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Comment on When Your Allergic Rhinitis Is NOT Allergic by Russell A. Faust, PhD, MD

Russell A. Faust, PhD, MD — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:08:26 +0000

RE: chemical rhinitis from chlorinated pools

I see this commonly in my clinics – especially those kids who are on swim teams, or those who spend every day in the pool during their summer break. Public pools are especially heavily chlorinated for safety reasons. The downside of that is the inflammation that chlorine causes, especially to the mucus membranes. The result: chemical rhinitis. As you point out, the most effective solution is avoidance. The next most effective remedy is to rinse those chemicals away: nasal saline rinses. For those kids who are on swim teams and have associated chemical rhinitis, I recommend rinsing twice per day: once in the morning, and again immediately following swim practice in the pool. The goals is optimal nasal hygiene. Put simply: keep it clean and clear from pollutants, chemicals (chlorine). Your idea of using the Xlear spray throughout the day also helps with that goal of optimal nasal hygiene.

Best success!
RF

Comment on When Your Allergic Rhinitis Is NOT Allergic by Tellyrow

Tellyrow — Tue, 29 May 2012 06:56:59 +0000

Hi Dr. Faust,

Do you have any recommendations for reducing nasal irritation from chlorinated pools (other than avoiding the pool!)?

My son’s class has been taking swimming lessons as part of their physical education program. For his lesson last week, I told him to blow his nose and use his XLEAR after he gets out of the pool and I reminded him to do the same for this week. Your thoughts on this?

Many thanks!

Comment on Sinus Rinses: if once/day is good, is 4x/day even better? by Russell A. Faust, PhD, MD

Russell A. Faust, PhD, MD — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:36:12 +0000

I’m sorry to say that I know very little about the ‘anti-fungal’ diets. And I have yet to try Oregaresp. I am using a preparation by Dr. Michael Murray (DoctorMurray.com) called “Lung, Bronchial & Sinus Health”, that includes many of the herbal anti-inflammatory herbs that I have reviewed on this site. I have only been using it for less than a week … we’ll see …
And thank YOU – it is readers like you who contribute that add the value to a site like this!
RF

Comment on Sinus Rinses: if once/day is good, is 4x/day even better? by Russell A. Faust, PhD, MD

Russell A. Faust, PhD, MD — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:26:09 +0000

Hi again!
Honey does not seem to affect GI bacteria, perhaps because many of the anti-microbial properties are destroyed by the time that honey makes it to the part of the GI tract with all the useful bacteria. That is, by the time that honey gets through the stomach acid, then through the alkalai and “soap-like” effect of bile, it no longer has the oomph to do any damage to our beneficial gut bacteria. That’s okay by me. Most of the beneficial anti-microbial properties of honey are achieved when it is used topically – on a wound, or in a rinse – where it directly touches the affected area. There are currently several biotech startups that make honey products for chronic wounds, things like diabetic ulcers, etc. When used directly, those anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects are powerful.

Like your son, I feel a need to clear my throat after swallowing honey. Manuka has an even stronger affect. I’m not sure why, but I think it is the high osmolarity of the honey stimulating some sensory receptors near the larynx. I have not noticed any benefit of Manuka for GER/D, but I have read reports (found on internet searches) of Manuka being used as an anti-inflammatory for reflux esophagitis.

I recently reviewed some of the supplements / herbs that are used for GERD here: http://www.boogordoctor.com/2012/05/herbal-remedies-for-reflux-gerd/

In my clinical practice, the one that parents have told me seems to be the most effective in their children is the DGL form of licorice.

With probiotics, please not the importance of the effect of stomach acid on them: stomach acid kills up to 90% of probiotics before they make it to the lower GI tract where they do their good. That’s a lot of wasted probiotics, not to mention wasted money! As you know, a good probiotic is not cheap. For a couple years now, we have been using Probiotic Pearls from Integrative Therapeutics, with great results.

Finally, thanks as always for visiting, sharing your knowledge and experiences, so that we can all learn from each other.
Be well,
RF