Effects of houttuynia cordata thunb. on rhinosinusitis by nasal irrigation: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The herba Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects. Through nasal irrigation, the related preparation of HC is beneficial for treating rhinosinusitis or promoting recovery after an endoscopic sinus surgery. However, it remains controversial whether nasal irrigation with HC preparation can provide evidence-based clinical benefits for rhinosinusitis patients. METHODS: With reference to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), 8 databases are perused to perform a methodical investigation of nasal irrigation with HC preparation and health-related results amongst rhinosinusitis patients. The main research purpose is to determine the influence of PRISMA standards on medical results pertaining to rhinosinusitis patients, including quantitative symptom recording and effective rate. With reference to the Cochrane Handbook, quality assessment of qualified papers is conducted using the Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool. RESULTS: The results will be publicised through a peer-reviewed journal publication. CONCLUSION: The results of the systematic review will summarise evidences for the efficacy of nasal irrigation with HC preparation in rhinosinusitis treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Since this study involves a methodical investigation of issued medical papers, ethical authorisation and informed patient consent are not necessary.