Explainer: 'Energy stick' nasal inhalers are catching on among S'pore's youths. What are they and what risks do they pose to one's health?
Two sellers in Singapore told TODAY that their clientele are mostly under 25, and some are as young as 12SINGAPORE — Priced under S$5 and boasting flavours such as"power mint" and"succulent grapes”, a new breed of nasal inhalers known as"energy sticks", which claim to give users an energy boost and relieve nasal congestion, is catching on among the youth here.
He added that the authorities are seeking to ensure that they are not adulterated with harmful ingredients such as nicotine. The addictive substance is commonly found in vapes and e-cigarettes, as well as products that are used by people trying to quit smoking cigarettes. Dr Ker Liang, the medical director of Aglow ENT Centre, said the difference is that these energy sticks have rebranded the familiar product with “trendy, eye-catching designs”.
Dr David Chin, an otorhinolaryngologist from Parkway East Hospital who treats diseases of the ear, nose and throat, said. “There is not a whole lot of difference in the concept behind ‘energy sticks’ and our traditional inhalers. Mr Sean Ang, a smoking cessation counsellor and pharmacist from Success Alliance Enrichment, also said that menthol triggers receptors in the nose to give the sensation of cool air, but it has no effect in opening blocked nasal airways.
However, the experts noted that the same is not the case for energy sticks, which typically do not list out the ingredients clearly. She added that people with persistent nasal congestion or excessive tiredness should seek medical help, because the symptoms may signal undiagnosed rhinitis or sleep apnea, which are conditions that can be treated easily and safely.One listing on Lazada said that the nasal stick had “regenerated 96.3 per cent lung tissues” and “91.5 per cent healed respiratory tract infections” after four weeks, based on “clinical trials and reports”.
Across the Causeway, Malaysia's health ministry said in a Feb 8 statement that it would take enforcement action to ensure that product advertisements of energy sticks are taken down from e-commerce sites in response to public complaints.