Breathe Easy With Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy was first known for its wound-healing properties and its ability to optimize cellular activity. It is now used to treat a wide variety of health conditions including sinus issues.

To start, Endre Mester, a Hungarian scientist, failed in his attempt to use a low-powered laser to treat malignant tumors in rats, but he did observe that the rats' surgical wounds were mending more quickly. Later, NASA researchers noticed that their own skin wounds were healing more quickly after exposure to the light while using red LED lights to promote plant growth. Consequently, a new area of therapeutic treatment was introduced.

Over the past few decades, many research publications have examined red light therapy's potential to support health. Although the mechanics underlying red light therapy are not always fully understood, recent years have seen some progress, particularly with relation to tissue regeneration and repair.

Nasal Congestion and Symptoms

Nasal congestion is a common condition that occurs when the tissues lining the inside of the nasal passages become swollen or inflamed. This can cause the airways to narrow, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose.

The most common symptoms of nasal congestion include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• A stuffy or blocked feeling in the nose
• A runny nose
• A headache
• Sneezing
• Itching in the nose or throat
• A feeling of pressure in the face or sinuses

Nasal congestion can be caused by a variety of factors, including colds, allergies, sinus infections, and nasal polyps. It can also be caused by irritants in the air, such as smoke or pollution. In some cases, nasal congestion may be a side effect of certain medications or may be caused by structural abnormalities in the nasal passages.

In addition to causing discomfort, nasal congestion and sinus issues are notoriously difficult to treat. Relief can be found through rest, dietary support and pharmaceuticals.

Red light therapy is becoming more recognized by medical professionals as a safe and all-natural method for all kinds of relief. The cost and accessibility of the treatment are improving daily.

How does red light treatment help treat nasal congestion? Let's first take a look at what Red Light Therapy is:

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, is a form of light therapy that uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and improve overall health and wellness. It has been shown in clinical research to work by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting the production of antioxidants.

How Can Red Light Therapy Support Congestion

Studies have suggested that red light therapy may be effective in relieving nasal congestion and inflammation, as well as improving nasal airflow.

One study published in the Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research found that red light therapy was effective at reducing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages of subjects with allergic rhinitis. In this study, the symptoms and endoscopic findings in patients with allergic rhinitis dramatically improved after the nasal cavity was illuminated with a low-energy narrow-band red light three times per day for 14 days.

Additionally, an evaluation of children's allergic rhinitis was done following low-level laser therapy that included laser acupuncture sessions in this study. The study concluded that throughout and by the end of the trial, the participants' severity rating symptoms had dramatically improved. Both groups showed an improvement in the levels of the inflammatory marker, although the group receiving laser acupuncture treatments showed the greatest improvement.

Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that red light therapy may be helpful for relieving nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with sinusitis in humans.

There is some evidence to suggest that red light therapy may have immune-boosting effects. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to determine the optimal treatment protocols for different conditions.

To sum it up below are a few different ways in which red light therapy can help nasal congestion:

1. Red light therapy may help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which can help to improve nasal airflow and reduce congestion.
2. Red light therapy may stimulate the production of certain chemicals in the body, such as nitric oxide, which can help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
3. Red light therapy may also help to boost the immune system, which can help to fight off infections and allergies that can cause nasal congestion.
4. Red and NIR light penetrate deeply into the tissues and trigger a biological healing response. It lessens the discomfort-causing swelling in the occurrence of sinusitis.

Red light therapy should not be used as a replacement for more proven treatments such as rest, fluids, and over-the-counter or prescription medications as needed. If you are considering using red light therapy to support your health, it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate for you and to receive guidance on the appropriate treatment protocols.

Application

When treating intranasal inflammation, it is thought to have the red light treatment applied to the affected area, meaning inside the nose and sinus cavities. A red light panel that has a strong enough irradiance to penetrate more deeply into the tissue may be an effective way to approach the problem of reaching the affected area.

If you are interested in trying red light therapy for nasal congestion, it is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

There are reasonably priced, compact, and convenient red light therapy home devices available. Visit our blog to be updated on the numerous ways red light therapy can benefit your life and discover how to make the most of your Rouge device!

References

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​​Carr VM, Robinson AM. Induction of allergic rhinitis in mice. Methods Mol Biol. 2013;1032:145-58. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-496-8_12. PMID: 23943451.

Freire Mdo R, Freitas R, Colombo F, Valença A, Marques AM, Sarmento VA. LED and laser photobiomodulation in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis: experimental study in hamsters. Clin Oral Investig. 2014 Apr;18(3):1005-13. doi: 10.1007/s00784-013-1058-4. Epub 2013 Aug 15. PMID: 23949015.

França CM, França CM, Núñez SC, Prates RA, Noborikawa E, Faria MR, Ribeiro MS. Low-intensity red laser on the prevention and treatment of induced-oral mucositis in hamsters. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2009 Jan 9;94(1):25-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2008.09.006. Epub 2008 Sep 30. PMID: 18976931.

Moustafa Y, El Nady HG, Saber MM, Dabbous OA, Kamel TB, Abel-Wahhab KG, Sallam SF, Zaki DA. Assessment of Allergic Rhinitis among Children after Low-Level Laser Therapy. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019 June 30;7(12):1968-1973. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.477. PMID: 31406538; PMCID: PMC6684433.

Nejatifard M, Asefi S, Jamali R, Hamblin MR, Fekrazad R. Probable positive effects of the photobiomodulation as an adjunctive treatment in COVID-19: A systematic review. Cytokine. 2021 Jan;137:155312. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155312. Epub 2020 Oct 12. PMID: 33128927; PMCID: PMC7550078.