A new trial led by researchers from the University of Southampton in partnership with the University of Bristol has revealed that over-the-counter nasal sprays could help to reduce upper respiratory tract infections (RTIs), as well as the use of antibiotics.
The study, published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, found that nasal sprays could prevent severe symptoms of RTIs from developing.
Affecting one in five people in England, RTIs are infections of parts of the body involved in breathing, including the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs.
Affecting the upper areas of the respiratory system, such as the sinuses and throat, upper respiratory infection symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat and cough.
Researchers analysed data from nearly 14,000 adults from 322 GP practices who experienced health problems or risk factors for infections that included either two existing health problems, a compromised immune system due to a serious illness or medication, or recurrent respiratory infections in the past.
Participants were assigned to receive either Vicks First Defence gel-based nasal spray – a microgel that traps viruses, a saline nasal spray – a mixture of salt and water that reduces levels of viruses or an online resource promoting physical activity and stress management.
The study found that all three groups experienced a 25% reduction in the number of days with severe symptoms and antibiotic use, while both nasal sprays shortened the duration of the illness by 20%, resulting in a reduction in days off from work by up to 30%, while the exercise and stress reduction group experienced a 5% reduction in symptoms.
The University of Southampton’s associate professor of psychology and behavioural medicine, Dr Adam Geraghty, commented: “If widely used, these interventions could potentially have a valuable role for reducing antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance and in reducing the impact of respiratory viruses for patients, the health service and the wider economy.”

https://pharmatimes.com/news/trial-reveals-over-the-counter-nasal-sprays-could-reduce-rtis-and-antibiotic-use/