Hello,
For the last 12-15 years I have been pushing plastic tubes in my nostrils to help me breath at night. I have tried using a product called Nozovent which is a one piece plastic device that spreads the nostrils and help breathing. I have also tried "breath easy", but it is not as effective as the other two methods.
I am wondering if there are any other mechanical devices available that might be better than those mentioned above. I have the problem mainly during sleep and therefore asthetics are not important.
Thank you in advance for your response.
Reply ----------------->
There are now a variety of devices available to help improve nasal breathing. Generally they involve either an intranasal device to stent open the nostrils - an example is a soft wire coil, or an extranasal device applied with adhesive tape to the outside of the nose to help prevent collapse of the nostrils during inspiration.
I would urge caution in the use of intranasal devices. I have had the occasion to have to remove them after they became lodged deep in the nasal cavity and could not be retrieved by the patient. There is also some potential for intra- nasal injury and/or nosebleeding from their use. Also I have had some patients become highly sensitive to the adhesive used in external nasal devices.
There are many highly effective means of treating nasal airway obstruction. The treatment recommended depends on the cause of the obstruction. Certainly the devices mentioned above are alternatives in treating the symptom of nasal airflow obstruction, however, there may be a much more effective treatment or cure available and I might recommend a consultation with an ear, nose, throat specialist.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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