Solutions for Summer Snuffles

Nasal congestion can be unpleasant, debilitating and impact sleep. While for some bouts are short-lived and acute due to allergies or a cold, for others it is a more chronic situation. Home remedies and medication are often the first line of treatment, but “mechanical nasal dilators” can also effective for nocturnal symptoms. A recent study reviewed the effectiveness of over-the-counter “mechanical nasal dilators” such as strips, stents, clips and nasal stimulators.

Understanding nasal congestion

Nasal congestion can be acute (short-lived, lasting a few days to 2 weeks) or chronic (lasting weeks or months). Causes include:

• Cold, flu or sinus infection

• Allergies including hayfever

• Side effects from nasal sprays and other medications

• Nasal polyps

• Nasal deformities e.g. deviated septum

• Pregnancy

• Non-allergic or vasomotor rhinitis (caused by dry or polluted air, medication side effects, alcohol, spicy foods and emotional upset).

Home treatments

If your nasal congestion is recent there are several things you can try at home to help relieve symptoms:

• Inhale steam, use a vaporizer or humidifier (with care). Some people find essential oils or products such as Vicks help reduce inflammation, but be cautious if you have asthma or allergies.

• Apply warm, wet washcloth to nose and cheeks several times a day.

• Nasal wash: homemade or commercial.

• Sleep with head elevated.

• Mechanical nasal dilators.

• Decongestants can help dry up your mucous, but can cause “rebound” congestion when they wear off.

• Antihistamines can be very effective when allergy is the cause; ensure you take non-drowsy during the day or if you are driving or operating machinery.

• See a doctor if:

• You have significant other symptoms such as: feeling very unwell, fever; swelling of nose, eyes or face; sore throat; difficulty swallowing; discharge that is not clear, white or yellow; cough lasting more than 5 days or shortness of breath.

• You are grunting or experiencing short periods of not breathing while sleeping or severe snoring.

• symptoms began post-head injury.

• symptoms last more than 2 weeks or are rapidly worsening.

Study Findings: Mechanical nasal dilators.

A study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery (June 2016) conducted a comprehensive review of the use of Mechanical nasal dilators. Congestion can occur in multiple areas of the nose, but the narrowest part is the “internal valve” and congestion and collapse in this area significantly reduces airflow. Mechanical nasal dilators aim to physically increase the opening of this valve and reduce symptoms. The study looked at 33 over the counter devices. The study found research  supporting the use of external nasal dilator strips (5 studies), nasal clips (4 studies) and nasal stents (only 1 study) but no studies supported the use of septal stimulators. Nasal strips include Breathe Right and Sleep Right, the downside of these is that they are not reusable and so the cost increases with time of useage. Nasal stents (Airmax and the NoZovent) are initially more expensive but they can be cleaned and reused, the research suggests that they may be more effective than nasal strips.

Breathe Easy

Nasal congestion is a common and annoying problem. In the short term home remedies, over the counter medications and mechanical nasal dilators can provide relief. As with any symptoms readers should always seek medical care if symptoms are severe, associated with other significant symptoms or if it becomes chronic in nature.

Disclaimer

This article pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about med­i­cine, health and related sub­jects.  The content is not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately-licensed health care worker and in an emergency call 911. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this article.