Ms. Ha, the child's mother, stated that she used five cloves of garlic, pressed for juice, mixed it with physiological saline solution, and then dripped it into her daughter's nose. Seeing Na's nasal congestion improve and her sleep become easier, she increased the dosage. After approximately five subsequent applications, Na received undiluted garlic juice, which caused severe nasal pain, swelling, and green pus discharge, prompting a visit to Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM.

Master, Doctor, Level II Specialist Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, noted that Na's nasal mucosa was congested, edematous, with scattered blisters, epithelial peeling, and increased mucous secretion. The patient also had a deviated septum, hypertrophied inferior turbinate, and large nasal polyps compressing the nasal cavity, blocking the sinus ostia.

Doctor Hang diagnosed Na with acute chemical burns of the nasal mucosa, mucopurulent pansinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and turbinate hypertrophy. These injuries developed on a foundation of chronic sinusitis, necessitating a combination of medical and surgical treatment.

Doctor Hang performing endoscopic rhinosinus surgery on Na after stable medical treatment. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Doctor Hang, allicin in garlic has strong pungent and antibacterial properties, but dripping it directly into the nose can cause burns and mucosal edema, especially in young children. "When suffering from chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, dripping garlic juice into the nose is similar to applying an acidic substance to damaged mucosa, causing more severe edema and obstruction," Doctor Hang explained. Damaged mucosa also creates conditions for bacteria to penetrate deeper, increasing the risk of affecting the olfactory nerve and leading to irreversible loss of smell.

Doctors treated the burn injuries and prescribed medication. After more than one month of controlled injuries, Na underwent endoscopic rhinosinus surgery due to grade four nasal polyps and chronic inflammation unresponsive to medication. The surgical team removed a polyp mass as large as a chicken egg (approximately 4x2 cm) and numerous pockets of pus from the sinuses.

Doctor Hang advises Ms. Ha on Na's condition during a follow-up visit. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Hang stated that no research has proven the effectiveness of garlic in treating sinusitis. Self-applying remedies without controlling dosage or preparation methods can cause more harm than good, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with sensitive constitutions. To utilize garlic's antibacterial properties, patients can inhale garlic vapor, which helps thin mucus in the nasal passages and throat, or eat garlic soaked in honey to boost internal immunity.

A safe method for nasal cleansing is daily nasal irrigation with physiological saline solution. Patients can apply supportive home care measures such as: keeping the body warm, getting enough sleep, limiting cold drinks, and resting adequately. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients should consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist.

Individuals with chronic sinusitis need to completely treat acute inflammatory episodes, limit exposure to allergens, and adhere to doctor's instructions to prevent the condition from worsening.

Uyen Trinh

*Patient's name has been changed.