Magnetic resonance imaging reveals the complementary effects of decongestant and Breathe Right Nasal Strips on internal nasal anatomy
c.a.b. designed and performed the study, processed data, analyzed results, and wrote the manuscript; s.m.j. designed the study and wrote the manuscript; m.b.w. designed and performed the study and wrote the manuscript; r.l.j. designed the study and performed data and manuscript review; g.s. designed the study and statistically analyzed and interpreted the data; r.g.w. designed the study and wrote the manuscript; r.d.n. designed and performed the study and wrote the manuscript; p.s.m. designed the study, interpreted data, and critically reviewed the manuscript.
The study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline.
s.m.j., g.s., r.l.j., p.s.m. are employees of GlaxoSmithKline, and the study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline. r.g.w. was a consultant for this work, paid by GlaxoSmithKline; there was no involvement of his employer, Cardiff University, in this work.
The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Abstract
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
