Methods of treating chronic rhinosinusitis

Abstract

The present invention provides methods of treating chronic rhinosinusitis that comprise administering a formulation of boric acid to the nasal and paranasal cavities of a patient in need. The present invention also provides for the use of a formulation comprising boric acid for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating chronic rhinosinusitis, the method comprising administering a formulation comprising boric acid to the nasal and paranasal cavities of a patient in need, thereby treating the chronic rhinosinusitis. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation comprises about 1.0-4.0% (w/v) of boric acid. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation comprises about 2.0% (w/v) of boric acid. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation further comprises a saline solution having about 0.5-1.2% (w/v) of sodium chloride in water. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation further comprises a saline solution having about 0.9% (w/v) of sodium chloride in water. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation comprises about 2% (w/v) of boric acid in a saline solution having about 0.9% (w/v) of sodium chloride in water. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administering comprises applying a volume of the formulation into each nare of the patient in a manner sufficient to penetrate the nasal and paranasal cavities. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the volume of the formulation is applied by a means selected from the group consisting of douching, nebulization, atomization, inhalation, irrigation, spray, drops, or insufflations. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the volume of the formulation is applied by spray pump. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is a sterile, aqueous isotonic suspension or solution administered intranasally to the nasal-paranasal mucosa via spray pump. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the volume of the formulation administered into each nare is about 1-2 mL. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the chronic rhinosinusitis is bacterial-related. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the chronic rhinosinusitis is fungal-related. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient has chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient has chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps.