Intranasal corticosteroids are no more effective than saline nasal spray in reducing snoring and breathing difficulties during sleep in children, Australian doctors report. 

The team from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne found that about 40% of kids with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) had their symptoms resolve within six weeks regardless of treatment option. 

Results from their randomised controlled trial suggested almost half of affected patients could easily be managed by their GP with intranasal saline as a first-line treatment. 

“Using this cheaper and readily available treatment would increase the quality of life of these children, reduce the burden on specialist services, decrease surgery waiting times and reduce hospital costs,” said study author Associate Professor Kirsten Perrett.