Nasal stents are medical devices for adults designed to improve breathing through the nose. They physically hold open the nasal airway, which can become narrowed or obstructed, alleviating discomfort and improving airflow.
How Nasal Stents Work
Nasal stents provide mechanical support to the internal structures of the nasal passages. They counteract collapse or narrowing within the airway, ensuring a more open path for air. This expands the nasal cavity, facilitating improved airflow during both inhalation and exhalation. Many designs incorporate shape-memory metals that expand to apply a gentle outward force on the nasal tissues.
These devices are generally designed to avoid overstretching nasal tissue or causing mucosal irritation. The mechanical action maintains a healthy diameter within the airway. By keeping the passages open, nasal stents reduce resistance to airflow, making breathing easier and more efficient.
Types of Nasal Stents
Nasal stents for adults fall into two primary categories: self-inserted and medically inserted. Each type serves distinct purposes and is applied differently.
Self-inserted nasal stents are placed by the user directly into the nostrils. These often feature a design with a ball-shaped widening at the nostril and a cylindrical section extending into the nasal passage. They can be designed to splint only the anterior nasal cavity or the full length of the nasal passage. These stents are commonly used for daily breathing improvement, such as reducing snoring or enhancing athletic performance, and are designed to be discreet and reusable for extended periods.
Medically inserted nasal stents are specialized devices often used following surgical procedures, particularly Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Their purpose is to prevent sinus openings from narrowing during healing. These stents also provide anti-inflammatory benefits by slowly releasing corticosteroid medication directly into healing tissues. Some are bioabsorbable, dissolving on their own over several weeks.
Why Nasal Stents Are Used
Adults use nasal stents primarily to improve nasal airflow and addressing specific conditions that obstruct breathing. A common application is to alleviate snoring, which often stems from compromised nasal passages. By mechanically opening these airways, stents can reduce the nasal obstruction that contributes to snoring.
Nasal stents are also used to enhance athletic performance. Improved nasal airflow can significantly benefit individuals during physical activity by allowing for increased oxygen intake and potentially delaying the onset of mouth breathing. Stents address structural issues such as nasal alar collapse, nasal valve collapse, or turbinate hyperplasia. In these conditions, stents provide physical support to prevent the collapse or enlargement of tissues that impede breathing.
Medically inserted stents offer post-surgical support, helping to maintain patency of sinus openings and reduce inflammation after procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery. They minimize scarring and help prevent blockages from redeveloping, potentially reducing the need for additional surgeries.
What to Know Before Using Nasal Stents
Before considering nasal stents, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable, particularly if there are underlying medical conditions or if internal stents are being considered. Proper selection of the stent type and size is important for both effectiveness and comfort. Stents that are too large may cause discomfort or irritation.
Some users may experience initial discomfort, dryness, or irritation when first using self-inserted stents. For these devices, consistent hygiene and maintenance, including regular cleaning, are important for preventing issues like infection. The duration of use varies; self-applied stents can be worn for extended periods, while medically inserted stents are typically temporary, providing support during the healing phase after surgery. It is important to remember that nasal stents manage symptoms or provide physical support, but they do not necessarily cure underlying nasal conditions.