[The effect of nasal dilators and local decongestants on the nasal airway].

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the effect of external nasal dilator strips and local decongestants used either alone or in combination on the nasal airway. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study included 23 volunteer males (mean age 24.3 years; range 21 to 36 years) with no complaints of nasal obstruction. Nasal airway dimensions were measured by acoustic rhinometry after the following applications: (i) no application; (ii) a placebo strip; (iii) a nasal dilator; (iv) a local decongestant; (v) a local decongestant followed by a placebo strip; and (vi) a local decongestant followed by a nasal dilator. Cross sectional areas (CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3) and three equal volumes (V1, V2, and V3) of the first 6 cm of the nasal airway were measured and compared with baseline values. RESULTS After applying nasal dilator strips, CSA1 and CSA2 significantly increased by 33% and 10%, respectively, with a significant increase in V1, whereas increases in V2 and V3 did not reach significance. The use of local decongestants was associated with significant increases in CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3 by 24%, 25%, and 18%, respectively, with a corresponding significant increase in V2 by 20%. Combined use of a local decongestant and nasal dilator resulted in significant increases in all areas and volumes compared with baseline values. CONCLUSION Combined use of external nasal dilators and local nasal decongestants produces a cumulative effect on cross sectional areas and nasal cavity volumes.