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| - Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a red light therapy can cure sinusitis. We did the fact check to term this claim as Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that a nasal therapy instrument that emits 660 nm red light can cure sinusitis. It does so by reducing inflammation, clearing sinuses, relieving sore throats, and enhancing the immune system. The device is said to work by holding it in the nostrils for 10 minutes, offering benefits like improved breathing and sinus health.
Fact Check
Can red light therapy cure sinusitis?
No, it cannot cure sinusitis. There is no evidence that red light therapy can cure sinusitis. It involves complex factors like infections, structural issues, and nasal blockages. While studies have explored red light therapy for nasal conditions, none specifically support its effectiveness in curing sinusitis. Treatments such as nasal sprays, antibiotics, and surgery remain the standard care for sinusitis. Red light therapy cannot address infection or drainage issues, which are critical to resolving sinusitis. Similarly, some people also claim that putting lemon into nostrils can cure sinusitis, but no, that’s not true.
We reached out to Dr Anupam Kanodia, ENT and Sleep Apnea Consultant, Dr Kanodia’s Clinic, Jaipur, for his expert take on red light therapy for sinusitis. He says, “Red light therapy may help with mild nasal inflammation, but it is not an effective treatment for sinusitis. Sinusitis often requires a combination of medications, nasal irrigation, and sometimes surgery to address its underlying causes, like infection or blockages. It’s important to use proven treatments for lasting relief.”
Does red light therapy help with allergic rhinitis?
Yes, it may provide temporary relief for allergic rhinitis. Several studies have explored the use of red light therapy for allergic rhinitis:
- A 1997 study found that 72% of patients with allergic rhinitis experienced significant symptom improvement after 660 nm red light therapy, compared to 24% in the placebo group. However, the therapy was ineffective for patients with nasal polyps. This suggests that red light therapy may help with allergic rhinitis. However, it does not treat structural issues like polyps or chronic sinusitis.
- A 2018 study showed that symptoms like nasal congestion improved 30 minutes after a session of red light therapy but worsened again after two days. Although there was some temporary symptom relief, the study concluded that red light therapy did not lead to lasting improvements in nasal patency (the openness of nasal passages).
- In a 2023 study, red and infrared light therapy significantly improved symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, after one week of treatment. These improvements continued for up to four weeks. While promising, the study highlighted the need for further research to confirm the long-term effectiveness of this treatment.
The red light therapy may offer temporary relief for allergic rhinitis symptoms. But, it is not a cure for sinusitis, which requires more comprehensive treatment approaches.
Can red light therapy improve nasal congestion in sinusitis?
Not significantly. Some studies, such as the 2018 study mentioned earlier, found temporary relief of nasal congestion after red light therapy. However, this improvement was short-lived, and symptoms often returned. Sinusitis involves more than just congestion; it may include infections and structural issues that red light therapy alone cannot address.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician, Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “Red light therapy may offer temporary relief for nasal congestion in some. However, it is not proven to be an effective treatment for sinusitis. The condition may involve infections and structural blockages that require more comprehensive treatments, such as nasal corticosteroids, saline irrigation, or antibiotics. Red light therapy does not address these underlying causes, making it insufficient for managing sinusitis.”
What are the proven treatments for sinusitis?
Unlike allergic rhinitis, sinusitis is a more complex condition that often involves a combination of inflammation, infection, and structural blockages in the sinuses. It is important to treat sinusitis properly, as sinusitis can lead to sleep disorders if left untreated. Effective treatment generally requires a range of medical interventions, including:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Saline irrigation: Flushing out the sinuses with saline helps clear mucus and allergens.
- Antibiotics: Used for bacterial infections causing sinusitis.
- Decongestants: These can offer temporary relief from congestion.
- Surgery: Necessary in severe cases to remove blockages or correct structural issues.
These treatments, not red light therapy, are clinically proven to be effective in treating sinusitis.
THIP Media Take
The claim that a nasal therapy instrument using 660 nm red light can cure sinusitis is mostly false. While red light therapy may offer symptom relief for allergic rhinitis, its effectiveness in curing sinusitis is unsupported by scientific evidence. Sinusitis requires more comprehensive treatment, including medications, nasal irrigation, and possibly surgery. For proper management, always consult a healthcare professional.
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