Efficacy of Winterized Pistacia Lentiscus Oil in Reducing Purulent Bacterial Overinfection of Pediatric Rhinitis

This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial to assess the therapeutic potential of winterized Pistacia lentiscus oil (WLO) in pediatric patients aged 2 to 10 years with purulent rhinitis. The study will investigate the reduction of rhinitis symptoms, the need for antibiotics, and secondary outcomes including nasal decongestant activity and treatment safety.

Participants will be randomized into two groups: the intervention group will receive 3 drops of WLO per nostril, three times daily for six days, while the control group will use 0.9% saline solution under the same regimen. Clinical evaluations will be conducted by medical staff and parents over six days to record symptom improvement, antibiotic use, and adverse events. The results will contribute to understanding the potential of WLO as a non-antibiotic treatment option for purulent bacterial overinfection in pediatric rhinitis.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 2 to 10 years.
• Clinical symptoms of dense mucosal rhinitis/purulent mucus.
• Onset of symptoms ≤ 5 days before enrollment.

Exclusion criteria

• Onset of symptoms > 5 days before enrollment.
• Presence of neurological, malformative, or immunological pathology.
• Suspected or confirmed allergy to the active substance.
• Use of antibiotics within 48 hours prior to enrollment.