoms associated with COVID-19. Nasal lavage consists of running salt water in one nostril and out the other to get rid of germs. Nasal irrigation was done with either Betadine or baking soda to determine if adding an antimicrobial or changing the pH of the mucous helped. Hospitalization and death were compared for combined nasal irrigation groups to the CDC dataset of patients aged 50+
The purpose of this study is to evaluate if using nasal irrigation, also known as nasal
lavage, can reduce the severity of symptoms associated with COVID-19. Nasal lavage consists
of running salt water in one nostril and out the other to get rid of germs. Saline nasal
irrigation with Betadine or baking soda will be evaluated.
Participants will be asked to do several things during this study: watch a one minute video
on YouTube, use a nasal irrigation device twice a day for 14 days, complete a one-time
detailed survey and keep a research diary about their usage and symptoms using an on-line
application called Qualtrics, agree to be texted reminders, be called on the phone if they
fail to complete the daily diary two days in a row, agree to be called four times, and
provide contact information for a secondary person who can be contacted if the primary
participant is unavailable.
Participation in this study does not involve any significant risks. However, some people may
find using nasal irrigation causes them some discomfort.
While there are no known benefits to participating in the study participants may see a
reduction in their symptoms more quickly than if they didn't participate in the study.
Other: Nasal lavage
Twice daily nasal lavage.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Capable of understanding and providing informed consent using remote consent
- Willingness and physical capacity to initiate nasal irrigation and to adhere to the
protocol
- Willing to give additional contact phone number of another person who will know the
health status of the participant and agree to be contacted if needed for follow-up
- 55 years of age or older
- Has access to and the willingness and ability to adhere to the technological
requirement of the study i.e. able to use a smartphone for voice and text and email
and access to the internet at home
- English speaking
- Positive rapid COVID-19 test performed the day of or the day before enrollment
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently doing daily nasal irrigation
- Current supplemental oxygen therapy
- Unwillingness to try nasal irrigation or use nasal irrigation twice a day
- Nasal surgery within the past year or chronic sinusitis
- Prior COVID-19 infection or positive test >1 day before present
- Symptoms longer than 7 days prior to testing as reported to researchers
- Allergy to iodine or shellfish
- Participation in another prospective COVID related research project (clinical trial).
- Employed and working as a healthcare worker.
Augusta University
Augusta, Georgia, United States
Matt Lyon, MD, Principal Investigator
Augusta University