Background:
Atrophic rhinitis (AtR) is a chronic nasal condition with polygenic and polybacterial etiology. We investigated the clinical outcomes of honey
therapy and the associated nasal microbiome in AtR. Methods: For eight weeks, a nonrandomized control trial using a
nasal spray of 10% manuka honey and saline on the right and left sides of the nose was conducted on 19 primary AtR patients. A nasal endoscopy was performed and a mucosal biopsy were taken before and after the intervention. Five of the nineteen patients were selected for microbiome and GPR43 expression studies. Results: We used manuka honey to describe an effective
prebiotic treatment for
atrophic rhinitis. There were nine males and ten females with an average (±SD) age of 33.8 (±10.7) years. Endoscopic scores and clinical symptoms improved in honey-treated nasal cavities (p < 0.003). There was a significant decrease in
inflammation, restoration of mucus glands, and increased expression of GPR43 in the nasal cavities with honey
therapy. The nasal microbiome composition before and
after treatment was documented. Particularly,
short chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers were positively enriched after honey
therapy and correlated with improved clinical outcomes like nasal crusting, congestion, and discharge. Conclusion: Our approach to treating AtR patients with manuka honey illustrated effective clinical outcomes such as (1) decreased fetid smell, (2) thickening of the mucosa, (3) decreased
inflammation with healed mucosal
ulcers, (4) increased concentration of the mucosal glands, (5) altered nasal microbiome, and (6) increased expression of SCFA receptors. These changes are consequent to resetting the nasal microbiome due to honey
therapy.