Talent Mash

There he is, your four-legged feline friend. And he has left you a present on your carpet. The only thing is that you cannot see it, but you can definitely smell it. And it is foul.

What to do?

Cat urine smells very much like ammonia. Indeed, there is much similarity between the two. This fact will be the basis for treating your feline’s surprise.

To begin, get a fan and place it near the stain. Turn it on and turn it off when the stain is dry. You may want to open a window or a door.

Next, get some rubbing alcohol and pour some of it over the dry stain of cat urine. With a paper towel rub briskly over the area. Use another paper towel (or two) until the stain area is damp to the touch. Now place the fan again near the stained area and turn it on. After a few minutes turn the fan off and sniff around the stained area..

Does it still smell? If it does it will probably be a lot less than when you started. If so, then repeat the application of rubbing alcohol. Eventually, you will have a faint smell or no odor at all.

After you get a slight or no odor, the following will need to be done. If you have a lemon or an orange squeeze either (but not both) into a spray bottle of plain water. Lemon juice or orange juice can be used also. Just a few drops will do. And a few ounces of water (3 to 4 ounces). Shake and then spray the solution over the stained area. With a paper towel rub briskly. Then place the fan near it and turn it on. When the area is dry turn the fan off.

If the smell of citrus is too strong, take a paper towel, wet it with some water, and add a little dish washing liquid detergent. Again rub the stained area briskly with the paper towel. Let this dry naturally; unless you wish to apply a commercial brand made to treat cat urine stains, then use the fan to dry the area.

This approach to treating your cat urine stain is based in part on chemistry and in part on observation. The fan is used to dry the ammonia content in your cat’s urine. This changes the ammonia from a base to an acid. The rubbing alcohol is a base. When you mix an acid with a base you chemically get water. Expressed another way the rubbing alcohol neutralizes the dry ammonia, which means it gets rid of the smell. The lemon or orange is to keep your cat from spraying in the same area again in the future. Lemon or orange repels a cat.

And so you will need the following to treat cat urine stains:

***things to get***

_____ a fan

_____ roll of paper towels

_____ a bottle of rubbing alcohol

_____ lemon (juice) or orange (juice) diluted with water (in)

_____ a spray bottle and

_____ dish washing liquid detergent

If you struggle with chronic sciatic pain, then you know how debilitating and painful this condition can be.

For the most part, scientific research and analysis is an exhaustive, almost pedantic process that attempts to investigate factors that may or may not influence a particular outcome. This usually involves careful consideration of previous studies and their findings. The next step is usually establishing a set of research questions and hypotheses, followed by a careful design of experimental methods, which are then rigorously analysis and reported.

In addition, scientific research proposes that methodologies of any investigation are presented accurately enough so that replication of the experiment by other researchers wishing to test the reported outcomes is possible.

The following journal article released by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. is an example of researchers assuming cause and effect without testing of any kind or consideration of possible alternative causes.

It does not propose possible investigations that need to be carried out in order to test their hypothesis nor does it propose a clinical study or in fact any further study at all. It does propose however that because of their observations of only 2 cases, which may have been exposed to the essential oil of Bergamot that resulted in adverse skin reactions, that “… a necessity for strict governmental surveillance and scrutiny of these increasingly popular preparations” is implemented.

This is preposterous and totally against every scientific rule of investigation. Read this article and judge for yourself.

Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil

Steven Kaddu, MD, Helmut Kerl, MD, and Peter Wolf, MD Graz, Austria

Brief reports J AM ACAD DERMATOL SEPTEMBER 2001

Abstract

Oil of bergamot is an extract from the rind of bergamot orange (Citrus aurantium ssp bergamia) that has a pleasant, refreshing scent; until a few years ago it had been widely used as an ingredient in cosmetics but was restricted or banned in most countries because of certain adverse effects. More recently, oil of bergamot preparations have been gaining renewed popularity in aromatherapy. Oil of bergamot possesses photosensitive and melanogenic properties because of the presence of furocoumarins, primarily bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen [5-MOP]). However, 5-MOP is also potentially phototoxic and photomutagenic. Despite its increasing application, there are only a few recent reports of phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil. We describe two patients with localized and disseminated bullous phototoxic skin reactions developing within 48 to 72 hours after exposure to bergamot aromatherapy oil and subsequent ultraviolet exposure. One patient (case 2) had no history of direct contact with aromatherapy oil but developed bullous skin lesions after exposure to aerosolized (evaporated) aromatherapy oil in a sauna and subsequent UVA radiation in a tanning salon. This report highlights the potential health hazard related to the increasing use of psoralen-containing aromatherapy oils.



Comment: In the paragraph above the publishers clearly state that the 2nd case actually had no direct contact with the supposed aerosolized aromatherapy oil. They also report (source not given) that the oil of bergamot has gained popularity and despite its increase in use, only 2 cases of phototoxic reactions have been reported. This should raise the question of what, other than bergamot oil, may be the cause of the phototoxic reaction in the 2 cases, shouldn’t it?



Introduction

Oil of bergamot is an extract from the rind of bergamot orange (Citrus aurantium ssp bergamia) that is grown mainly in southwestern Italy. Because oil of bergamot has a pleasant, refreshing scent and easily blends into perfume formulations, it had long been used as an ingredient in cosmetics until a few years ago when its use in perfumery was restricted or banned in most countries because of the report of adverse effects, primarily phototoxicity and Berloque dermatitis.1 More recently, oil of bergamot is gaining renewed popularity in aromatherapy.2 The photosensitizing and melanogenic properties of oil of bergamot are due to the presence of furocoumarins, mainly bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen [5-MOP]).3-5 Apart from potential phototoxic effects, 5-MOP has also been shown to be photomutagenic and photocarcinogenic.6-8 Consequently in Europe, 5-MOP-containing cosmetics have been banned or restricted to certain concentrations. However, currently there are no official limits to 5-MOP concentrations in aromatherapy oils and no strict legal requirement for placing warning labels on these products in some countries.



Comment: While 5-MOP in isolation may have been shown to be potentially photomutagenic and photocarcinogenic, the pure essential oil of Bergamot (used as a 100% pure essential oil, not testing isolated, extracted ingredients) has not been shown to be photocarinogenic.

It must be said, that many substances including Bergamot oil do cause photosensitivity, for example Hypericum oil may also cause photosensitivity.



In this report, we describe two patients in whom bullous phototoxic reactions developed after unintended contact to bergamot aromatherapy oil and subsequent UVA exposure in sunlight in one patient and in a tanning salon in the other.

CASE REPORTS

Case 1

A 54-year-old woman of Fitzpatrick skin type III presented with painful, red, edematous, sharply demarcated areas with bullae and crusting on the face in a butterfly-like distribution (Fig 1). She gave a history of having unsuspectingly used a bergamot aromatherapy oil preparation 3 days earlier and subsequently stayed outdoors for several hours on a sunny day. She denied a history of using any other creams or taking any medications.



Comment: The patient may not have used a bergamot aromatherapy oil preparation or taken any medication, however, is it not possible that this patient came in contact with an allergen during the 3 days which could have caused the same reaction? Was this investigated?

I am not claiming that it was not the Bergamot oil, however I am suggesting that other possibilities do not appear to have been investigated or considered.



A sample of bergamot aromatherapy oil, which the patient had used, was available for analysis of 5-MOP concentration. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) performed on the aromatherapy oil preparation revealed a very high 5-MOP concentration of 2400 ppm, well above 5-MOP levels officially permitted in cosmetics and tanning agents (0.1 ppm) in Austria.

The patient was treated with a topical steroid cream. Within 7 days, the skin lesions had improved significantly, except for the persistence of mild swelling and blistering on some areas of her face. These lesions also resolved over the next 2 weeks without any complications. The patient was instructed to avoid sun exposure for the next few weeks to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Follow-up examination at 1 year revealed no residual hyperpigmentation on the face in the previously affected areas.



Comment: One has to ask whether the so-called Aromatherapy oil of Bergamot was indeed a 100% pure essential oil of Bergamot, as the label shown in the illustration (not provided here) does not show a manufacturers name or any indication of purity.

Also, I would be interested to read whether the analysis of other brands of Bergamot aromatherapy oil showed similar concentrations of 5-MOP? After all isn’t replication one of the key principles in scientific testing?

At the top of the label in the picture provided, it can be discerned that 100g would appear to be the content of the bottle. Essential oils, however, are liquid and are not sold per gram rather they are sold in milliliters. So the question ‘is this a cream’? needs to be asked.

The researchers are not making any comment as to whether this preparation was synthetic/artificial or a 100% pure essential oil. Or whether it contained other ingredients in addition to Bergamot oil.

Furthermore, Bergamot oil is traditionally used in Aromatherapy forits reputed strong antiseptic effect and its affinity for the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems, it has also been used for a variety of infections and inflammations of these areas. One has to ask, why was this patient using it on her face?

Bergamot oil, like most essential oils, should never be used undiluted and especially not on sensitive skin such as facial skin. This would be spelled out on the label, if this product were indeed made by a reputable manufacturer.

Did the patient not read the label? Or was this information not on the label? The researchers do not make any mention of indications, contra-indications or warnings provided on the label of the product.



Case 2

A 41-year-old woman with Fitzpatrick skin type II presented with disseminated, painful, red, edematous, sharply demarcated areas with bullae mainly on the face, neck, arms, palms, and thighs. Smaller erythematous lesions displayed a linear distribution. She gave a history of a visit to a sauna 2 days previously where she was exposed to a bergamot aromatherapy oil preparation. According to the patient, the aromatherapy oil, initially dissolved in water, was poured on a hot stone to vaporize for inhalation. Within a few minutes, the patient was exposed to UVA radiation in an adjacent tanning salon. The skin lesions developed gradually within 48 to 72 hours. The patient denied a history of taking medications before her visit to the tanning salon. She was treated with a topical steroid cream and oral analgesics and was instructed to avoid sun exposure.

Significant improvement was observed within 5 days except for the persistence of swollen and blistered areas of the neck and palms, which also resolved after several days, leaving no residual hyperpigmentation.



Comment: Again one has to wonder as to the purity of the essential oil used, as it is common practice to use fragrant (often synthetic) oils to enhance an atmosphere in spas and other venues of this type. To simply assume that the Bergamot oil was the cause in this and the previous case is a big assumption.

In the 2nd case, considering the small isolated areas that became irritated, one would have to question the implication of Bergamot oil in the first place. If indeed the Bergamot oil, vaporized into the air through exposure to hot rocks was responsible, why were the skin reactions so isolated and small? Would it not be more reasonable to see much larger areas of skin react?

It is my opinion that the Bergamot oil used in both these cases was neither pure nor applied in the correct manner and may indeed not even be responsible for the skin reactions experienced by the 2 patients.



DISCUSSION

The use of aromatherapy oil has increased in recent years, primarily because of a growing interest in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine involving application of essential oils often in combination with massage to achieve therapeutic effects.9 Despite the growing popularity, to our knowledge there are only two reports documenting accidental phototoxicity to oil of bergamot-containing aromatherapy preparations.4,10

Phototoxic reactions in our two cases developed within 48 to 72 hours after contact with bergamot aromatherapy oil and UV exposure. This time interval is consistent with that of phototoxic reactions arising after local application or ingestion of psoralens.11,12 Conversely, phototoxic reactions from other substances, such as phenothiazines, have a relatively shorter induction time interval. Therefore this report emphasizes the importance of considering the possibility of a phototoxic reaction to bergamot aromatherapy oil in all patients presenting with bullous lesions within a few days after a visit to a sauna and tanning salon or after contact with aromatherapy oil.

The skin lesions of case 1 occurred exclusively on the face, consistent with a local phototoxic reaction to oil of bergamot. However, in case 2 the lesions

were disseminated, some of which displayed a linear distribution. The severity of phototoxic reactions to oil of bergamot have been shown to depend on several

factors, including vehicle used, skin site, interval between application of psoralen and irradiation, hydration of the skin, and the degree of constitutive or sun-induced pigmentation.12 In this case, high hydration of the skin from vaporized water in the sauna may have played a special role by increasing local penetration of psoralens. Localization of the skin lesions at different body sites may have been influenced by mechanical factors. Similar phototoxic lesions displaying a linear arrangement have also been observed in another case of phototoxic reaction to aromatherapy oil.3

Long-term follow-up in our two cases showed no evidence of hyperpigmentation in previously affected areas. This observation implies that in cases of phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil, hyperpigmentation such as that occurring in Berloque dermatitis might be prevented by the use of topical steroid creams and subsequent avoidance of sun exposure.

In this report, we have highlighted yet another adverse reaction related to sunbeds, especially those with adjacent saunas in which bergamot aromatherapy

oil is applied. In addition to the possible link of the use of UVA-tanning devices to melanoma,13 several authors have also reported several acute cutaneous

reactions including burns, erythema, pruritus, polymorphous light eruption, as well as phototoxic and photoallergic reactions.14-18 Accidental phototoxic burns occurring after UVA exposure have been observed after local application of psoralen-containing cosmetics or ingestion of psoralen-containing food and medications.16,19,20 Severe, extensive, life threatening phototoxic reactions, such as the case of a woman who died of a massive phototoxic skin reaction, have been described after ingestion of food and medication containing psoralen and subsequent exposure to artificial UV radiation.16 Despite health education and warnings about possible short- and long-term harmful effects, tanning salons are still popular in Europe.

In conclusion, our two cases provide evidence that commercially available bergamot aromatherapy oil may cause serious bullous phototoxic reactions. In

our opinion, there is a need for the public to be made more aware of these potential dangers and a necessity for strict governmental surveillance and scrutiny of these increasingly popular preparations.



Comment: Sorry, but there is absolutely no evidence what so ever in this report to conclusively show that Bergamot oil was indeed the causative factor to these skin reactions. At best the authors could suggest is that a scientifically sound study be proposed to investigate the possibility that 100% pure Bergamot oil can indeed cause any adverse skin reaction, if used in the manner suggested by trained clinical Aromatherapists/Herbalists.

Some other questions that should have been considered by the authors include:

Investigation of presents of pesticide in the preparations used; Investigation of present of herbicides in the preparations used; Investigation of other constituents (not part of 100% pure essential oil of Bergamot) in the product(s) such as synthetic agents and other ingredients; Reporting on the amount used by the woman reported on in Case 1 and whether the oil was applied in a diluted form as would be suggested by the Aromatherapist how sold her the product; Reason for the use of Bergamot oil on the face in Case 1; Sensitivity of both patients to other citrus fruit extracts/allergy to citrus?
These are just some of the questions that need to be asked and carefully researched before any conclusions can be made. It is my opinion that this research is inadequate and of little use as it does not quantify its findings nor provide any clinical testing or provide evidence of Bergamot oil being the causative factor for either of the 2 Cases reported.

Therefore, in my opinion, the authors’ conclusions are premature and baseless.



We thank Dr W. Ramer (Gerot Pharmazeutika, Vienna, Austria) for performing HPLC analysis on 5-MOP levels of the oil of bergamot preparation.

REFERENCES USE IN ORIGINAL ARTICLE

1. Zaynoun ST,Aftimos BA,Tenekjian KK,Kurban AK. Berloque dermatitis: a continuing cosmetic problem. Contact Dermatitis 1981;7:111-6.

2. Guenther E. The essential oils. Vol 3. Princeton (NJ): van Nostrand Co; 1958. p. 260.

3. Makki S,Treffel P,Humbert P,Agache P. High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of citropten and bergapten in suction blister fluid after solar product application in humans. J Chromatogr 1991:563:407-13.

4. Clark SM, Wilkinson SM. Phototoxic contact dermatitis from 5-methoxypsoralen in aromatherapy oil. Contact Dermatitis 1998;38:289-90.

5. Levine N, Don S,Owens C, Rogers DT, Kligman AM, Forlot P. The effects of bergapten and sunlight on cutaneous pigmentation. Arch Dermatol 1989;125:1225-30.

6. Ashwood-Smith MJ, Poulton GA, Barker M, Mildenberger M. 5-Methoxypsoralen, an ingredient in several suntan preparations, has lethal mutagenic and clastogenic properties. Nature 1980;285:407-9.

7. Blog FB, Szabo G. The effects of psoralen and UVA (PUVA) on epidermal melanocytes of the tail of C57BL mice. J Invest Dermatol 1979;73:533-7.

8. Young AR,Walker SL, Kinley JS, Plastow SR,Averbeck D, Morliere P, et al. Phototumorigenesis studies of 5-methoxypsoralen in bergamot oil: evaluation and modification of risk of human use in albino mouse skin model. J Photochem Photobiol B 1990;7: 231-50.

9. Price S. Practical aromatherapy: how to use essential oils to restore vitality.Wellingborough (UK): Thorsons; 1983.

10. Tisserand R, Balacs T. Essential oil safety: a guide for health care professionals.New York: Churchill-Livingstone; 1995.

11. Arora SK, Willis I. Factors influencing methoxsalen phototoxicity in vitiliginous skin. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:327-32.

12. Zaynoun ST, Johnson BE,Frain-Bell W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. Contact Dermatitis 1977;3:225-39.

13. Lim HW,Cooper K.The health impact of solar radiation and prevention strategies: report of the Environment Council, American Academy of Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999; 41:81-99.

14. Devgun MS, Johnson BE, Paterson CR. Tanning, protection against sunburn and vitamin D formation with a UV-A ‘sunbed.’ Br J Dermatol 1982;107:275-84.

15. Rivers JK, Norris PG, Murphy GM, Chu AC,Midgley G, Morris J, et al. UVA sunbeds: tanning, photoprotection, acute adverse effects and immunological changes. Br J Dermatol 1989;120: 767-77.

16. Ljunggren B. Severe phototoxic burn following celery ingestion. Arch Dermatol 1990;126:1334-6.

17. Bruyneel-Rapp F,Dorsey SB,Guin JD.The tanning salon: an area survey of equipment, procedures, and practices. J Am Acad Dermatol 1988;18:1030-8.

18. Cohen HB, Bergstresser PR. Inadvertent phototoxicity from home tanning equipment. Arch Dermatol 1994;130:804-6.

19. Nettelblad H,Vahlqvist C,Krysander L, Sjoberg F.Psoralens used for cosmetic sun tanning: an unusual cause of extensive burn injury. Burns 1996;22:633-5.

20. Bickers DR, Epstein JH, Fitzpatrick TB, Harber LC, Pathak M, Urbach F. Risks and benefits from high-intensity ultraviolet A sources used for cosmetic purposes. J Am Acad Dermatol 1985;12:380-1.

Are you one of those who are constantly suffering from a sinus infection? If you are, then you will need to understand the reasons why this is happening to you so that you can take preventive measures to avoid sinusitis. There are several reasons why you continue to have recurrent sinus infections:

1. Structural abnormality of the nose

Some people are born with enlarge inferior turbinates. A nasal turbinate is a long, narrow shell-like curled bone which protrudes into the breathing passage of the nose. Its main purpose is to help warm and humidify the inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. Enlarged turbinates restrict airflow from reaching the sinuses.

This allows bacteria to thrive in the sinus cavities and results in the bacteria multiplying rapidly and colonizing the cells of the sinus mucosa. Once this happens, the sinuses become inflamed and ultimately, a sinus infection takes place. Unless something is done to reduce the size of the turbinates, you are likely to be a victim of recurrent sinus infections.

Similarly, if there are nasal polyps or adenoids present in the sinus passages, nasal obstruction would also occur as explained earlier. Sinus surgery would be required to remove these obstructions so that normal air exchange within the nasal passages can resume.

2. Not completing the full course of prescribed sinus infection medications

It is extremely important for you to complete the course of medications prescribed by the doctor for sinusitis. For example, when you have acute sinusitis, you would need antibiotics since there are bacteria involved. Not completing the full cause of antibiotics is dangerous as it could create a new strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. There have been many cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria surfacing worldwide. And it is very difficult to find new antibiotics that could treat such cases.

Because the bug that causes sinusitis is usually strong, most ENT specialists opt for powerful third-generation antibiotics. Therefore, in order to prevent sinusitis from recurring, you need to follow the doctor’s prescription and complete the dosage every time you take medication for your sinus health problems.

Similarly, if you have been prescribed with steroid nasal spray, you need to complete the course in order for the inflammation to be completely cured.

3. Impaired Immune System

Whenever you have low immunity, it would be difficult for the body to fight infections effectively. People with HIV or cancer patients have a much weaker immune system and they succumb to sinusitis readily. If you have a weak constitution, it is best to maintain a healthy body through proper nutrition and lots of exercise. Taking vitamin supplements is highly recommended since we do not always eat a balanced diet.

Our immune system can also be affected by fungus. So, you need to be careful if you are having recurrent sinusitis. You could be suffering from fungal sinus infection.

Millions of Americans suffer with chronic back pain. The latest numbers are staggering, as is the billions of dollars spent annually to treat this condition. Back pain accounts for a high percentage of visits to the doctor’s office as well as trips to the emergency room and walk-in clinics. The most common approach to treating back pain involves medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) such as Ibuprofen and Aleve. Doctors also regularly prescribe muscle relaxers and narcotic strength pain medications. While the drug approach is the most common, it is not the most effective for addressing chronic musculoskeletal problems such as back pain. Current research shows that the most effective solution for chronic back pain involves a combination of chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation.

Chiropractic spinal manipulations have been proven to be safe and extremely effective for reducing and/or eliminating back pain. Manipulations, when carefully delivered to the spine, can free up stuck joints, correct poor posture and bring on instant relief from severe pain. It has also been proven to be one of the safest and gentlest treatments known to mankind.

However chiropractic adjustments alone are often not enough to provide long term or permanent corrections. The spine is a very complex structure and involves many different types of tissues including the central and peripheral nervous systems, twenty-four movable bones called vertebrae, the sacrum (or tailbone), muscles and tendons, cartilage, twenty-three discs, blood vessels, lymphatics, and other tissues. It seems logical that the more tissues that are evaluated for dysfunction – and ultimately corrected, the higher the degree of overall function which will occur.

Indeed, current research supports the use of rehabilitation protocols including flexibility training and exercises designed to improve stabilization and strength. Additionally balance and coordination training has proven to be useful to increase overall levels of function as well as prevent a relapse.

For more information about this multi-factorial approach to correcting spinal problems, please visit http://www.redapplewellness.net or call 412-212-8880.

Are you among the 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, acid reflux or asthma? Did you know that by effectively treating the nose, you might be able to treat or prevent other problems as well? Did you know that many of the strategies for treating the nose and sinuses also apply to other conditions, such as even acid reflux and asthma? Yes, they do! And it is so important to treat the nose effectively because these are all interconnected.

Before reading further, please note I am a school psychologist and nasal sufferer with the above conditions as well as empty nose syndrome, but not a healthcare professional. While these treatments have generally been effective for me, everyone responds differently to them so what helped me might not benefit someone else. I strongly recommend you discuss treatment ideas in this article with your doctor before attempting them. The best course of action with any health-related problem is consultation with a medical professional, and I take no responsibility for decisions made by people who read this article.

Now, one recommendation that all sinus sufferers would do well to heed: a key concept to remember in treating your nose is that you are in charge of taking control of your health. No one else will do that for you. In fact, I learned that even though my nasal problems seem rather severe, as I suffer from empty nose syndrome, I actually came down with fewer sinus infections than others around me because I learned more about my nose and followed treatment strategies that worked well for me. Many of the treatment principles are universal.

Three guiding principles that can bolster your nasal health are:

Principle 1: Keep the nose moist while keeping mucus moving.

Principle 2: Maintain good blood supply to the nose.

Principle 3: Relax.

A key strategy for Principle 1, keep the nose moist while keeping mucus moving, is nasal irrigation. This is a natural remedy I believe every sinus sufferer must understand and should do. In brief, it consists of rinsing out your nose and sinuses with salt and water. I feel so strongly about nasal irrigation that I believe it must be tried first before considering nose or sinus surgery (unless your situation demands it).

Nasal irrigation has become popularized in 2007 by Oprah Winfrey, as she had Dr. Mehmet Oz introduce the neti pot to viewers. Dr. Oz suggests water used for irrigation should be warm and it must include salt; without salt in the mixture that mimics the natural concentration of salt in the body, the water would irritate delicate nasal membranes. He also points out how many ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists recognize the value in doing irrigation, which can be more effective than drugs for treating nasal congestion, stuffiness, or allergies, for example, as it involves directly cleaning out the nose and sinuses. Have you noticed the proliferation of irrigation products in your local drugstore compared to even just 10 years ago? The number of products has increased significantly, because there is much value in cleaning out your nose with salt water. I wish nasal irrigation would be tantamount to and as well understood as washing dirty hands!

The doctor who pioneered the concept of nasal irrigation in the United States is Dr. Murray Grossan, of Los Angeles, an innovative ENT specialist who created the Grossan Hydro Pulse Nasal-Sinus Irrigation System, which has reportedly sold 400,000 to date. Interestingly, based on feedback, Dr. Grossan estimates 10%, or 40,000, of these purchasers are from empty nose sufferers. You can visit his website at http://www.hydromedonline.com to learn more about the Hydro Pulse. Dr. Grossan needed to find an effective remedy for treating his patients, many of whom did not have much money, without using drugs. I use the Hydro Pulse twice a day, in the morning and evening. It is important to point out the Hydro Pulse has distinct advantages over other irrigation products, such as a neti pot or a bulb syringe (the latter of which can house bacteria):

1) The Hydro Pulse pulsates at a rate to stimulate your nasal cilia to their best rhythm, restoring the functioning of the cilia.

2) The Hydro Pulse allows you to irrigate both your nose and throat. It is important to irrigate both, particularly since what is in the nose travels down to the throat. Irrigating the throat can bring circulation to the throat, thereby thinning mucus and reducing postnasal drip.

Another key strategy as part of Principle 1 and that I believe everyone should keep in mind before considering nasal or sinus surgery, except in emergency situations, is to get proper treatment for your allergies. Allergies can lead to enlarged turbinate tissue that can block nasal breathing, so effective treatment for allergies can actually reduce the size of the turbinates, an effect that can be very beneficial. (Please note: the turbinates are very complex structures in the nose with the primary turbinates the size of a finger and they play key roles in heating, humidifying, and filtering air, directing and detecting airflow, and providing 50% of resistance in overall airflow to the lungs.) This treatment might consist of allergy medicine and injections. Allergy injections, for example, have been demonstrated in medical literature to improve the immune system and mucociliary clearance functioning. These are generally administered for 3-5 years for optimal benefit.

A third key strategy of Principle 1 is proper diet. This strategy might seem self-explanatory, but it cannot be emphasized enough. A number of tips to consider in terms of diet including drinking 8, 8-ounce glasses of water per day; drinking hot tea with lemon and honey, particularly during a time of a cold or sinus infection; eating chicken soup; and eating foods that might be beneficial for sinus health such as vegetables, fresh fruits, spicy foods, wheat products, and foods high in protein. Conversely, foods to avoid include caffeinated products and alcohol, which increase nasal dryness, and tobacco smoke, which worsens the lungs and consequently leads to more breathing difficulties.

Principle 2 is maintain good blood supply to the nose. Exercise is a strategy that most people are familiar with and can help improve nasal functioning. Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, while increasing serotonin reuptake inhibitors that will physically decrease the likelihood someone will develop depression. When I run outside (or walk or do any physical activity), I notice that I can breathe better through my nose. Empty nose sufferers tend to particularly benefit from good blood supply to their nose, sometimes finding inversion techniques to be helpful. An inversion technique consists of having the head lower than the rest of the body to increase blood supply to the head and remaining nose tissue (the turbinates). You can purchase an inversion table to do this technique.

Principle 3 is relax, be it a good night of sleep or reducing stress in everyday life. It is important to get adequate sleep per night, which is the body’s natural way of healing. People who are not getting enough sleep are more apt to come down with sinus infections. I recall reading Walt Ballenberger, founder of http://www.postnasaldrip.net informing his readers that after 2.5 years, he came down with a sinus infection. The reason? He had 3 hours of sleep in a 48 hour period. However, sufferers of empty nose syndrome might need to undergo a sleep study and might even need a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine because their breathing difficulties make breathing (and consequently sleeping) that much more difficult. Some of the more severely affected empty nose patients report only being able to breathe for a few hours at a time each night. Finally, reducing stress is also important for sinus sufferers as that alone can reduce the risk of sinus infections.

If you are among the 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, acid reflux, asthma, and/or if you have empty nose syndrome, then I encourage you to consider using the treatment strategies discussed in this article, which might just be a starting point for you to take control of your nasal health. Remember, it is you, no one else, who will take control of your health.