LATERA® is an absorbable nasal implant used to support the upper and lower cartilage inside the lateral (side) wall of your nose. Supporting the cartilage may reduce nasal airway obstruction symptoms and help you breathe better.9,10 The implant is placed inside the nasal wall by an ENT. Talk to your doctor to find out if LATERA could be right for you.
What is nasal airway obstruction?
Nasal airway obstruction is a condition in which the nasal passages are blocked and prevent a normal or comfortable amount of air from passing through the nose. Nasal airway obstruction affects more than 20 million Americans1 and can occur because of a structural abnormality in the nose or because of inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. With nasal breathing delivering approximately 70% of airflow to the lungs,2 any blockage that limits airflow can cause significant quality-of-life consequences.3
What causes nasal Airway Obstruction?
Even a slight narrowing of the nasal valve can lead to significant reduction in airflow.4-6 Structural blockages in 3 areas are common:
Septum: The cartilage wall between the nostrils can bend and block the nasal passage.
Turbinates: Ridges of bone and tissue inside the nose can limit airflow when enlarged.
Lateral (side) wall: Weak or excessively flexible upper/lower cartilage in the outer nasal wall may cause it to collapse inward when a person inhales.
Lateral wall collapse may equal or even exceed septal deviation as the prime cause of nasal airway obstruction.
Is lateral wall collapse contributing to my nasal airway obstruction?
To determine whether the lateral wall is contributing to your nasal airway obstruction, a clinician may use a number of approaches.
A simple breathing test called the Cottle test: pull on your cheek to hold your nostril to the side
Use of nasal strips during normal activity and sleep
If your symptoms improve from either of the above, you may benefit from support of the lateral nasal wall.
What patients have experienced with LATER
A clinical study shows that LATERA patients demonstrate:
Reduced nasal congestion or stuffiness
Less trouble breathing through the nose
Improved ability to get enough air through the nose during exercise or exertion