Benefits And Side Effects

Nasal Strips: What You Need to Know Before Using Them Every Night

Benefits and Side Effects

Nasal strips are thin adhesive bandages that are applied to the bridge of the nose to help improve airflow through the nostrils. They are often used to relieve congestion and snoring. While nasal strips can be effective, there are also some potential side effects to consider.

According to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, the most common side effect from using nasal strips is skin irritation. This can occur in the form of redness, itching, or burning beneath the strip. In most cases, this irritation is mild and will go away after a few hours. However, if you experience any severe irritation, you should remove the strip and consult with your doctor.

Effectiveness for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Nasal strips are not effective for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a serious condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. It is caused by a blockage in the upper airway, which can be caused by a number of factors, such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum.

Nasal strips cannot open up the upper airway enough to relieve OSA. In fact, using nasal strips may actually worsen OSA in some cases. If you have OSA, you should talk to your doctor about other treatment options, such as surgery or a CPAP machine.

Clinical Studies

Two multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trials have assessed the effect of Breathe Right nasal strips on nasal airflow. The results of these studies show that Breathe Right nasal strips can significantly improve nasal airflow in people with nasal congestion.

Conclusion

Nasal strips can be an effective way to relieve nasal congestion and snoring. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects, such as skin irritation. Nasal strips are not effective for people with OSA. If you have OSA, you should talk to your doctor about other treatment options.