Breathing made easy again

A nasal dilator is designed to make breathing easier by physically widening the nostrils.
Breathing made easy again
Updated on
3 min read

CHENNAI: It’s surprising how many of us struggle with breathing — even though it is the most natural thing to do. But congestion, snoring, allergies, or structural issues like a deviated septum can make breathing through the nose an uphill battle.

However, a small, unassuming device called a nasal dilator might be the relief many people have been searching for.

“A nasal dilator is an artificially manufactured non-pharmacological device used for improved nasal breathing in different anatomical and physiological conditions,” says Dr Hemanth Kumar B, senior consultant ENT and head and neck surgeon at Renova Hospitals.

A nasal dilator is designed to make breathing easier by physically widening the nostrils.

Dr Koka Ram Babu, consultant - ENT specialist, and otolaryngologist (with over 36 years of experience) at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, explains it this way — “A nasal dilator is a device designed to increase airflow through the nasal passages by mechanically widening the nostrils.

It prevents the nasal walls from collapsing during inhalation, making breathing easier and more efficient.”

These devices are of two types — external nasal dilators, which are adhesive strips that stick to the outside of your nose, and internal nasal dilators, which are small devices placed inside your nostrils. “External nasal dilators help lift and open the nostrils. Internal nasal dilators keep the nostrils open from the inside,”Dr Babu adds.

The benefits go well beyond just easier breathing. “Nasal dilators improve nasal breathing, reduce nasal resistance, improve oxygen saturation, help in reducing snoring, and reduce fatigue perception,” Dr Kumar explains.

For athletes, the impact can be profound.

Dr Babu points out, “Internal nasal dilators are especially useful for athletes as they optimise airflow through the nostrils, making breathing more efficient during strenuous activities. This can improve oxygen intake and overall performance.” They became popular during the Olympic games in Atlanta in 1996.

They’re also helpful for people dealing with allergies. “Yes, nasal dilators have a positive effect on people with allergies by reducing the congestion and improving the airway,” says Dr Kumar. This makes them ideal for tackling chronic nasal issues like allergic rhinitis or nasal polyps.

Dr Koka Ram Babu
Dr Koka Ram Babu

Of course, these devices have limitations. While they can help with snoring caused by nasal obstruction, they’re not a cure for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, which often requires more comprehensive treatments such as CPAP therapy.

As convenient as nasal dilators are, they aren’t for everyone. Dr Kumar advises against their use for individuals with skin infections, allergies to the device materials, or severe nasal deformities. “They can also cause minor side effects such as itching, redness, skin irritation, foreign body sensation and generalised discomfort dryness over nasal and oral mucosa,” he says.

Choosing the right nasal dilator might take a little experimenting but comfort should be a priority. “Internal dilators are more effective for structural issues, while external ones are suitable for minor airflow problems,” says Dr Babu, emphasising the importance of consulting a doctor before using one. “Doctor consultation is a must before using a device as physical, physiological and pathological conditions should be evaluated and treated properly,” adds Dr Kumar.

For all its simplicity, the nasal dilator offers amazing results. Whether helping an athlete breathe better during a race or someone struggling with nighttime congestion, it is proof that even small innovations can make a world of difference. Sometimes, better breathing is just a device away.

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