Nasodren: strong scientific support

• Nasodren is effective and safe for the treatment of patients with ARS assessed subjectively and objectively.

• The specific symptom of facial pain/pressure significantly improved after 5 - 7 days treatment with CE. This is important since facial pain/pressure is undoubtedly one of the most severe symptoms affecting the patient’s quality of life in ARS.

• Endoscopic evaluation showed that mucus oedema/nasal obstruction improved significantly with CE. Improvement (defined as a sum of endoscopy scores of 0) was significantly higher with CE than placebo at the end of the study.

• Both patients and investigators reported signi­ficantly greater treatment satisfaction with CE than placebo

• CE is a safe product for the treatment of ARS

In March, another unique and impressive study was accepted for publication in The Laryngoscope, (organ of the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society): “An exploratory Trial of Cyclamen Europaeum Extract for Acute Rhinosinusitis” by J. Ponikau et al.
The key messages learnt from this study are:
In patients with Acute Rhinosinusitis, Cyclamen extract (Nasodren / Sinuforte):

• Improves objective outcomes compared to placebo
• Produces a clinically relevant symptoms improvement
• Is the only product marketed for Rhinosinusitis that has been tested in this way (CT); other products, such as corticosteroids, antibiotics or decongestants, measure only symptomatic improvement.

The results of these studies have led, as mentioned above, to the inclusion of Cyclamen europaeum, in the EPOS 2012, the European Guidelines on Rhinosinusitis. Therefore, we can claim to possess a unique product for the treatment of this prevalent condition.

References:
Pfaar O, Mullol J, Anders C, Hormann K, Klimek L. Cyclamen europaeum nasal spray, a novel phytotherapeutic product for the management of acute Rhinosinusitis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Rhinology. 2012 Mar;50(1):37-44. PMID: 22469604
Ponikau J, Hamilos D, Barreto A, Cecil J, Jones S, Manthei S.  An exploratory trial of Cyclamen europaeum extract for acute Rhinosinusitis. Accepted for publication  Laryngoscope, March, 2012. PMID: 22675486

Review of traditional Chinese formula Bi Yan Pian

Which herb helps in treating sinus/ear congestion?

• Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea
• When senses and mind are dull, and mucus congestion causes problems in the bronchial tree and sinuses.
• Poor cough reflexes and chronic bronchial problems with severe congestion
• Colds
• Emphysema
• Gastroenteritis, colitis
• Influenza
• Measles
• Pharyngitis
• Retained placenta
• Silicosis
• Tuberculosis
• Upper gastric spasm

Elder flower for sinusitis and earache

Elder flower, the deciduous shrub that is used in both summer and winter, relieves sinusitis and earache.

15 facts that indicate sinusitis and otitis are related

Sinusitis and otitis are related because various reviews, research studies and clinical trials have highlighted the following similarities between the two:

1. Cause of both is Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenza.
2. An influenza virus infection may cause both the conditions.
3. Children are prone to infections of the upper respiratory tract. These infections lead to bacterial problems like sinusitis and otitis media.
4. Antibiotics are administered in both the conditions.
5. Although action of azithromycin in treating acute infections of the upper respiratory tract is not completely understood, but the antibiotic is used in the treatment of acute cases of sinusitis and otitis media. In fact, these acute symptoms even resolve spontaneously, requiring no antibiotics.
6. The studies found out that most of the otitis media and sinusitis infections are due to virus. Thus no need for antibiotics. Moreover, not all the cases of the bacterial infections require antibiotics.
7. Evidence-based guidelines are in place for management and diagnosis of both the diseases to prevent excess usage of unnecessary medicines and reduce the treatment cost without compromising on the quality and effectiveness.
8. The use of conjugate penumcoccal vaccine reduced occurrences of pneumococcal otitis media and acute bacterial rhino sinusitis. The pathogens have also changed. Read the full report Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and otitis media: Changes in pathogenicity following widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine by Michael S. Benninger.
9. Acute otitis media and acute bacterial rhino sinusitis are the infections of the respiratory tract. Both are quite common.
10. Sinusitis as focal sepsis is one of the primary causes of continuous discharge in the patients suffering from chronic otitis media active mucosal disease
11. The triad of recurrent bronchitis, sinusitis and otitis media is a syndrome that indicates a systemic problem.
12. Both the disorders commonly occur in childhood.
13. Otitis Media and Sinusitis in Children Role of Branhamella catarrhalis, the review by Bluestone, Charles D. stated that the recent clinical trials advise for an antibacterial therapy to treat these infections to avoid any complications. Read the review.
14. Microbiology of acute bacterial sinusitis and acute otitis media is similar.
15. In view of the above, there is no doubt that sinusitis and otitis are related. In fact, information available about acute otitis media treatment can be applied to the acute bacterial sinusitis treatment. Especially, this extrapolation could be useful in deciding the best antibacterial and antimicrobial therapy.

5 Chinese herbs for sinus congestion

In China, herbs are used in two different ways to treat the sinus problems. Firstly, the herbs are used for purifying the blood within the lungs and stomach, dispelling the heat. These herbs are used with the herbs that aid in digestion to clear the paranasal sinuses and passages. Secondly, the herbs mitigate the cold, restoring the healthy blood and ensuring permanent relief. A number of ready to use herbal formulae are available in the market. This article focuses on some of the herbs that improve paranasal sinus symptoms.

1. The roots of Huang Qin (skullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis) prevent tissue contraction during allergic reactions. The roots contain antioxidants and flavonoids that stimulate the immune system. Scutellaria baicalensis is native of Russia and China. The herb is traditionally used to treat headaches, cancers, inflammation, infections and allergies. The Chinese skullcap is available in powder form. The plant bears purple or blue flowers.

Diabetics should not take the Chinese skullcap without consulting the physician, as it may reduce the level of blood sugar, increasing chances of hypoglycemia. The skullcap can raise the effects of sedatives, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants.

1. Bai Zhi (Chinese Angelica / wild angelica / Angelica dahurica) is used to clear sinus congestion and infections. The herb is specially relives discomfort caused due to blocked paranasal sinuses located above the eyes. Aka mitigates swelling, clears nasal passages and helps in draining pus secondary to sinus infections. The herb maintains a balance between histamines. The herb is found in China, East Siberia, Japan and Korea. Its roots are used in medicines.

1. Since ages, Xho Yi Hua, magnolia flower, has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine used to relieve sinusitis-induced headaches and clear blocked nasal passages. Xho, known as Magnolia liliiflora in botany, is also used in fragrances.  The plant with white and pink flowers grows in China and North and South America.

1. The Chinese have been using the Chinese cucumber (Gua Lou / Trichosanthes kirilowii) for treating ailments of the respiratory system since antiquity. The roots and fruits are used for medicines. The herb bears white flowers.

1. Cang Er Zi (Xanthium fruit / Xanthium sibiricum), grown in China, is used to open blocked nose. Xanthium is used with other herbs to treat chronic naso-sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

The herbs for sinus congestion may interact with other medicines. So visit the physician and follow the advice to make the most of the selected herbs for sinus congestion.

Oxymetazoline nasal spray 

• addiction
• burning,
• dizziness,
• dryness within the nose,
• headache,
• increase in nasal discharge,
• nausea,
• nervousness,
• sleep problems,
• sneezing and
• stinging.

• The spray should not be administered more than twice in 24 hours.
• Read the prescription and / or instructions on the label of the spray. If the instructions are not clear to you, do consult the physician or the pharmacist.
• The amount of spray used should neither be more than the quantity prescribed by the physician nor less. If you do not follow the physician’s recommendations for the spray quantity and duration, sinus pressure and other symptoms may exacerbate.
• Stop using the spray after three days. If symptoms do fade, consult the physician.
• Liquid / solution of oxymetazoline is sprayed into the patient’s nose.
• Do not gulp the spray. Just use it for the nose.
• Wash the spray dispenser tip nicely after every use. The same dispenser should not be used by more than one patient to avoid spread of the infection.
• If you are allergic to oxymetazoline, inform your physician.
• Since some medicines may interact with the spray, tell your physician about the medicines you are taking for any other ailment. The expectant and breast feeding ladies should not use the spray without consulting the physician.

Chronic sinus congestion and chronic dysbiosis

• Changes in acid-alkaline ratio (pH) in gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• Chronic stress
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, grains and sugar
• Additives used in food
• Overdose of antibiotics
• Use of birth control drugs
• Herbicides, pesticides, preservatives, solvents and other chemicals
• Exposure to heavy metal and radiation and chemotherapy
• Bacteria H. pylori that causes ulcer
• Use of pain relievers such as corticosteroids and antacids

Basil for sinus congestion

Basil, a culinary herb, is known as Saint Joseph’s Wort in English-speaking regions. One of the favorite herbs of Greeks and Romans, basil is also regularly used in the Asian and Italian food. Botanists call it Ocimum basilicum.



The plant
The annual plant, a native of India, is used to decorate temples in the country. Holy variety of basil grown in India is called Ocimum sanctum.
The herb, susceptible to frost, grows well in sunny locations with some shade. You can sow the seeds in large containers.
Basil attracts butterflies. So if you like butterflies plant it in your garden and enjoy its multifold benefits.

Uses
The versatile herb, known for more than forty centuries, is used for cooking, cosmetics and medicines. Spicy and pungent scent of the herb enhances flavor of food. For example, it improves taste of vegetables such as marrows, brinjals and courgettes. You can use its oil, powder, paste and or fresh leaves. Ayurveda and Siddha doctors use it for its medicinal properties.
Leaves and seeds are used for cooking. Basil is used with mint, parsley and celery in cooking. Basil also goes well with tomatoes. The herb is an excellent salad dressing.
Dry it in summer and use the powder to garnish food in winter.
Italians use the herb in famous pesto sauce.
You can burn dry basil to keep mosquitoes at the bay.
The African tribes believe that basil leave paste encourages hair growth.
The herb aids in digestion. It gives relief from nausea. Apply fresh basil leaves to the temples to heal headaches.
To heal infections of the mouth, gargle with the herb. Add basil leaves in boiling water for gargle.
Basil leaves offer relief from the pain in heels due to standing for a long time.
A combination of basil, fennel and rosemary is used for lung disorders like asthma and bronchitis.
Add fresh basil leaves in hot water and inhale the steam / vapors to ease sinus congestion.
The herb has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Basil strengthens immune system and cleans the system and thereby protects you against all kinds of diseases and infections including sinus congestion and infections.
The herb, named after serpent-like animal Basilisk that carried deadly poison, was used as an antidote to poison. It was believed that just a gaze of the animal could kill.

 

Topical decongestants

• The topical sinus decongestants are used with acute rhino sinusitis treatment for reducing edema and improving drainage of the infected sinus. However, scientific research studies did not show any improvement on use of these decongestants. Thus, their use in acute rhino sinusitis is still controversial.

• Overuse of topical decongestants causes rebound congestion. So follow the prescription.

• The sinus decongestants may also provide some relief in the patients suffering from sinus barotraumas.

• Topical decongestants are also used to control epistaxis.

3 types of endonasal frontal sinus drainage procedures

• The frontal sinus is opacified.
• Symptoms of underlying diseases like Woakes syndrome, Kartagener syndrome and mucoviscidosis
• The patients have bronchial asthma and aspirin intolerance.

• Extent and severity of pathology
• Patient specific anatomy
• Current outflow from the sinus

2 plant oils that enhance sinus infection remedies’ range

There is a broad spectrum of sinus infection remedies, including plant oils. A number of research studies proved that natural concentrated plant oils kill unfriendly bacteria and ease inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and drain the mucous from both nasal passages and sinuses. This article focuses on two such oils.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus has astringent, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Eucalyptus oil is one of the most commonly used plant oil to clear the sinuses. The oil liquefies the mucous, facilitating drainage of the mucous, healing of the sinus infections and opening up of the sinus channels. The oil kills pathogens and resolves inflammation and strengthens the immune system.

Add the oil in the water used for steam inhalation to clear sinuses and nasal passages. Inhaling eucalyptus vapor is safe and an age old remedy. Many commercially available decongestant rubs also feature eucalyptus oil. However, Eucalyptus is ineffective in case of viral sinusitis.

Since ages eucalyptus has been used to treat sinusitis, sore throat, cough and runny nose due to its decongesting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In 2004, Laryngoscope published a study that revealed that eucalyptus eases inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

Myrtle oil

Myrtle, an evergreen plant found in Mediterranean region, has shiny green leaves that are a storehouse of oil. The plant bears white flowers. The beautiful plant grows well in shade. Myrtle is cherished as symbol of chastity and innocence.

Myrtle oil, concentrated oil that is popular in Europe, has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.  

Myrtle, an expectorant, aids in treating sinus infections, bronchitis and colds.

The oil can be used for massage and / or as an air spray.

The oil has cosmetic uses as well. For example, perfumes industry uses it.

1,8 cineole

Both myrtle and eucalyptus feature 1,8 cineole, a compound that stimulates cilia within the sinus cavities, enabling mucous movement and drainage, and aids in opening the blocked sinuses.

Cineole is also called eucalyptol that is main component of the eucalyptus oil. A study stated that cineole may reduce dosage of antibiotics for the sinusitis patients. However, cineole may irritate the stomach membrane, so caution is required while using it. Another research study concluded that cineole reduces discomfort due to non-purulent rhino sinusitis.

How to select plant oils

Look for Bio-Typed oils that are packed in soft get capsules. Bio-Typed oils mean that the product is tested for its effectiveness, purity and safety using advanced technology. There are hundreds of types of eucalyptus, but all eucalyptus trees are not included in the sinus infection remedies.

Review of sinus cures

MarketResearch.com released Sinusitis - Pipeline Review, H2 2012 and Sinusitis Global Clinical Trials Review, H1, 2012 reports in 2012.

Sinusitis - Pipeline Review, H2 2012 by Global Markets Direct
The report reviews existing and the latest developments in the global paranasal sinus cures market. The information is collated from various sources, such as third-party documents focusing on the disease, universities and companies’ press releases, investors’ documents, SEC filings of the companies and global databases. 



What does it contain?

• The report, a comprehensive source of information about sinusitis therapeutics, offers information about an array of sinusitis products that are being developed by universities, research institutes or companies.  The product appraisal covers different development stages ranging from discover to registration.

• Drug profiles consist of product description and mechanism, and progress in research and development. The report profiled Bacitracin, Levofloxacin vibrENT, Lidocaine + Adrenaline, Pulmozyme, SinuNase and Xolair.

• The review includes role of major players in advancement of sinus cures. The contribution of Accentia Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Clarassance, Inc., PARI Pharma GmbH and GlaxoSmithKline plc to sinusitis therapeutics is discussed in the report.

• The document even covers projects that have been discontinued or are in the late-stage.

Reasons to read it

• To learn about business deals and new products

• To understand strategies of the emerging players that are developing highly effective products and gain a competitive edge

• To develop effective out-licensing and in-licensing strategies

• Important market and pipeline information will help in selecting the most suitable partner for business expansion by acquiring promising companies and / or merging with related businesses. Get the report.

Sinusitis Global Clinical Trials Review, H1, 2012 by GlobalData
The report offers information and statistics on clinical trials focusing on sinusitis drugs. The document is based on in-house evaluation, secondary and primary research and proprietary databases.
What does it contain?

• Number of trials conducted in Asia-pacific, Africa, Middle-East, Europe and Americas
• Status of recruitment for the trial, the sponsors, trial phases
• A list of suspended, terminated and withdrawn trials
• Major companies involved in the trials for sinusitis therapeutics
• Profiles of clinical trials
• Overview of clinical trials by major players, such as Acclarent, Inc., Bayer AG, Pfizer, Inc., Entellus Medical, Inc. and Sanofi

Reasons to read it
This abridged version of sinusitis related clinical trials being conducted in different parts of the world provides insight into the drug scenario. The latest therapeutics market information will aid in business decisions. Get the report.

Does monotherapy heal swollen sinuses and other symptoms of sinusitis?