Rapid improvement of nasal obstruction after treatment with a non-vasoconstrictive osmotic nasal spray: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND

Nasal obstruction is a highly prevalent symptom that can significantly impair quality of life. Although topical decongestants provide rapid relief, their use is limited by potential adverse effects. Non-vasoconstrictive treatments represent a safer alternative, but data on their immediate effectiveness in clinical practice are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short-term effects of a non-vasoconstrictive osmotic nasal spray on subjective symptoms and objective nasal airflow parameters in patients with nasal obstruction.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 83 adult patients presenting with nasal obstruction. Subjective symptoms were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the I-NOSE questionnaire. Objective nasal patency was measured by active anterior rhinomanometry. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0) and 10 min after treatment (T1).

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in all outcome measures. The mean VAS score decreased from 8.8 to 4.8 (mean difference - 4.0; 95% CI: -4.4 to -3.6; p < 0.0001). The I-NOSE score decreased from 18.4 to 10.3 (mean difference - 8.1; 95% CI: -9.0 to -7.2; p < 0.0001). Total nasal airway resistance decreased from 0.70 to 0.37 Pa/cm3/s (mean difference - 0.33; 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.27; p < 0.0001). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

A single administration of a non-vasoconstrictive osmotic nasal spray produced rapid improvement in both subjective perception of nasal obstruction and objective airflow measurements. These findings suggest that osmotic therapy may represent a useful option for short-term relief of nasal obstruction.