Rhinosinusitis Treatment with Cineole: Patient-Reported Quality of Life Improvements from a Non-Interventional, Pharmacy-Based Survey

Background: Rhinosinusitis is commonly treated with decongestants, analgesics, and local corticosteroids. Phytotherapeutics are also utilised for symptomatic relief, including cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil. Methods: The current non-interventional, anonymised survey investigated quali...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nina Werkhäuser, Ursula Pieper-Fürst, Hacer Sahin, Antonia Claas, Ralph Mösges
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-06-01
Series:Medicines
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/10/6/37
Description
Summary:Background: Rhinosinusitis is commonly treated with decongestants, analgesics, and local corticosteroids. Phytotherapeutics are also utilised for symptomatic relief, including cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil. Methods: The current non-interventional, anonymised survey investigated quality of life in participants with rhinosinusitis (with or without additional symptoms of bronchitis) via the German version of a validated quality of life questionnaire (RhinoQol). Overall, 310 subjects administered a cineole preparation (Sinolpan) and 40 subjects applying nasal decongestant were recruited in German pharmacies. Results: Significant improvements in frequency (64.0%), bothersomeness (52.1%), and impact (53.9%) of rhinosinusitis symptoms were reported upon treatment with cineole over a mean treatment period of seven days (<i>p</i> < 0.001 each). The overall treatment efficacy of cineole was evaluated as good or very good by 90.0% of the participants, and the quality of life during work or leisure time improved upon treatment. Six (non-serious) possibly related side effects were reported in four participants who were administered cineole. The tolerability of the treatment was assessed as good or very good by 93.9% of the participants. Conclusions: Cineole can be considered as a safe and well-tolerated rhinosinusitis treatment conferring a clear improvement in quality of life outcomes.
ISSN:2305-6320