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Magnetic resonance imaging reveals the complementary effects of decongestant and B reathe R ight N asal S trips on internal nasal anatomy
Author(s) -
Bishop Courtney A.,
Johnson Steven M.,
Wall Matthew B.,
Janiczek Robert L.,
Shanga Gilbert,
Wise Richard G.,
Newbould Rexford D.,
Murphy Philip S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.25906
Subject(s) - decongestant , nasal decongestant , medicine , placebo , nasal congestion , crossover study , magnetic resonance imaging , nose , anesthesia , anatomy , radiology , pathology , alternative medicine , antihistamine
Objectives/Hypothesis This magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of 26 subjects with nasal congestion was performed to assess in the complete nasal passage both the anatomical effect of the marketed Breathe Right Nasal Strip (BRNS) relative to placebo and the potential adjunctive effect of using a decongestant in combination with the BRNS. Study Design Randomized, crossover study. Methods The study consisted of two parts, the first involving application of either the BRNS or the placebo strip in a randomized, crossover design with evaluator blinding, and repeated MRI scanning; and the second a sequential process of decongestant administration, MRI scanning, application of the BRNS, and repeated MRI. The same anatomical MRI protocol was used throughout. Nasal patency was assessed in the whole nasal passage and eight subregions (by inferior–superior, anterior–posterior division). Numerical response scores representing subjective nasal congestion were also obtained. Results Results demonstrate significant anatomical enlargement with the BRNS relative to placebo ( P < .001), as well as an additive effect of using a decongestant in combination with the BRNS; both supported by a strong and significant negative correlation with the subjective nasal response measures of nasal congestion ( r = −0.98, P = .002). Furthermore, analysis of the nasal subregions indicates that this adjunctive effect arises from a partially localized action of the complementary products: the BRNS acting primarily anteriorly in the nose and the decongestant mainly posteriorly. Conclusions The BRNS alone significantly increases nasal patency and alleviates perceived nasal congestion, and additional relief of symptoms can be obtained with simultaneous use of a decongestant. Level of Evidence 1b. Laryngoscope , 126:2205–2211, 2016