Question:

Hi! I have Intrinsic Bronchial Asthma.  I turned 44 in July (1995).  I

Question:

Hi! I have Intrinsic Bronchial Asthma.  I turned 44 in July (1995).  I

Question:

I need to put my 2 1/2 yr old back on maintenance meds for her asthma. She has had a problem with high blood pressure and an high heart rate. Does Intal cause hypertension (high blood pressure) or tachycardia (increased heart rate)? I’m looking for personal experiences with this drug.  I’ve read the literature. We’re still using her Albuterol as her rescue med but I know that raises her heart rate, so I’d like to keep her from wheezing before hand if possible. Thanks Ursula Holleman Macey’s mom

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need to put my 2 1/2 yr old back on maintenance meds for her asthma. She has had a problem with high blood pressure and an high heart rate. Does Intal cause hypertension (high blood pressure) or tachycardia (increased heart rate)? I’m looking for personal experiences with this drug.  I’ve read the literature. We’re still using her Albuterol as her rescue med but I know that raises her heart rate, so I’d like to keep her from wheezing before hand if possible. Thanks Ursula Holleman Macey’s mom

Ursula,    I am curious as to why your child is hypertensive. Intal does not usually cause hypertention/tachycardia.  Intal is most always given with albuterol.  Albuterol may be the culprit.  I have had pts in the past who got very tachycardic/hypertensive with Albuterol. In one case I had a child who would go into SVT whenever he was given albuterol.  So we had to use terbutaline.  I dont know the childs entire history, but I am intrigued as to why a 2.5 y/o is hypertensive. bill

Response:

HI, I just subscribed to this group.  MY 8 yeart old son has asthma which usually is only evident in the winter.  A cold will usully trigger an attack.    In november his dr. presribed Intal.  It has really helped alot. He has not had an attack since he began using it. I’m curious about whether anyone has had the same reaction. Tracy Karachi GO PATS!!!!

Response:

intal has helped me greatly.  i have used it for years and with remarkable results.  it has to be used 4 times a day to be effective. val

Response:

This medicine often works well in children who have asthma.  Did your doctor explain that it is an anti-inflammatory medicine that reduces the inflammation in the bronchial tubes that is the chronic ongoing part of ashtma?  Reducing this inflammation makes it much less likely to have asthma symptoms if one catches a cold.  BTW Intal seems to be more effective in children than adults.  One of the reasons may be that you need to use it religiously 3-4 times per day.

Response:

I had always believed that Intal was more effective on children than adults until I tried it.  It took about 3 weeks to take effect but no other medication has affected my asthma so dramatically.  I went from 2-4 puffs of Ventolin a day to 2-4 puffs a week.  It’s been 4 days now and I haven’t needed any.  I am going to reduce my Azmacort from 16 puffs a day down to 12 and see what happens.  Previously, I was on Tilade for about 3 months and that didn’t help.  I was told the 2 drugs are very similar, but Tilade had no effect on me.  I understand Intal is the drug of choice in England and that it never really caught on here.  It works for me.  Jim

Response:

I have recently started Intal. I am wondering if it has worked for anyone else, and how long it took to start noticing an improvement.  I am also on Flovent 44 2 puffs twice a day and Albuterol as needed.  I went of Serevent due to terrible side effects.  Thanks.  

Response:

I have recently started Intal. I am wondering if it has worked for anyone else, and how long it took to start noticing an improvement.  I am also on Flovent 44 2 puffs twice a day and Albuterol as needed.  I went of Serevent due to terrible side effects.  Thanks.

Intal is a rather weak anti-inflammatory; needs to be taken 3-4x/day, may take several weeks to start taking effect. As an additive drug to Flovent you may not notice much improvement. It would probably be more efficient to just up the dose of Flovent or switch from the Low strength Flovent 44 to the medium strength Flovent 110. I do use Intal, along with Pulmicort, etc.  My allergist says Intal helps about 10%. Intal is commonly used in children with mild asthma, to avoid steroids; often administered with a nebulizer to get a large effective dose. 4x/day Ellis

Response:

I went from mild intermittant asthma to moderate persistant asthma practically overnight.  My physician put me on Vanceril DS stating that Intal was too mild to be of any benefit.  I was also put on Serevent in an effort to control my asthma. Every asthamatic is different, what works for one person may not work for another.  You and your physician working together can find a treatment plan that is right for you.

Response:

I have had asthma for 25 years. I have taken quite a bit of medication over the years from Theodur to Serevent. I will tell you since I have been using Serevent and Flovent, I have not had an asthma attack in years, even exercise induced. It has been an excellent combination for me. I hope more doctors will prescribe the above combination. MM – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went from mild intermittant asthma to moderate persistant asthma practically overnight.  My physician put me on Vanceril DS stating that Intal was too mild to be of any benefit.  I was also put on Serevent in an effort to control my asthma. Every asthamatic is different, what works for one person may not work for another.  You and your physician working together can find a treatment plan that is right for you.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(CBEDARD) writes: << I’ve never heard of getting thrush from Flonase. Theoretically flonase is like flovent and I’ve assumed because post-nasal drip occurs -it can also contribute to thrush. You can get thrush in the esophagus as well. But I used flonase for years before i got the flovent and never had a problem. Although flonase never worked too well for me. I still had to take decongestants and pain killers several times a week. The doctor thinks the decongestant in the claratin is safe for long-term use. It certainly works. I went off it (and singulair) for a while to see if the depression thing got better. The depression problem would appear to be separate from these medications at least. Thanks for the suggestions though. Ellis: << You shouldn’t get thrush from Flovent (MDI) if you used an Aerochamber spacer and rinsed after inhaling. Chilla: Initially (before consulting with the specialist- an allergist) I had’nt been using a spacer and I got thrush which took 2 months and alot of treatment to get rid of. (maybe not even caused by a Candida species). Now I use the spacer and even have had a little possible thrush trouble with low azmacort doses. Some people are susceptible to thrush. Ellis: << It sounds like you need to be more assertive with your doctor, Chilla: Yes I’m not very assertive. (my lack of assertiveness is a joke at work- i hum and haw and sometimes when I’m stressed i stutter). But I did go well-prepared thanks to everyone in the support group. He liked my cricket graph plots of my peak flows for the summer, annotated with when I went off and on the different medications. He saw that, yes, there was a real problem there. He’s just a blunt guy, and I’m oversensitive. I got combivent for the cough asthma  (we’ll see). He did say one sympathetic thing.He said "we’ll get you there". At least it means he sees that there is somewhere to go. Thanks to you and everyone for all the response to this Intal thread (which he did’nt give me afterall) and for all the support on the other Depression and asthma thread. The number of messages I got on both threads together shows that when someones having a hard time you guys are there. It gives that warm-fuzzy feeling that generates that wonderful placebo opioid alternative medicine effect. Chilla (I really should call my uncle Ellis today who has really bad emphesema, bouts of pneumonia and smokes).

Hey yoose, ya don’t get Thrush from any medication!  Thrush is a type of yeast infection.  Particular medications are prone to create an environment more conducive for Thrush to flourish once it’s present (actually it’s always present to some degree), but again, no medication per se actually gives you Thrush… heck, ya can contract thrush from suckin’ yer thumb (and other body parts) as well as from similarly contaminated inhaler mouthpieces or most anything else for that matter… but not from any actual meds contained therein.  To control Oral Thrush outbreaks maintain a personal hygiene program concerning anything entering your mouth, and I do mean anything!  Gargling often helps too, either with Nytsatin or good Scotch.  And since they cost about the same and both can be swallowed guess which I prefer?  Plus Scotch needs no prescription.  Yes, I’m willing to forego the insurance refund.:) It is advisable though to first rinse with a water, and expectorate… I hate to see a good Scotch chaser end up in a spitoon. Sheldon On a recent Night Court rerun, Judge Harry Stone had a wonderful line: "I try to keep an open mind, but not so open that my brains fall out."

Response:

What was the name of the gene? Immune system component? -cytokine production pathway? and do you remember the issue of NG? We get it but I did’nt see it. It certainly could be relevant to thrush. How was the study done? Looking at the DNA from people with chronic yeast infections? Could also be a gene influencing the pH of the vagina. This is critical. I believe the pH shift that occurs when women get pregnant is partly responsible for increased yeast infections in pregnant women. Hormones influence this. So this kind of thing would not be relevant to thrush.

This was a National Geographic.  This magazine is more orientated towards an interesting visual display than referencing source material.  I’m not sure which issue, but I assume it is either the current issue or one from the past couple of months (I saw the magazine at a friends house). "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

What was the name of the gene? Immune system component? -cytokine production pathway? and do you remember the issue of NG? We get it but I did’nt see it. It This was a National Geographic.  This magazine is more orientated

Current issue — October 1999. Story:  ’Secrets of the Gene’; begins on p.42 Chromosome 17, gene MPO, yeast infection susceptibility   (p.51) keyed as a metabolic/endocrine disorder SW.

Response:

<< This was a National Geographic.  This magazine is more orientated Current issue — October 1999. Story:  ’Secrets of the Gene’; begins on p.42 Chromosome 17, gene MPO, yeast infection susceptibility   (p.51) keyed as a metabolic/endocrine disorder SW.   Good article. Cute piggies. Highly recommended. They did’nt mention asthma genes, but a few have been mapped too (several genetic loci on both chromosomes 11 and 6, I think; they appeared to be all immune system components). As colin says not enough info on the yeast infection gene to say anything about links to thrush. Maybe I’ll check into it. Chilla

Response:

<< I’ve never heard of getting thrush from Flonase. Theoretically flonase is like flovent and I’ve assumed because post-nasal drip occurs -it can also contribute to thrush. You can get thrush in the esophagus as well. But I used flonase for years before i got the flovent and never had a problem. Although flonase never worked too well for me. I still had to take decongestants and pain killers several times a week. The doctor thinks the decongestant in the claratin is safe for long-term use. It certainly works. I went off it (and singulair) for a while to see if the depression thing got better. The depression problem would appear to be separate from these medications at least. Thanks for the suggestions though. Ellis: << You shouldn’t get thrush from Flovent (MDI) if you used an Aerochamber spacer and rinsed after inhaling. Chilla: Initially (before consulting with the specialist- an allergist) I had’nt been using a spacer and I got thrush which took 2 months and alot of treatment to get rid of. (maybe not even caused by a Candida species). Now I use the spacer and even have had a little possible thrush trouble with low azmacort doses. Some people are susceptible to thrush. Ellis: << It sounds like you need to be more assertive with your doctor, Chilla: Yes I’m not very assertive. (my lack of assertiveness is a joke at work- i hum and haw and sometimes when I’m stressed i stutter). But I did go well-prepared thanks to everyone in the support group. He liked my cricket graph plots of my peak flows for the summer, annotated with when I went off and on the  different medications. He saw that, yes, there was a real problem there. He’s just a blunt guy, and I’m oversensitive. I got combivent for the cough asthma  (we’ll see). He did say one sympathetic thing.He said "we’ll get you there". At least it means he sees that there is somewhere to go. Thanks to you and everyone for all the response to this Intal thread (which he did’nt give me afterall) and for all the support on the other Depression and asthma thread. The number of messages I got on both threads together shows that when someones having a hard time you guys are there. It gives that warm-fuzzy feeling that generates that wonderful placebo opioid alternative medicine effect. Chilla (I really should call my uncle Ellis today who has really bad emphesema, bouts of pneumonia and smokes).

Response:

<< There was a recent national geographic article in genetics.  One of the genes identified was a gene that made a person susceptible to yeast infections.   Colin, What was the name of the gene? Immune system component? -cytokine production pathway? and do you remember the issue of NG? We get it but I did’nt see it. It certainly could be relevant to thrush. How was the study done? Looking at the DNA from people with chronic yeast infections? Could also be a gene influencing the pH of the vagina. This is critical. I believe the pH shift that occurs when women get pregnant is partly responsible for increased yeast infections in pregnant women. Hormones influence this. So this kind of thing would not be relevant to thrush. Sorry about these totally hypothetical ideas. I’m not trying to impress people when I go on about fungi or the like. It is just interesting stuff to me. Chilla

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – illa how about picking out a few of the how to avoid thrush posts from this group, printing them off and taking them to the doc…it’s worked for me in the past…specially if you can find something that looks like it’s been posted by a medical professional…doctors seem to hate to disagree with one another in front of a patient eric What exactly works for you? I am plagued by recurring bouts of thrush even though I rinse/gargle (with water) as directed. If I stick to two – three puffs of pulmicort per day I am ok but four or more will eventually nail me with thrush.

dunno what works for me…I use a spacer a lot…but have never had trouble with thrush so far eric

Response:

What exactly works for you? I am plagued by recurring bouts of thrush even though I rinse/gargle (with water) as directed. If I stick to two – three puffs of pulmicort per day I am ok but four or more will eventually nail me with thrush.

There was a recent national geographic article in genetics.  One of the genes identified was a gene that made a person susceptible to yeast infections.   Anybody have more info on this?  (Like: is this relevant to thrush?) "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

Thanks everyone, Are there also Intal nasal sprays?!! for sinus problems?

Yes there are. It’s Nasalcrom, available without a prescription in the US. Annette

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – << Yes. It’s called Nasalcrom, now available OTC. [for sinusitis you may need the more powerful steroid nasal sprays] Also there are cromolyn eye drops (Crolom). All forms of cromolyn are intended to treat Ige mediated allergic conditions. Thanks, Ellis. You’ve helped out alot in many ways. I wish I could get to try out the flovent and flonase again and see whether I get thrush this time. With these I could probably eliminate the need for Intal or singulair and the Deongestant in the claratinD (which you suggested is not good to use longterm and could in fact contribute to depression etc.). It would appear from the other postings that Flovent (and flonase) is a pretty good choice. I know what he’ll say though  "No no you’ll just get thrush again". And I’ll say "Please please please" and then I’ll cry and he’ll say "did you get those antidepressants?" and I’ll say "WHAT I NEED IS SOME FLOVENT!". The patient symptom chart from the web site you led me to also made me realize how much I cough. Peak flows are fine but I cough. At least this backs up my defense that my symptoms are real (why should I need to have a defence?).  At work I have to apologize and let people know that I’m not going to infect them with some cold virus. I also would think that I should have a chest xray, don’t you? Just to eliminate other worst case scenarios. I’M NOT JUST A DEPRESSED HYPOCHONDRIAC! *This has been a dress rehearsal* Chilla

how about picking out a few of the how to avoid thrush posts from this group, printing them off and taking them to the doc…it’s worked for me in the past…specially if you can find something that looks like it’s been posted by a medical professional…doctors seem to hate to disagree with one another in front of a patient eric

Response:

Are there also Intal nasal sprays?!! for sinus problems?

Yes. It is called Nasalcrom in the USA.  It is available OTC; any drug store should have it, and places like grocery store, walmart and target even carry it. SW.

Response:

<< Yes. It’s called Nasalcrom, now available OTC. [for sinusitis you may need the more powerful steroid nasal sprays] Also there are cromolyn eye drops (Crolom). All forms of cromolyn are intended to treat Ige mediated allergic conditions. Thanks, Ellis. You’ve helped out alot in many ways. I wish I could get to try out the flovent and flonase again and see whether I get thrush this time.

I’ve never heard of getting thrush from Flonase. You shouldn’t get thrush from Flovent (MDI) if you used an Aerochamber spacer and rinsed after inhaling. However there are alternative steroid sprays and inhalers that can be tried in place of fluticasone, like budesonide [Rhinocort nasal spray, Pulmicort Turbuhaler inhaler. which is DPI, therefore doens't use a spacer]  With these I could probably eliminate the need for Intal or singulair and the Deongestant in the claratinD (which you suggested is not good to use longterm and could in fact contribute to depression etc.). It would appear from the other postings that Flovent (and flonase) is a pretty good choice. I know what he’ll say though  "No no you’ll just get thrush again". And I’ll say "Please please please" and then I’ll cry and he’ll say "did you get those antidepressants?" and I’ll say "WHAT I NEED IS SOME FLOVENT!".

It sounds like you need to be more assertive with your doctor, or find a new doctor. My doctor has always been agreeable to trying different drugs to see which one works best, sometimes even gives me samples. Often times a combination of drugs works best, since lower doses can be used. I do take backup materials when I go see the doctor, to explain why I want something. When I requested Pulmicort I was the first patient he had prescribed it; I even got him to write a justification (I helped provide the appropriate justification by reading the Prescribing Info) My doctor is a family doctor, not a specialist. The patient symptom chart from the web site you led me to also made me realize how much I cough. Peak flows are fine but I cough. At least this backs up my defense that my symptoms are real (why should I need to have a defence?).  At work I have to apologize and let people know that I’m not going to infect them with some cold virus. I also would think that I should have a chest xray, don’t you? Just to eliminate other worst case scenarios.

I don’t remember if your doctor is a specialist; how was your asthma diagnosed? Lung function tests are used to verify asthma; in some cases, especially cough variant asthma, results are not clear so a methacholine challenge test is administered. A chest x-ray is not routine for asthma, but might be given if other lung conditions are suspected, like TB. Ellis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’M NOT JUST A DEPRESSED HYPOCHONDRIAC! *This has been a dress rehearsal* Chilla

Response:

Thanks everyone, Are there also Intal nasal sprays?!! for sinus problems? I see the most beloved asthma doc tommorrow and will get together my armament today. Chilla

Response:

Thanks everyone, Are there also Intal nasal sprays?!! for sinus problems? I see the most beloved asthma doc tommorrow and will get together my armament today. Chilla

Yes. It’s called Nasalcrom, now available OTC. [for sinusitis you may need the more powerful steroid nasal sprays] Also there are cromolyn eye drops (Crolom). All forms of cromolyn are intended to treat Ige mediated allergic conditions. Ellis

Response:

<< Yes. It’s called Nasalcrom, now available OTC. [for sinusitis you may need the more powerful steroid nasal sprays] Also there are cromolyn eye drops (Crolom). All forms of cromolyn are intended to treat Ige mediated allergic conditions.   Thanks, Ellis. You’ve helped out alot in many ways. I wish I could get to try out the flovent and flonase again and see whether I get thrush this time. With these I could probably eliminate the need for Intal or singulair and the Deongestant in the claratinD (which you suggested is not good to use longterm and could in fact contribute to depression etc.). It would appear from the other postings that Flovent (and flonase) is a pretty good choice. I know what he’ll say though  "No no you’ll just get thrush again". And I’ll say "Please please please" and then I’ll cry and he’ll say "did you get those antidepressants?" and I’ll say "WHAT I NEED IS SOME FLOVENT!". The patient symptom chart from the web site you led me to also made me realize how much I cough. Peak flows are fine but I cough. At least this backs up my defense that my symptoms are real (why should I need to have a defence?).  At work I have to apologize and let people know that I’m not going to infect them with some cold virus. I also would think that I should have a chest xray, don’t you? Just to eliminate other worst case scenarios. I’M NOT JUST A DEPRESSED HYPOCHONDRIAC! *This has been a dress rehearsal* Chilla

Response:

What do people think of Intal (cromolyn sodium) as a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids?

    I find it very effective for EIA. Heard many olympians rave about it.  They were right!  It is very "easy" on the system.  4 puffs before, and you are good to go for several hours.      It does cut down on the amount of corticosteroids I need.  I use it 4×2 puffs per day along with two types of breathing exercises.     Not everyone responds to Intal, and I do not know why it has a cleaner feel than some. It was developed from work with khellin, a drug obtained by seeds of a certain Mediterranean plant(and used for centuries in folk medicine).       Run it by your Doctor. And consider yourself among the fortunate if it works for you. I think it’s a good one.                  Dave

Response:

my 5 yr old son just got out of th hospital for asthme and i had never heard of intal but that is what the prescribed.  It is a pain to have to use his machine 4 times a day(then goes to 3xs after a month then finalyy 2xs)  but it seems to comtrol it much better than steriods did and not as bad side effects Kim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What do people think of Intal (cromolyn sodium) as a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids? Does it work? Chilla

Response:

Hi, I hear it can work wonders for EIA, for many asthmatics.  However, in my case, I had a severe reaction to it and ended up in the hospital for a week.  Take care, Lisa

me too…had my worst (could have easily been fatal) attack whilst trying Intal…but I gather a lot of people find it better than Beclamethasone etc…I’d recommend giving it a go if it’s prescribed, but being careful for the first couple of weeks of treatment…that is, don’t go off on holiday and forget to pack a Ventolin like I did eric

Response:

That’ sounds awful.  My doctor did a PFT in his office before letting me try it.  I blew 120% of my predicted.  One puff made my lungs crash instantly.  Straight from his office to the hospital.  It was better that an ambulance ride  Good Luck and take care.  Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I hear it can work wonders for EIA, for many asthmatics.  However, in my case, I had a severe reaction to it and ended up in the hospital for a week.  Take care, Lisa me too…had my worst (could have easily been fatal) attack whilst trying Intal…but I gather a lot of people find it better than Beclamethasone etc…I’d recommend giving it a go if it’s prescribed, but being careful for the first couple of weeks of treatment…that is, don’t go off on holiday and forget to pack a Ventolin like I did eric

– Lisa M. DeSavage Hinsbar Laboratories, Inc. www.hinsbarlabs.com

Response:

Hi, I hear it can work wonders for EIA, for many asthmatics.  However, in my case, I had a severe reaction to it and ended up in the hospital for a week.  Take care, Lisa What do people think of Intal (cromolyn sodium) as a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids? Does it work? Chilla

– Lisa M. DeSavage Hinsbar Laboratories, Inc. www.hinsbarlabs.com

Response:

What do people think of Intal (cromolyn sodium) as a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids? Does it work? Chilla

It works for me. It’s really odd, but steroids actually make me worse wheras Intal controls my asthma very well. I got the idea of trying Intal after unsuccessfully using Vancenase to temporarily control hay fever and then having great results with Nasalcrom, which is the same chemical as Intal. I also try to stay away from steroids anyway as they are restricted or banned by the USOC and could get me into some trouble during competition. Annette

Response:

What do people think of Intal (cromolyn sodium) as a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids? Does it work? Chilla

Does it work… depends largely on each individual and their circumstance. AOL Online Pharmacy aol://4344:1655.onlpha99.12415826.611606826 [excerpt] Cromolyn Sodium Inhalant and Nasal   Principal Uses To control, through regular use, chronic bronchial asthma; or it may be used preventively just prior to exposure to certain conditions or substances (allergens such as pollen and dust mites, as well as cold air, chemicals, exercise, or air pollution) that can trigger an acute asthma attack (bronchospasm).   How the Drug Works Cromolyn sodium inhibits the release of histamine, a naturally occurring substance that causes swelling, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, hives, and other symptoms of allergic reaction, including those that occur in association with an asthma attack.   Precautions Over 60 No studies have been done, but no special problems are expected in older patients. Driving and Hazardous Work No special problems are expected. Alcohol No special precautions are necessary. Pregnancy In animal studies, large doses of cromolyn sodium have caused a decrease in successful pregnancies and a decrease in fetal weight. Human studies have not been done. Before taking cromolyn sodium, tell your doctor if you are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breast Feeding It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk. Mothers who wish to breast feed while taking this drug should discuss the matter with their doctor. Infants and Children The inhalation form of cromolyn sodium has not been shown to cause special problems in children. The nasal form has not been studied in children. Consult your pediatrician for specific advice. Special Concerns Clean the inhaler and other devices at least once a week.   Overdose Symptoms: None reported. What to Do: An overdose of cromolyn sodium is unlikely to be life-threatening. However, if someone takes a much larger dose than prescribed, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately.   Drug Interactions Before taking cromolyn sodium, check with your doctor if you are using any other prescription or over-the-counter drug.   Food Interactions No known food interactions.   Disease Interactions Before taking cromolyn sodium, consult your physician if you are undergoing treatment for any medical condition.   Sheldon On a recent Night Court rerun, Judge Harry Stone had a wonderful line: "I try to keep an open mind, but not so open that my brains fall out."

Response:

What do people think of Intal (cromolyn sodium) as a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids? Does it work? Chilla

It’s recommended as one of the alternatives to control Mild asthma; often recommended in preschool children since side effects are minimal in most; most effective when administered 4x/day by nebulizer. [The MDI version is a low dose so not as effect as nebulized] It’s generally not recommended to control serious exacerbations. It may take 2-3 weeks to take full effect. Some use it as an additive drug to inhaled steroids. (I use it 2 or 3x/day along with Pulmicort steroid inhaler.  My doctor says it helps about 10%; may have some steroid  sparing effect) Ellis

Response:

What do people think of Intal (cromolyn sodium) as a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids? Does it work? Chilla

Response:

What do people think of Intal (cromolyn sodium) as a substitute for inhaled corticosteroids? Does it work?

Depends entirely on the person.  It has a different mechanism of action than the steroids do. For SOME people, Intal is more powerful than steroids.  For most people, Intal is probably LESS powerful than steroids.  For some people it works very well, for others it really doesn’t do a significant amount to help them. SW.

Response:

Question:

I got sick yesterday, and I still light-headed and diaphoretic today.  I work at a Children’s hospital and am exposed to many different germs.  This has always strengthened my immune system and I rarely get sick. Now I have a bad head cold and it just progressed to diarrhea today. I have been doing Atkins for 8 days. I don’t have a scale at home so the last weight I have was my 6th day and I had lost 7 lbs. my ketones had been trace until today they are moderate. Any thoughts? Thanks Lori

Response:

I got sick yesterday, and I still light-headed and diaphoretic today.  I work at a Children’s hospital and am exposed to many different germs.  This has always strengthened my immune system and I rarely get sick. Now I have a bad head cold and it just progressed to diarrhea today. I have been doing Atkins for 8 days. I don’t have a scale at home so the last weight I have was my 6th day and I had lost 7 lbs. my ketones had been trace until today they are moderate. Any thoughts? Thanks Lori

Are you taking any vitamin C supplements? I would think this is essential on Atkins, given how little fruit & veg we get to eat. If you take no other supplements, take vit C – it’s essential for so many things. Personally, I take 4 g of it a day – your requirement may be different – but take some, preferably as the magnesium salt. To knock the cold on the head, take vit C/zinc/garlic – keep this up for a few days; don’t stop doing it just because the symptoms have gone away – they are only suppressed, and if you stop taking it, they will come right back. Carry on for several days to kill the bugs outright. Also, if you can, give yourself an enema. I’m serious. This flushes out the toxins in your bowel that are making you feel so awful. This really does the trick for me when I have a bad cold. Hope you feel better soon. — Rosiebint, Bitch-Trollop from Hell 262/229.5/182 Atkins since 10th June 1999 32.5 pounds lost so far

Response:

I’m no doctor Lori, but I doubt if you being sick and your dieting is linked. It’s just that time of year around here.  DH just now getting over a nasty case of what the doctor called "walking pneumonia" with  "bronchial asthma" .    Take good care of yourself,  lots of fluids, and get to a doctor for some antibiotics if needed. Susan S – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got sick yesterday, and I still light-headed and diaphoretic today.  I work at a Children’s hospital and am exposed to many different germs.  This has always strengthened my immune system and I rarely get sick. Now I have a bad head cold and it just progressed to diarrhea today. I have been doing Atkins for 8 days. I don’t have a scale at home so the last weight I have was my 6th day and I had lost 7 lbs. my ketones had been trace until today they are moderate. Any thoughts? Thanks Lori

Response:

    Well, I can think of three possible situations here: 1) It was your turn to get sick, and an exceptionally obliging virus happened to be floating around; 2) You have a lot of toxins stored in your bodyfat, and as you burn the fat and re-release the toxins into your bloodstream, you’re temporarily overtaxing your immune system; or 3) You’re in extra-funky carb shock like I was.     No matter which of these you think it is, take all your vitamins, drink lots and lots of water, and get plenty of rest, and it will pass. — Cassie 327/285.5/152 (June 28, 1999) For email, please use czeps [at] home [dot] com ICQ# 45469210 (authorization lowcarb)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I got sick yesterday, and I still light-headed and diaphoretic today.  I work at a Children’s hospital and am exposed to many different germs.  This has always strengthened my immune system and I rarely get sick. Now I have a bad head cold and it just progressed to diarrhea today. I have been doing Atkins for 8 days. I don’t have a scale at home so the last weight I have was my 6th day and I had lost 7 lbs. my ketones had been trace until today they are moderate. Any thoughts? Thanks Lori

Response:

Question:

The precautions did not give enough emphasis to the fluid retention problem.  It can and does cause heart attacks.  A friend of mine died with a heart attack after only 4 days of Prednisone due to fluid accumulation around his heart. Ray T.

Response:

I have had this sent to me and feel that as so many of Athritis Warriors ask about Prednisone etc I thought I would pass it along.Here are the description and side effects of prednisone and prednisolone. Hope this might help clarify things for those who don’t understand the workings and effects etc. ConnieD. :generic name: prednisone, oral : :BRAND names: DELTASONE, LIQUID PRED : RUG CLASS: Prednisone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid. :Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal glands :located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent :anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory :conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin :rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. There :are numerous preparations of corticosteroids including oral tablets, :capsules, liquids, topical creams and gels, inhalers and eye drops, :injectable and intravenous solutions. Prednisone which is prescribed in oral :tablet and liquid forms is addressed in this article. : osage requirements of corticosteroids vary among individuals and the :diseases being treated. In general, the lowest possible effective dose is :used. Corticosteroids given in multiple doses throughout the day are more :effective, but also more toxic, than if the same total dose is given once :daily, or every other day. : :GENERIC: yes RESCRIPTION: yes : REPARATIONS: tablets: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 50mg; LIQUID PRED is an oral :liquid prednisone: 5mg/5ml (teaspoon) : :STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container, avoid moisture. LIQUID RED is stored at 39-77degrees F. : RESCRIBED FOR: Prednisone is used to achieve prompt suppression of :inflammation in many inflammatory and allergic conditions. Examples of :inflammatory conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, acute :gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s :disease. Severe allergic conditions that fail conventional treatment may :also respond to prednisone. Examples include bronchial asthma, allergic :rhinitis, drug-induced dermatitis, and contact and atopic dermatitis. :Chronic skin conditions treated with prednisone include dermatitis :herpetiformis, pemphigus, severe psoriasis and severe seborrheic dermatitis. :Chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions of the uvea, iris, conjunctiva :and optic nerves of the eyes are also treated with prednisone. : rednisone is also used in the treatment of blood cell cancers (leukemias), :and lymph gland cancers (lymphomas). Blood diseases involving destruction of :platelets by the body’s own immune cells (idiopathic thrombocytopenia :purpura), and destruction of red blood cells by immune cells (autoimmune :hemolytic anemia) can also be treated with prednisone. Other miscellaneous :conditions treated with this medication include thyroiditis and sarcoidosis. :Finally, prednisone is used as a hormone replacement in patients whose :adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of corticosteroids. : ROPER USE: Should be taken with food. : RECAUTIONS: Prolonged use of prednisone can depress the ability of body’s :adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping prednisone in :these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, with :accompanying nausea, vomiting, and even shock. Therefore, withdrawal of :prednisone is usually accomplished by gradual tapering. Gradually tapering :prednisone not only minimizes the symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, :it also reduces the risk of an abrupt flare of the disease under treatment. : rednisone and other corticosteroids can mask signs of infection and impair :the body’s natural immune response to infection. Patients on corticosteroids :are more susceptible to infections, and can develop more serious infections :than healthy individuals. For instance, chicken pox and measles viruses can :produce serious and even fatal illnesses in patients on high doses of :prednisone. Live virus vaccines, such as the small pox vaccine, should be :avoided in patients taking high doses of prednisone, since even vaccine :viruses may cause disease in these patients. Some infectious organisms, such :as tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, can remain dormant in a patient for years. rednisone and other corticosteroids can reactivate dormant infections in :these patients and cause serious illnesses. Patients with dormant TB may :require anti-TB medications while undergoing prolonged corticosteroid :treatment. : :By interfering with the patient’s immune response, prednisone can impede the :effectiveness of vaccinations. Prednisone can also interfere with the :tuberculin skin test and cause false negative results in patients with :dormant TB infection. : rednisone impairs calcium absorption and new bone formation. Patients on :prolonged treatment with prednisone and other corticosteroids can develop steoporosis and an increased risk of bone fractures. Supplemental calcium :and vitamin D are encouraged to slow this process of bone thinning. In rare :individuals, destruction of large joints can occur while undergoing :treatment with prednisone or other corticosteroids. These patients :experience severe pain in the joints involved, and can require joint :replacements. The reason behind such destruction is not clear. Prednisone :can be used in pregnancy, but is generally avoided. : :SIDE EFFECTS: Prednisone side effects depend on the dose, the duration and :the frequency of administration. Short courses of prednisone are usually :well tolerated with few and mild side effects. Long term, high doses of :prednisone will usually produce predictable, and potentially serious side :effects. Whenever possible, the lowest effective doses of prednisone should :be used for the shortest possible length of time to minimize side effects. :Alternate day dosing can also help reduce side effects. : :Side effects of prednisone and other corticosteroids range from mild :annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damages. Side effects include :fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, :muscle weakness, puffiness of and hair growth on the face, thinning and easy :bruising of the skin, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, worsening of :diabetes, irregular menses, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and :psychic disturbances. Psychic disturbances can include depression, euphoria, :insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and even psychotic behavior. The :bone and joint complications of corticosteroids are discussed above in RECAUTIONS. : : :—- :generic name: prednisolone : :BRAND names: PREDNISOLONE, PEDIAPRED ORAL LIQUID, MEDROL : RUG CLASS: Prednisolone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid. :Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal glands :located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent :anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory :conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin :rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. There :are numerous preparations of corticosteroids including oral tablets, :capsules, liquids, topical creams and gels, inhalers and eye drops, and :injectable and intravenous solutions. Prednisolone that is prescribed in ral tablet and liquid forms is addressed in this article. : osage requirements of corticosteroids vary among individuals and the :diseases being treated. In general, the lowest possible effective dose is :used. Corticosteroids given in multiple doses throughout the day are more :effective, but also more toxic, than if the same total dose is given once :daily, or every other day. : :GENERIC: yes RESCRIPTION: yes : REPARATIONS: tablets: 2mg, 4mg, 8mg, 12mg, 16mg, 24mg, 32mg; PEDIAPRED is :an oral liquid: 5mg/5ml (teaspoon); PRELONE SYRUP is an oral liquid: :15mg/5ml (teaspoon) : :STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container. Store PEDIAPRED at :39-77 degrees F. : RESCRIBED FOR: Prednisolone is used to achieve prompt suppression of :inflammation in many inflammatory and allergic conditions. Examples of :inflammatory conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, acute :gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s :disease. Severe allergic conditions that fail conventional treatment may :also respond to prednisolone. Examples include bronchial asthma, allergic :rhinitis, drug-induced dermatitis, and contact and atopic dermatitis. :Chronic skin conditions treated with prednisolone include dermatitis :herpetiformis, pemphigus, severe psoriasis and severe seborrheic dermatitis. :Chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions of the uvea, iris, conjunctiva :and optic nerves of the eyes are also treated with prednisolone. : rednisolone is also used in the treatment of blood cell cancers leukemias), and lymph gland cancers (lymphomas). Blood diseases involving :destruction of platelets by the body’s own immune cells (idiopathic :thrombocytopenia purpura), and destruction of red blood cells by immune :cells (autoimmune hemolytic anemia) can also be treated with prednisolone. :Other miscellaneous conditions treated with this medication include :thyroiditis and sarcoidosis. Finally, prednisolone is used as a hormone :replacement in patients whose adrenal glands are unable to produce :sufficient amounts of corticosteroids. : ROPER USE: Should be taken with food. : RECAUTIONS: Prolonged use of prednisolone can depress the ability of body’s :adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping prednisolone in :these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, with :accompanying nausea, vomiting and even shock. Therefore, withdrawal of … read more »

Response:

Question:

Ok, I see now. You’re just an anti-vaccine person using unsubstantiated "facts" to dissuade people from getting vaccinations. I’m afraid most people are going to be a bit too bright to base their decision to vaccinate or not vaccinate on facts that when you are asked to validate you cannot back up, but can only say are "the standard medical pitch". People can decide for themselves without that kind of misinformation, thanks. Diana Walker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For people who are already immune compromised, the alst thing you need is a flu shot.  Even most honest M.D.’s these days are dissuading the elderly and immune defficient patients from getting flu shots.  The only thing that they guarantee is that the person getting the shot is exposed to the flu.  There’s absolutely no scientific data to substantaite that they provide any immunity to the flu.  The shots have in fact ben blamed for causing paralysis and even death in some cases…..

Response:

Anne-Claire, Oooh, Portugal, I want to visit there someday. I’ve only been as close as France. I’m a microbiology major so I may be able to explain this a bit… I’ll give it a go. Manufacturer: OM Scientific Name: OM-85 BV Composition: lysate of eight bacterial pathogens of the respiratory tract with  immunomodulatory properties.(Haemophilus influenzae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae e ozaenae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes e viridans, Neisseria catarrhalis).

Ok, "lysate of bacterial pathogens" – this means that they take cells of bacteria that commonly cause respiratory tract infections, then kill those cells while preserving the cell envelope. The cell envelope is the part that our bodies react to and create antibodies to. But instead of having to fight off the disease, this process should essentially let our bodies know what the cell envelopes of these bacteria look like so that when they appear again we will have antibodies ready. This in turn should allow our bodies to kill the live bacteria when we are exposed to them. This is the "immunomodulatory properties" part. Essentially, this product should act like a vaccine. It has to be taken in advance of an illness. There is a big BUT here. This is only effective for diseases that are bacterial in origin, and from the bacteria that are in the medication in deactivated form. Many "colds and flus" are viral in origin, against which this medication would have no effect whatsoever. Another thing to look at is that this vaccine-like inhaler will only help prevent bacterial respiratory infections as long as your son’s immune system is functioning properly. If he has a low immune system that isn’t functioning correctly it could be failing to produce enough antibodies even though it does recognize the infections. If you haven’t already, you should have your doctor check the IgG and IgG subclass levels in your son’s blood, and a humoral immune evaluation. the IgG levels will tell if your son has an appropriate number of immuneglobulin, and the humoral immune evaluation will tell if the cells he does have can effectively mount an antibody reaction to pathogens. I hope this makes sense & helps a little bit. It is my guess that the medication is helping, but that your son is getting colds that are largely viral in origin. But you should check with your doctor, as always. Diana Walker

Response:

Diana, yes, it helps and I think I understand a little more the mecanism of this medicine. And about these tests: If you haven’t already, you should have your doctor check the IgG and IgG subclass levels in your son’s blood, and a humoral immune evaluation. the IgG levels will tell if your son has an appropriate number of immuneglobulin, and the humoral immune evaluation will tell if the cells he does have can effectively mount an antibody reaction to pathogens.

My son had done these tests last year but it may be a good idea to do them again.I will speak to his doctor. I hope this makes sense & helps a little bit.

Yes it does! At least I can start looking in that direction! It is my guess that the medication is helping, but that your son is getting colds that are largely viral in origin. But you should check with your doctor, as always. Diana Walker

And I always been told that a cold gets cured in1 week (that is the positive way of thinking) or in 7 days (that’s the pessimist way). Anyway, our doctor thinks that my son has a kind of asthma that may get better as he grows old. I hope he is right but so far I have not seen signs of it. Thanks Diana! Anne-Claire Tavares

Response:

Anne, Colds can last much longer than that in someone who is ill with another problem, like asthma… it’s all based on your body’s ability to fight off the infection. When your resources are stretched with asthma & allergies, your body can have a harder time fighting infections. Then the asthma can worsen making it even more difficult for your body to shrug off the infection… it’s a vicious cycle. At any rate, if your son is not currently being given a flu shot every fall, you might ask your doctor about that. It is on ly good against a certain strain of the flu virus, but it is good protection for people who are at risk. Diana Walker And I always been told that a cold gets cured in1 week (that is the positive way of thinking) or in 7 days (that’s the pessimist way). Anyway, our doctor thinks that my son has a kind of asthma that may get better as he grows old. I hope he is right but so far I have not seen signs of

it.

Response:

Yes, I have been thinking of giving him a flu shot but I have to ask the doctor if it’s not too late. Here, the autum has already started and leaves are falling at a higher rate! Anyway, my son is due to a monthly visit to the doctor and I will have a lot of new questions to ask… Anne-Claire – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At any rate, if your son is not currently being given a flu shot every fall, you might ask your doctor about that. It is on ly good against a certain strain of the flu virus, but it is good protection for people who are at risk. Diana Walker

Response:

I think I will try to find information about this book via Internet because I don’t know anyone in US. Thanks for the tip. Anne-Claire – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I guess the place to start looking for information would be the physicians desk reference as it is called in this country.  It is a big book with all the drugs we use in the US.

Response:

For people who are already immune compromised, the alst thing you need is a flu shot.  Even most honest M.D.’s these days are dissuading the elderly and immune defficient patients from getting flu shots.  The only thing that they guarantee is that the person getting the shot is exposed to the flu.  There’s absolutely no scientific data to substantaite that they provide any immunity to the flu.  The shots have in fact ben blamed for causing paralysis and even death in some cases…..

Response:

First of all, I live in Portugal (that’s why my english may seem incorrect) and I don’t know if Broncho-Vaxom is available in US. Here, it is only sold in pharmacy and with a prescription. There are two dosages of the drug: child and adult. It is suposed to increase the resistance to colds, sinusitis etc… Since my child has most of his asthma crisis when he has colds, my doctor recommended this drug. I will try to translate the notice inside the box: Manufacturer: OM Scientific Name: OM-85 BV Composition: lysate of eight bacterial pathogens of the respiratory tract with  immunomodulatory properties.(Haemophilus influenzae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae e ozaenae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes e viridans, Neisseria catarrhalis). For children: 3,5mg. For adults: 7mg. Indications: It is used in prophylaxis of respiratory tract infections. Helps preventing infections and helps to stop infections from becoming chronic. Recommended when there ares acute and chronic bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, ear infection, etc.. Dosage: for acute situations, 1 dose per day for a minimum of 10 days.              for prevention, 1 dose per day during 10 days, repeat during 3 months. As you see, this product is not specifically indicated for asthma but may help. However I have not seen improvement in my son’s colds… and subsequently asthma. I have been doing some research on the Internet about Broncho-Vaxom but I have only found (very) scientific stuff that I don’t understand and I was hoping I coul hear from other people. Thanks Anne-Claire Tavares I have a 5 years old son with bronchial asthma and he usually gets much worse when he gets a cold. My doctor said to give him broncho-vaxom

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve never heard of "broncho-vaxom".  What kind of drug is this?  I’m curious..What part of the world are you writing from.  I’m in the US maybe this is a drug not available here.  I would like to know where I can find such a drug.  Is this found in health food stores.

Response:

That drug sounds interesting.  Sounds like it is some sort of antibiotic or immune system booster. I guess the place to start looking for information would be the physicians desk reference as it is called in this country.  It is a big book with all the drugs we sue in the US.  I’m sure you have some sort of similar book. I’m interested in the details.  Thanks for the enlightenment.  I’m finding that in different countries they have interesting ways of dealing with illness. good luck on you search. "listen here ye little children and remember the truth how ever so pain, will set you free." Seek to find the joy in the truth…..

Response:

That drug sounds interesting.  Sounds like it is some sort of antibiotic or immune system booster. I guess the place to start looking for information would be the physicians desk reference as it is called in this country.  It is a big book with all the drugs we sue in the US.  

This may have been a typo, but it still captures well what the PDR *really* seems to be used for (no matter what goes wrong, blame the drug company. Sometimes it _is_ their fault, but not always…) Scott T."he Physican’s Desk Reference is nice, but it works even better when the doctor/pharmacist *read* it."

Response:

yes, that was a typo I meant "used for"  not sue. That drug sounds interesting.  Sounds like it is some sort of antibiotic or immune system booster. I guess the place to start looking for information would be the physicians desk reference as it is called in this country.  It is a big book with all the drugs we sue in the US.  

This may have been a typo, but it still captures well what the PDR *really* seems to be used for (no matter what goes wrong, blame the drug company. Sometimes it _is_ their fault, but not always…) Scott T."he Physican’s Desk Reference is nice, but it works even better when the doctor/pharmacist *read* it." "listen here ye little children and remember the truth how ever so pain, will set you free." Seek to find the joy in the truth…..

Response:

Question:

ASTHMA – TRIAL BY FIRE – OR LACK THEREOF Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. These are 1/ the hot flush to the face, hands and feet, and 2/ the improvement in the regularity of bowel movements (digestion being combustive by nature).         We can find out more about this heat if we consider its colleague carbon di-oxide. By the end of the maximum pause, thanks to the Bohr effect, we have boosted the carbon di-oxide and oxygen levels in our lung gas. Now normally we would say that carbon di-oxide is produced as a result of a process of combustion i.e. oxygen + combustible material + fire = Carbon di-oxide + ash or whatever.         If we take La Voisers law that nothing is lost in a process of transformation and if we work backwards then we can say that the increased carbon di-oxide gas in the lungs as a result of the maximum pause has caused the increase in fiery activity in the body.         Hence to improve the immune system of a man which has been depleted by deep respiration and the attendant low carbon di-oxide levels, instead of only looking at breathing techniques, we can look at all ways of increasing the ‘FIRE’ in a man. This means considering all his levels of being:- Spirit, Soul and Mind, as well as body.         In fact, if we only attempt to change a man’s fiery activity by breath holding then we could cause damage at these other three conjunctures from which it is seeking to manifest itself.         At Man’s level of spirit, fire expresses itself in the form of activity. At Man’s level of soul, fire expresses itself in the form of knowledge. At Man’s level of mind, fire expresses itself in the form of curiosity.         Since the chest is the fire centre of the human body (the head being air, the stomach, water and the legs, earth) then each of the forms above, activity, knowledge and curiosity must begin and end within the cardio-vascular-respiratory system. Thus they will only operate fully by using the heart, by ‘LOVING’ our activities, our learning and our seeking.                                                              John G. Wilson. For more on this subject you may e-mail — ~XXX

Response:

"Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. Th…" This has got to be the best example of pseudo-scientific twaddle ever written – surely sir, you can not be serious!! – Chris

Response:

ASTHMA – TRIAL BY FIRE – OR LACK THEREOF Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. These are 1/ the hot flush to the face, hands and feet, and 2/ the improvement in the regularity of bowel movements (digestion being combustive by nature).    We can find out more about this heat if we consider its colleague carbon di-oxide. By the end of the maximum pause, thanks to the Bohr effect, we have boosted the carbon di-oxide and oxygen levels in our lung gas. Now normally we would say that carbon di-oxide is produced as a result of a process of combustion i.e. oxygen + combustible material + fire = Carbon di-oxide + ash or whatever.

Wouldn’t a better explanation be that the flush is from the expansion of capillaries in the face? I take it that science is not something you are good at. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

Response:

Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. These are 1/ the hot flush to the face, hands and feet, and 2/ the improvement in the regularity of bowel movements (digestion being combustive by nature). This is not Buteyko.  Buteyko is based on physiology and does not involve power of positive thinking, religions, vitamins and minerals or any "fire" in the lungs.   KP Buteyko is not a religious person and did not intend people to interpret the results of using his techniques in this way.  You are creating your own theory and therefore its not Buteyko.  

This is a direct quote from what is claimed to be Mr. Buteykos ‘clinical trial’ (IMO is was not a cliniacl trial because it lacked the basic methodology required for a clinical trial). "Fifteen experienced ’sanogenes’ (self-cleansing’) reactions, manifesting, themselves through nervous excitement, chills, raised temperatures (up to 39C), headaches, muscular pains, intestinal pains, chest pains, weakness and hypersecretion of mucus.  Some experienced appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, thirst, excessive salivation (smelling of their medication) and increased urination and defecation. These reactions lasted from a few hours to two days and happened 2 to 3 times. The time in the condition of the patient was relative to the length of the controlled pause*. " Do you accept this as part of ‘Buteyko Theory’?  Or are there problems with Mr. Buteykos credibility as a researcher. Please note: the above is a cut-and-paste from the article posted at the UK Buteyko site. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. These are 1/ the hot flush to the face, hands and feet, and 2/ the improvement in the regularity of bowel movements (digestion being combustive by nature). This is not Buteyko.  Buteyko is based on physiology and does not involve power of positive thinking, religions, vitamins and minerals or any "fire" in the lungs.   KP Buteyko is not a religious person and did not intend people to interpret the results of using his techniques in this way.  You are creating your own theory and therefore its not Buteyko.   This is a direct quote from what is claimed to be Mr. Buteykos ‘clinical trial’ (IMO is was not a cliniacl trial because it lacked the basic methodology required for a clinical trial). "Fifteen experienced ’sanogenes’ (self-cleansing’) reactions, manifesting, themselves through nervous excitement, chills, raised temperatures (up to 39C), headaches, muscular pains, intestinal pains, chest pains, weakness and hypersecretion of mucus.  Some experienced appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, thirst, excessive salivation (smelling of their medication) and increased urination and defecation. These reactions lasted from a few hours to two days and happened 2 to 3 times. The time in the condition of the patient was relative to the length of the controlled pause*. " Do you accept this as part of ‘Buteyko Theory’?  Or are there problems with Mr. Buteykos credibility as a researcher.

The original post lay claim to that the lungs were somehow spiritual organs of fire and lay claim to the belief that Buteyko was somehow part of this. Since when has Buteyko’s theory mentioned anything to do with fire of the lungs – the spirituality of the lungs??  Never.  Buteyko is based on the sound physiology.  I simply cut the message short refering to the fact that Buteyko is not a form of spiritual treatment and the theory he is basing it on is not Buteyko. I accept the results of KP Buteyko’s trial except I would expect to see it more as an observation than a trial.  We have had a number of problems with the intial translations the words aren’t always correct.   In your hasty criticism you also forgot to mention the results and the severity of the asthmatics: Of the 52 children 47 (90%) were regular hospital patients and only 5 (10%) did not require hospitalisation. Forty-three (83%) of the patients showed considerable improvement and nine (17%) showed some improvement. There were no cases showing no improvement. The average period of hospitalisation was 16 days. All the patients with bronchial asthma (52) improved in the first four days. They could breathe freely through the nose and their coughs and wheezing disappeared. Also just to confirm pCO2 of the arterial blood increased from 24.6 to 36.3 mmHg. http://www.cix.co.uk/~reardo/clinical.htm Regards Robert

Response:

I accept the results of KP Buteyko’s trial except I would expect to see it more as an observation than a trial.  We have had a number of problems with the intial translations the words aren’t always correct.   In your hasty criticism you also forgot to mention the results and the severity of the asthmatics:

<deleted Since I do not accept Mr. Buteykos trial as valid science I likewise do not accept his results as reliable. My quote was an example of why the trial should be viewed with scepticism.  Remember the rule: "garbage in = garbage out."  If the test was not conducted in accordance to standard scientefic protocols then the results cannot be relied upon. BTW – if you are uncertain as to the accuracy of the translation – I feel that it is unethical not to advise any readers of the report that there may be translation errors. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I accept the results of KP Buteyko’s trial except I would expect to see it more as an observation than a trial.  We have had a number of problems with the intial translations the words aren’t always correct. In your hasty criticism you also forgot to mention the results and the severity of the asthmatics: <deleted Since I do not accept Mr. Buteykos trial as valid science I likewise do not accept his results as reliable. My quote was an example of why the trial should be viewed with scepticism.  Remember the rule: "garbage in = garbage out."  If the test was not conducted in accordance to standard scientefic protocols then the results cannot be relied upon.

Something helped all the patients reduce their asthma symptoms. So if thats what you want for yourself perhaps you should look further into the technique. Dave.

Response:

Sure Colin.  Remember your opinion is not important.  You are yet to produce any evidence scientific or otherwise to support this view.  The only evidence that has made you reach this conclusion is the fact that Buteyko works for asthmatics.  

Both myself and others have posted our references to articles on asthma and hyperventilation syndrome.  These articles can be found at both the Asmanet and JAMA web sites. You can link to those sites from my Asthma Quack ‘Cures’ Page: http://home.pacbell.net/colin/index.html On the other hand I have presented evidence to support the view that asthmatics do suffer from hyperventilation and you are still yet to demonstrate that asthmatics breathe at a normal rate and have normal levels of CO2.

I have not bothered.  There is no need for me to do this as there has been no established link between ‘overbreathing’ and asthma.  The only established link between hyperventilation and bronchoconstriction is described as ‘Hyperventilation Syndrome.’ I have repeatably asked you for a current reference where the researchers conclude that hyperventilation causes asthma. Question – do you even accept that the medical condition called Hyperventilation Syndrome even exists?   ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

Response:

Question – do you even accept that the medical condition called Hyperventilation Syndrome even exists?  

Yes, I accept that it exists – I have read that approximately 10% of the population suffer from it.  I think that the role of hyperventilation in many diseases is underestimated – lack of oxygenation and carbon dioxide can effect smooth muscle throughout the body.   However, the difference basically between the two is that asthma  involves inflammation whereas hyperventilation syndrome doesn’t.  I have already stated that Buteyko views that asthma involves inflammation.  Formerly I had no evidence to validate this  however I have found a number of researchers from whom have reached the same conclusions as Buteyko.   "It is known that low levels of carbon dioxide levels in the blood will alter the activity of mast cells causing them to release histamine which can inturn produce various allergic symptoms."  (The Hazards Of Heavy Breathing, New Scientist 3 December 1988 – summarising the work of current researchers into hyperventilation and the diseases it causes) Also: Bradley D, 1994. Hyperventilation Syndrome Revised Edition, Tandem Press, New Zealand. This is very significant as should this statement be true it provides evidence that hyperventilation precedes asthma and therefore reverses current asthma thinking.  This will help to confirm Buteyko’s theory. I also accept that there is an overlap between hyperventilation syndrome and asthma.  Asthmatics often suffer from tiredness, lack of energy, poor sleep – many of the symptoms also suffered by people with hyperventilation.  I can also accept that doctors may misdiagnose the two as evidenced by the commentary on asmanet.   I will not accept that all 2500 asthmatics in New Zealand were misdiagnosed with hyperventilation because Buteyko worked for them.  Besides the application of Buteyko asthma exercises will often trigger panic attacks in those people with hyperventilation syndrome thus disproving your *theory*. Buteyko recognises the difference between hyperventilation syndrome and asthma and treats the two diseases accordingly.  I also will not accept that the asthmatics in the Brisbane trials suffered hyperventilation syndrome and not asthma. The medical’s establishment has also recently change its view towards Buteyko in NZ which can be highlighted with our recent inclusion to lecture at the Annual National Conference of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Of New Zealand.   Robert Stark http://www.buteyko.co.nz/

Response:

I am now very tired of the Beteyko argument that has been occurring on this newsgroup for an incredibly long time.  I am a severe uncontrolled asthmatic who feels that I have the right to make up my own mind about things, I’m sure pother people feel the same way. I also have the general ability to understand physiology and I have the ability to read, if I wanted to undertake anything I would do so.  I think we now have been told the address for Butekyo enough for a visit to the site if it was thought necessary.  I think perhaps now that everyone has been introduce to the technique then perhaps the argument can be left alone as there is very little support in the continuing battle for superiority that is happening. Thank you.

Response:

Question:

To Whom It May Concern: Please accept my apology for posting the same article, ERNESTO "CHE" GUEVARA more than once. It was done by mistake and I wholeheartedly regret the blunder. I know of no way to correct the mishap, other than to say:              I’M VERY, VERY SORRY!

Response:

                           ERNESTO "CHE" GUEVARA                                     By                               Richard M. Ruiz   Much has been written about Ernesto "Che" Guevara, but none describe the man as I knew him. I am 65 years old, and yes I knew El Che. El Che that I knew was a man of conscience, a crusader against injustice, oppression and misery. Ernesto was a man concerned for the poor, not a demagogue. He was a symbol of rebellion against hypocrisy, injustice, human suffering and a society without soul.    In the midst of the confusion about El Che and Latin American, some quiet reflection on the matter seems to be in order. There two sides to every coin, and the truth about the man I knew is probably to be found somewhere between two extremes. But here in the United States people are seldom able to evaluate both sides of the man without divorcing themselves from the prejudice that rules their minds.    At the time when some of us were active in promoting changes, Latin America was the classic continent of military dictatorship and pronunciamientos of coup di’ etat in which one military tyrant was replaced by another, and often with the blessings of the American government, whose only interest was in the Americas  natural resources. That’s where Ernesto Che Guevara came into the picture.    Guevara grew up in a regimented society. He saw the unfairness of the American’s evaluation of the oppression inflicted by the military tyrants in Latin America and declared a personal war against it. Born Ernesto Guevara de la Serna on June 14, 1928, in Rosario Argentina to Ernesto Guevara Lynch, a Civil Engineer of Irish descent, and Celia de la Serna of Spanish descent. Ernesto was the eldest of five children of the middle- class family with strong liberal tendencies. During his childhood, Ernesto developed bronchial asthma; a choking sensation that would always accompany him. As one stood next to him, one could hear a wheezing sound coming from his lungs whenever he got too uptight about anything that didn’t go his way.    Although he was called cold and inhuman by his enemies, Ernesto was warm and compassionate toward those people deprived of fundamental social andeconomic privileges. The latter was a dominant part of his life; the partthat made him the world’s most known insurrectionist. He was a man thattrembled with indignation at the sight of any injustice committed against the poor.    In 1952, El Che disengaged himself from his school work to tour South America with Alberto Granados, a pharmacist and a biochemist. The journey started on a motorcycle and ended-up in hitchhiking. They visited Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. It was in Peru where for the first time Ernesto "Che" Guevara came in close contact with South America’s Indian masses. He saw how the Indians of the Peruvian high plateau, whose ancestors were the great Incas, were being exploited and brutalized by foreign investors. Later on he cried when he saw the brutal inhumanity of the lepers in San Pablo Leprosarium, located along the Amazon River. After spending a few weeks around the Leprosarium, Ernesto returned to Argentina where he resumed his studies at the Medical School in Buenos Aires. Granados stayed behind as an employee of the Leprosarium.    However, After his graduation from Medical School, El Che once again set out to visit Granados and tour other countries of Latin America. In Guayaquil, Ecuador, he met Ricardo Rojo, Argentinean attorney who had been expelled from his Country by dictator Juan Domingo Peron. Rojo convinced Ernesto to go to Guatemala where a real social revolution was taking place. That’s where I met Ernesto "Che" Guevarra. I was in Guatemala City with a group of students trying to convince the people of Guatemala to fight for their democratic elected government, under the presidency of Jacobo Arbenz.    Arbenz was elected by promising land to the landless Indians who were dying of starvation. As a result he expropriated 225,000 of uncultivated acres of arable land from the American Fruit Company who was monopolizing Guatemala’s agriculture. The move became too much to bear by the American Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, also a stockholder and an attorney for the American Fruit Company. Therefore, in March 1954, Dulles accused the Arbenz government of being a communist regime and succeeded in forcing the AOSmembers to prepare a mercenary invasion force in neighboring Honduras. Cherecognized the necessity of the land reform, and supported Jacobo Arbenz actions against the American Fruit Company and tried to organize a fighting force to resist the CIA sponsored invasion of Guatemala. Howeverhis efforts availed him nothing. The people and the Guatemalan Army, whose high echelons sold out to the CIA, refused to fight. The Arbenz government collapsed ahead of the invasion. For El Che, it was a personal failurethat nearly cost him his life. Luckily, he was given asylum in the Argentine Embassy in Guatemala City. Later arrangement was made to securehim a guarantee of safe conduct so he could travel to Mexico City. While in Mexico City, El Che married Hilda Gadea Acosta, a girl he first met in Guatemala while she was working for the Arbenz government. A female childwas born out of the marriage and all went smoothly until Ernesto met Raul Castro, Fidel’s brother.    However, immediately after Che met Fidel Castro, who at the time was preparing the plans for the Cuban invasion out of the Hotel Imperial in Mexico City, Guevarra managed to talk himself into the plan as the troop physician. The sixty-two men invasion force left Mexico in a 43-foot yacht named Gramma on November 25, 1956, from the port of Tuxpan. After landing in Cuba Ernesto "Che" Guevara rose to the rank of major.   Less publicized than his legendary epoch as a guerrilla, Che Guevara’s work as one of the builders of the new society represented a very fruitful period in his life. Che’s talents in that context were already apparent during the battles of the Sierra Maestra, where he organized workshop of weaponry, tailoring and shoemaking and the production of bread, beef jerky, cigarettes and cigars as logistical support for the guerrilla campaign. Then in late 1958, He led one of the forces that invadedcentral Cuba, capturing Santa Clara. That was the decisive victory of the war against the forces of Fulgencio Batista.    After the revolution, El Che held various positions in government from where he reoriented Cuba industry towards socialism, establishing concepts that ranged from the infrastructure to the smallest production unit. He was the driving force behind socialist planning, creatively applying to this system the principles, criteria and objectives identified with Fidel Castro, although he was not interested in power. Then, in April, 1965, Che wrote the following letter to Fidel Castro:    "I formally renounce my position in the national leadership of the party, my post as minister, my rank as major, and my Cuban Citizenship… other nations of the world call for my modest efforts."    In mid-1965, Che wrote his parents: "Once again I feel between my heels the ribs of Rosinante; once more I must hit the road with my shield upon my arm…I believe in armed struggle as the only solution for those peoples who fight to free themselves, and I am consistent with my belief. Many will call me an adventurer, and I am, only, one of a different sort; one of those who risks his skin to prove his platitudes. It is possible this may be the finish. I don’t seek it, but it’s within the realm of probabilities."    In his last letter to his children, he said: "Grow up as good revolutionaries. Study hard so that you will have command of the techniques that permit the domination of nature. Above all, always remain capable of feeling deeply whatever injustice is committed against anyone in any part of the world. This is the finest quality of a revolutionary."    In October 8, 1967, in his struggle against injustice he was captured near Vallegrande, Bolivia, by a unit of the Bolivian Army, under the direction of the American CIA. Next day, while he laid wounded and deprived of medical treatment, he was killed in cold blood by the cowards who have captured him. The order came from Lyndon B. Johnson, president of the United States of America.

Response:

Question:

please send me information regarding magnesium regime.  I have a 13 year old son, recently diagnosed with sevre asthma.  I woul like to explore aternativs to the standard steroid treatments. Thank you

Response:

All three nights I did not take my Aerobid steroid inhaler doses.  I did not wheeze.

Mike, glad to hear you did not wheeze, but I’ve got to say, Aerobid isn’t something that works on the spot, it is a preventative medicine. No matter how good you feel, if taking aerobid is part of your daily meds you shouldn’t stop it just because you feel better for a few days, or because you want to run some sort of test on yourself.  YOu could end up feeling much worse as a result.

Response:

Hi! I have Intrinsic Bronchial Asthma.  I turned 44 in July {1995}.  I’ve had asthma since birth.  I’m allergic to a lot of environmentals, as well a lot of foods.   It has made surviving a challenge. I spent two years at SunAir Home For Asthmatic Children in Tujunga California.  I made some discoveries there as well as being an asthmatic guinea pig.  My most important discovery was about bladders, and visceral plumbing contributing to asthma attacks.  Get clear to breathe clear. I’ve been researching various news databases for stories on asthma.  The best new one was about freezing pillows and Teddy bears to kill dust mites. I’ve come up with some survival techniques that helped me have only one visit to the Emergency Room In the 1980’s, and only one so far in the 1990’s, ( now two see other posting). I had at least 30 visits to the Emergency Room in the 1970’s.   In the 1980’s I got rid of my beard that I’d had for most of my 20’s.  My attacks dropped by 80%.  Either I’m allergic to my own dander, or my beard no matter how much I washed it collected too much dirt.    My regimen in the 1980’s was  daily aerobic exercise via bicycle, 600mgs twice a day of theodur, garlic, {The benefit of Garlic for an asthmatic is that Garlic is the most powerful; least painful expectorant on the planet.  Nothing gets fluid and congestion out of lungs better.  Three ways to use:  1.   Garlic soup; tastes like beef bouillon, no garlic after taste. 2. Raw Garlic for children; poke a couple holes in a  raw clove of Garlic and put in water or juice.  3. Raw Garlic for adults; Put small raw clove of Garlic in mouth until mouth too hot to tolerate.}, ginseng,    coffee, and cannabis.   With prednisone available for emergencies.  I didn’t use any prednisone for four years. It can be hard to start the right kind of exercise{ walking, swimming, biking}, but it is worth it once you hit the plateau.  It only takes three to five months to get there. There are many food products to watch out for.  Everyone has different reactions so a catalog is useless, but Sulfites and Coal Tar Dyes, (FD&C dyes), have been common triggers for many people. Some common food allergens are milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, nuts, soy, fish, shellfish. The most important discovery I’ve been introduced to is Magnesium.    I’ve been sick basically since a week before Christmas 1994.  I’ve been on prednisone, off prednisone, on prednisone.  I thought I might not make it through the year or even to my birthday.  Recently I got myself off prednisone by going back to my Garlic regimen.  But I’m still using a steroid inhaler Aerobid. Now My Step-Father and my Baby Sister have been hammering me about Magnesium.  I tried it in a mix with Calcium and didn’t notice anything. Then my Baby Sister gave me a bottle of elemental Magnesium.  This last week, ( 9-22-95), I tried the Magnesium and it is like a Miracle!  I’ve never breathed this well outside of Hawaii, without massive steroids.  I ate stuff that I know will make me wheeze late into the night, requiring Garlic and Coffee, and a possible visit to the Emergency Room, and it didn’t happen three nights in a row.  I ate Boboli with mozzarella cheese at midnight, guaranteed to make me wheeze.  The next night creamed cheese on sour dough at midnight.  The next night 5 slices of plain cheese piazza late at night.  All three nights I did not take my Aerobid steroid inhaler doses.  I did not wheeze. I’ll send details of my self management system, about Magnesium on request. Mike

Response:

Question:

Thanks for the list of articles. I have a six-year old who has suffered from chronic sinusitis for several years. I noticed one of the articles refers to children. Will my son  be able to handle the irrigation? Does he need an antibiotic treatment along with the irrigation? All the ENT’s tell me is that my son should have his adenoids removed to help drainage. I disagree. Where can I get a copy of the article on irrigation for children? Someone in the newsgroup mentioned a prescription antibiotic solution to be added to the saline rinse — do you know the name of it? Thanks for your help. I’m trying to get hold of a Grossan tip from a local store that has apparently ordered it. Marcia Wagshol

Response:

!!!!! You mean to tell me I’ve suffered for 20 years when this device was out there???? I am OUTRAGED!! How can we spread the word to the general public so others can find relief? I had assumed this was something new and that’s why none of the doctors in any of the 4 cities I’ve lived in ever mentioned it. — Clare

Response:

I feel exactly the same way.  This device is a Godsend, and I think this information from this newsgroup is about the most life-changing experience I have had in YEARS….

Response:

I just returned from ENT with my 13 year old Down Syndrome son.  After reading about the irrigator, I asked if it would help him.  The opinion was affirmative and he was given a prescription.  Then I found out they handle the sale of them right at the office for $15.00. I am so glad I found this newsgroup and am looking forward to his results. Thanks.

Response:

Can the irrigation technique cure sinusitis in mild cases? Please send anecdotal info.

Response:

In article <19970310151401.KAA23…@ladder01.news.aol.com>, mwags…@aol.com (MWagshol) wrote:

I have attatched some of the articles regarding use in sinusitis. > Can the irrigation technique cure sinusitis in mild cases? Please send > anecdotal info.

            Partial Irrigator Bibliography with Abstract Irrigation  of the child’s nose.     Grossan   M.  Clinical Pediatrics. March 1974  13:3  229-231    Children with sinusitis, post nasal drip or nasal blockage use this at age 5 or older. By removing discharge, adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy are reduced. An aid to clearing the ear.   A Device for Nasal Irrigation. Grossan   M   Transactions of the American Academy   of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. 78: July 1974 279-280                                      An easy method of sinus treatment at home or office.  With this device the patient can leave the office with the bacterial load reduced, hence requires less antibiotic and much greater patient satisfaction. Pulsation irrigation: a simple, safe effective treatment of many nasal complaints.  Pope  A.  O.R.L. Digest  August 1974  15:8 pp 36- 38      Drs Pope and Hughes recommend this simple safe method for many sinus, ear and allergy complaints.  High patient acceptance and enthusiasm. The saccharin test of nasal mucociliary function. Grossan  M.  Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Monthly  1975  54:(11), pp 415-417    An objective  test of mucociliary clearance. Useful to measure cilia before and after pulsatile nasal irrigation to objectify  degree of improvement. Nasal Mucociliary Flow – A Clinical View.      Grossan  M.  Amer Acad of Otol and Ophth Scientific Presentation Dallas 1975 (certificate of merit award) How to effect improvement of mucociliary clearance. A New Nasal Irrigator Device.     Grossan  M. The eye, ear nose and throat monthly.  March 1974    Application of pulsatile irrigation for post nasal drip and phlegm Endoscopic Paranasal Sinus Surgery    Rice  D.   Ravens Press  1993.    Dr Rice recommends pulsatile irrigation before  sinus surgery to reduce infection and after surgery to restore ciliary function and reduce patient’s symptoms. A device to aid nasal mucociliary flow.    Grossan  A.N.L.   March 1976 pp 65-70.    In Japan there is a very high incidence of sinusitis requiring surgery. Pulsatile irrigation is helpful to avoid surgery. Atrophic rhinitis    Goodman, Wilfred S. English: Otolaryngology  Vol 2 Ch. 14  1984      Atrophic rhinitis varies in severity and is difficult to cure. Dr Goodman recommends  Pulsatile irrigation for symptomatic relief and treatment. Medical management of rhinitis.   Fadal  R.  English: Otolaryngology Vol 2:Ch 13      The principal benefits from saline irrigation include: 1. Augments mucociliary flow      2 Liquefies  tenacious mucus  3. Soothes irritated tissues   4. Removes crusts and microforeign bodies  5. Augments tissue repair    6.  Reduces forceful noseblowing  7. Improves olfaction. . Chronic rhinitis, a practical approach to diagnosis and treatment.     Zeigler, R.  Shatz , M Part 2  Treatment. Immunology, Allergy Practice 1982. 4:3  pp 26-36      Good allergy management includes use of irrigation for removal of offending particles and restoring normal ciliary flow. Mucociliary flow in Otolaryngology Practice. Grossan M.   Insights in Otolaryngology.  August 1993  8  :2-8          Many noxious exposures can inactivate mucociliary clearance, including smog, exhaust fumes, chlorine, chromium, etc. The sooner normal ciliary activity is restored, the sooner the natural physiology of the defense system can ward off illness. Hot tea, chicken soup, iodides, and pulsatile irrigation are important. Office Measurement of nasal mucociliary clearance. Grossan, M.  English: Otolaryngology  1994  Vol 2  ch 7        The saccharin test is an objective measure of one very important aspect of the respiratory defense system. Many diagnostic dilemmas are solved using this test. The nasal test reflects the chest condition. Using pulsatile irrigation, one can improve both. Sinus Survival    Ivker R. Putman Publication. 1995    Without drugs, pulsating irrigation removes pus and allows for natural healing in a holistic manner.  The nose must be treated gently. Enhancing the mucociliary system.  Grossan, M.  Advances for respiratory care practitioners.. April 17, 1995    8  pp12-13    Coughing, wheezing, respiratory complaints may be significantly benefited by use of the pulsatile saline irrigator. Removing pus from the sinus via simple irrigation can significantly speed healing and prevent spread of infection from the sinus to the lungs. Daily removal of pus by the patient at home is beneficial. Management of Chronic Sinusitis in Cystic Fibrosis. Davidson, T.   Laryngoscope 105:354  April 1995    Cystic fibrosis is commonly associated with sinusitis because of failure of the mucociliary system. Yet these patients may benefit by lung transplant. In order to perform this surgery Davidson recommends pre -op pulsatile saline irrigation as a means of clearing the sinus of disease. The efficacy of various irrigation solutions in removing slime producing Staphylococcus  Anglen, J. J. Orthop Trauma 1994 Oct;8(5):390-6      In an orthopedic research project,  it is shown that pulsatile irrigation is 100x more effective in removing bacteria from a site than simple irrigation and is even more effective than some antibiotic solutions in tests for clearing infection Sinusitis: Complications and sequelae: an otolaryngologist’s perspective. Fairbanks DNF:   Pediatr Infect Dis J 4 (Suppl 6) 875-878  1995      Shows that radiographic material placed in the nose before bedtime is found in the tracheobronchial tree in the morning. Thus sinus secretions can contaminate the tracheobronchial tree causing infection  and bronchospasm. Hence the value of irrigation to remove offending material. Sinusitis and Bronchial Asthma.  Slavin RG: J Allergy and Clinical Immunol 66:250-257, 1980        Slavin presents three mechanisms re sinusitis causing asthma. Clearing sinusitis is important in asthma. Atrophic rhinitis. deSouza  FM:  Chapter 14N English: Otolaryngology 1996.    "The Water Pik dental irrigation device with the Grossan nasal irrigator tip has increased the efficiency of saline nasal douches" Ciliary beating frequency in chronic sinusitis. Nuutinen J: Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 119:645, 1993      After diseased mucosa is cleared of thick mucus and bacteria, ciliary function can return.                         A New ear irrigator. Grossan M:  Arch Otorhinolaryngol 1978 86(6):936-937          The principles of nasal and throat irrigation apply well to pulsatile irrigation of the ear. Here, 3 jets are balanced and do not strike the ear drum;  they rock the wax for removal, avoiding the trauma of pressure on the ear drum or jamming the stapes back and forth. An Instrument for throat irrigation. Grossan, Murray The O.R.L. Digest July 1972  39:7 pp10-13      A method to replace  gargling that is safe and pleasant. Gargling may cause laryngitis and has been shown to be ineffective. Irrigation treatment of throat infections. Grossan M The Eye, Ear, Nose and throat monthly.  August 1972   51:8  pp302-305      Irrigating the throat brings blood to the area, encourages lymphatic drainage, and removes bacteria on the surface and in the crypts. A mechanical throat irrigator. Grossan M  Transactions of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. 77:  January 1973      Throat irrigation significantly reduces the need for antibiotics, may reverse the need for tonsillectomy. Especially valuable to prevent the spread of infection within the family.

Response: