A Nasal Airflow Oscillation Device To Relieve Rhinitis Symptoms - A Preliminary Report
Authors List
Bartley J., Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Manukau Superclinic, Auckland, New Zealand
Hankin R., Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Introduction
Upper respiratory tract complaints are common in the general population. A safe non-pharmacologic treatment would be an attractive option for many patients either as an alternative to existing therapies, or as a complementary therapy.
Aims
This study assessed the acceptability, safety and possible efficacy of a nasal breathing oscillation device in a group of people suffering chronic rhinitis symptoms.
Methods
Subjects with a known history of chronic rhinitis symptoms, including persistent nasal congestion, but without fixed anatomical obstruction, participated in a prospective clinical study. Efficacy was assessed using peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF)and a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) administered before and after the oscillation device had been worn for twenty minutes.
Results
Twenty-one subjects (mean age 37 years, 43% female) were enrolled the study. After treatment with the small nasal breathing humming device for twenty minutes average PNIF increased significantly from 84.8 L/minute to 99.0 L/minute (p<0.05). There was a corresponding significant reduction in the VAS score for nasal congestion (p<0.05). Similar significant improvements were also seen for the immediate sensation of nasal drainage, sinonasal pressure and overall sinonasal symptoms (p<0.05). There was no change in the sense of smell (p=0.37). Subjects rated ease of use highly; average = 9.1 (Range 7-10).
Conclusions
Treatment of nasal congestion with the nasal breathing oscillation device was found to result in significant improvement in PNIF after twenty minutes of use. Patient reported outcomes were significantly improved. The treatment was safe and highly acceptable.
Reference
Bartley, J., Hankin, R. A nasal airflow oscillation device targeting nasal congestion: a preliminary report. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngoly 2024: 281, 2743-7
Bartley J., Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Manukau Superclinic, Auckland, New Zealand
Hankin R., Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Introduction
Upper respiratory tract complaints are common in the general population. A safe non-pharmacologic treatment would be an attractive option for many patients either as an alternative to existing therapies, or as a complementary therapy.
Aims
This study assessed the acceptability, safety and possible efficacy of a nasal breathing oscillation device in a group of people suffering chronic rhinitis symptoms.
Methods
Subjects with a known history of chronic rhinitis symptoms, including persistent nasal congestion, but without fixed anatomical obstruction, participated in a prospective clinical study. Efficacy was assessed using peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF)and a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) administered before and after the oscillation device had been worn for twenty minutes.
Results
Twenty-one subjects (mean age 37 years, 43% female) were enrolled the study. After treatment with the small nasal breathing humming device for twenty minutes average PNIF increased significantly from 84.8 L/minute to 99.0 L/minute (p<0.05). There was a corresponding significant reduction in the VAS score for nasal congestion (p<0.05). Similar significant improvements were also seen for the immediate sensation of nasal drainage, sinonasal pressure and overall sinonasal symptoms (p<0.05). There was no change in the sense of smell (p=0.37). Subjects rated ease of use highly; average = 9.1 (Range 7-10).
Conclusions
Treatment of nasal congestion with the nasal breathing oscillation device was found to result in significant improvement in PNIF after twenty minutes of use. Patient reported outcomes were significantly improved. The treatment was safe and highly acceptable.
Reference
Bartley, J., Hankin, R. A nasal airflow oscillation device targeting nasal congestion: a preliminary report. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngoly 2024: 281, 2743-7
