Does the external nasal dilator strip help in sports activity? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Numerous studies have shown that the external nasal dilator (END) increases the cross sectional area of the nasal valve, thereby reducing nasal resistance, transnasal inspiratory pressure, stabilizing the lateral nasal vestibule, and preventing its collapse during final inhalation.

Objectives: Our objective was to carry out a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on the effects of the END during physical exercise.

Methods: After selecting articles in the PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases, 624 studies were identified.

Effect of the external nasal dilator on adolescent athleteswith and without allergic rhinitis.

Objectives: The ability to effectively breathe through the nose is an important component of physical exercise. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of the external nasal dilator (END) on healthy adolescent athletes and those with allergic rhinitis.

Methods: Clinical trial, double-blind, crossover, in which we evaluated healthy adolescent athletes with allergic rhinitis, using experimental and placebo ENDs, submitted to a maximum cardio-respiratory test in randomized order.

Does the Airmax® internal nasal dilator increase peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) in adolescent athletes?

Objectives: Nasal dilators are being developed for the purpose of increasing air flow in the nasal valve. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of the internal nasal dilator (IND) by adolescent athletes.

Methods: A double-blind, crossover clinical trial in which we evaluated 54 adolescents using experimental and placebo INDs, submitted to a cardio-respiratory test in randomized order.

External nasal dilators: definition, background, and current uses.

Our goal was to revise the literature about external nasal dilators (ENDs) as to their definition, history, and current uses. We reviewed journals in the PubMed and MEDLINE databases. The current uses hereby presented and discussed are physical exercise, nasal congestion and sleep, snoring, pregnancy, cancer, and healthy individuals.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the external nasal dilator strip in adolescent athletes: a randomized trial.

Objectives: Evaluate the cardio-respiratory capacity (VO₂max.) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) of healthy adolescent athletes with experimental and placebo external nasal dilator strips (ENDS).

Methods: 48 healthy adolescent athletes between the ages of 11 and 15 were evaluated and submitted to a cardio-respiratory 1000 m race in randomized order.

Correlation between peak nasal inspiratory flow and peak expiratory flow in children and adolescents.

Background: PEAK nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) has been proposed as a simple method to evaluate nasal patency. Asthma and allergic rhinitis are commonly associated, and lower airway assessment can provide information concerning an objective interpretation of nasal function.

Aims: TO determine whether the PNIF is correlated with peak expiratory flow (PEF) in children and adolescents.

Does BCG revaccination protect against the development of asthma?

Single BCG vaccination has been considered as a protective factor against asthma. However the effect of a second dose of BCG on the prevalence rate of asthma and asthma-allergic rhinitis-eczema comorbidity has not been studied exclusively among adolescents. In this ISAAC protocol-based cross sectional study we assessed the association between one single versus two doses of BCG among 2213 individuals aged 13-14 years old.

Quality of life in asthmatic adolescents: an overall evaluation of disease control.

Objective: to evaluate the relative impact of reported symptoms, school absenteeism, hospital admission, medical visits, and the presence of emotional and behavioral disorders on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of low income asthmatic adolescents.

Methods: Asthmatic adolescents were randomly selected among public schools in Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil. Asthma severity was rated according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) classification.

Nasal peak inspiratory flow and clinical score in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis.

Objective: To assess the correlation between nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF) and clinical scoring in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods: A concurrent cohort study was carried out with 52 randomly selected patients aged six to 16 with moderate and severe persistent allergic rhinitis, and followed up for eight weeks. Measurements of NIPF and clinical score for AR were evaluated in a blinded manner.

Asthma and allergic rhinitis co-morbidity: a cross-sectional questionnaire study on adolescents aged 13-14 years.

Aims: There is scarce epidemiological population-based data on the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) co-morbidity in adolescents. The aim was to verify asthma and AR prevalence rates in order to emphasise asthma/AR co-morbidity.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire in adolescents aged 13-14 years, chosen randomly from public schools in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.