Sinus News

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Sinus News was an educational and informative health newsletter dedicated to providing the most recent information on sinusitis, sinus infections, allergies, and asthma.
For a number of years, this was their website.
Content is from the site's 2001-2003 archived pages.

In June 2004 this notice was posted on Sinus News

 

 

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About Sinus News
Sinus News is the leading sinus health newsletter, delivering the latest information on sinus infections and sinusitis directly to every subscriber's email box twice a month and free of charge. The newsletter provides informative coverage of sinusitis, sinus infections, allergies, and asthma.

Sinus News launched in October 2000 and has grown to thousands of subscribers with a very strong retention rate due to the informative coverage provided in each issue.

Approximately 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis every year. It is the goal of Sinus News to keep sufferers and physicians up to date on the latest information to better understand this growing condition that is often ignored by the general media.

If you have a sinus, allergy, or asthma news lead to share with Sinus News, please submit it to newstip@sinusnews.com.

You can mail Sinus News at the following address:

Sinus News
1072 Casitas Pass Road
Suite 190
Carpinteria, CA 93013

Letters to the Editor
If you have something on your mind related to allergies, asthma, or sinusitis, feel free to write down your comments in an email to letters@sinusnews.com along with your first name, last name, state/province, and country. Select letters will be chosen to appear in regular issues of Sinus News. Your name and the state you are from will be published with your letter. Your email address will not be published with your letter. Blatant product endorsements and announcements will not be published, although editorialized comments on such may be considered.

 

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Dear Sinus News,
I have suffered all my life with sinus isseus - allergies I think. The only time I am free of them is when I'm in a cold, preferably snowy environment. In fact I took up skiing because it was one time I'm not suffering. As a result, skiing has become my passion because I am able to concentrate on my skills instead of constantly being aware of my ailment. Please fine my enclosed photo - that's me in one of my North Face Osito Fleece Jackets at the Arapahoe Basin. Thought your readership might want to know and perhaps there are others who might benefit from this knowledge.
Lovin' the snow, Geena Wilson

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Sinus News Special Edition:
Sinus Headaches

In December 2003, Sinus News put out a special edition newsletter focused in-depth on sinus headaches. Below is an summary of each article in the special edition along with a link to the article.

Sinus Headaches Facts and Information

What is a Sinus Headache?
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, sinus headaches are associated with a swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses (spaces adjacent to the nasal passages). Pain occurs in the affected region - the result of air, pus, and mucus being trapped within the obstructed sinuses. The discomfort often occurs under the eye and in the upper teeth (disguised as a headache or toothache). Sinus headaches tend to worsen as you bend forward or lie down.

How Many Americans Suffer From Sinus Headaches?
A Louis Harris & Associates survey in the late 1990's showed that four out of every 10 adults are stricken with sinus headaches. The same survey found that "Nearly one-fourth of sinus headache sufferers say the painful condition affects every aspect of their lives, including their appearance."

Is a Headache Always a Sinus Headache?
No. Some people experience headaches unrelated to sinusitis, which could actually be a tension headache, migraine, or cluster headache. In a surprise finding from a study conducted by the Headache Care Center in Springfield, Mo., it was revealed that 90 percent of patients who have self-diagnosed sinus headache, and even those with a physician diagnosis of sinus headache, actually met established criteria for the diagnosis of migraine.

Sinus Headaches Facts and Information

What is a Sinus Headache?
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, sinus headaches are associated with a swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses (spaces adjacent to the nasal passages). Pain occurs in the affected region - the result of air, pus, and mucus being trapped within the obstructed sinuses. The discomfort often occurs under the eye and in the upper teeth (disguised as a headache or toothache). Sinus headaches tend to worsen as you bend forward or lie down.

How Many Americans Suffer From Sinus Headaches?
A Louis Harris & Associates survey in the late 1990's showed that four out of every 10 adults are stricken with sinus headaches. The same survey found that "Nearly one-fourth of sinus headache sufferers say the painful condition affects every aspect of their lives, including their appearance."

Is a Headache Always a Sinus Headache?
No. Some people experience headaches unrelated to sinusitis, which could actually be a tension headache, migraine, or cluster headache. In a surprise finding from a study conducted by the Headache Care Center in Springfield, Mo., it was revealed that 90 percent of patients who have self-diagnosed sinus headache, and even those with a physician diagnosis of sinus headache, actually met established criteria for the diagnosis of migraine.

What are Some Ways of Treating Sinus Headaches?
Here are some suggestions from the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery:

> Breathe moist air: Relief for a sinus headache can be achieved by humidifying the dry air environment. This can be done by using a steam vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier, steam from a basin of hot water, or steam from a hot shower.

> Alternate hot and cold compresses: Place a hot compress across your sinuses for three minutes, and then a cold compress for 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure three times per treatment, two to six times a day.

> Nasal irrigation: Some believe that when nasal irrigation or rinse is performed, mucus, allergy creating particles and irritants such as pollens, dust particles, pollutants and bacteria are washed away, reducing the inflammation of the mucous membrane. Normal mucosa will fight infections and allergies better and will reduce the symptoms. Nasal irrigation helps shrink the sinus membranes and thus increases drainage. There are several over-the-counter nasal rinse products available. Consult your ear, nose, and throat specialist for directions on making a home nasal rinse or irrigation solution.

> Over-the-counter medications: Some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are highly effective in reducing sinus headache pain. The primary ingredient in most OTC pain relievers is aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or a combination of them. The best way to choose a pain reliever is by determining which of these ingredients works best for you.

> Decongestants: Sinus pressure headaches caused by allergies are usually treated with decongestants and antihistamines. In difficult cases, nasal steroid sprays may be recommended.

> Alternative medicine: Chinese herbalists use Magnolia Flower as a remedy for clogged sinus and nasal passages. In conjunction with other herbs, such as angelica, mint, and chrysanthemum, it is often recommended for upper respiratory tract infections and sinus headaches, although its effectiveness for these problems has not been scientifically confirmed.

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Tips for Quick Relief From Headaches

More than 45 million Americans experience chronic, recurring headaches. Of these, nearly 28 million have migraine annually.

Everyday stress and tension can cause headache, and in times of heightened stress, the frequency and severity of these headaches can increase. These 10 Tips from the National Headache Foundation are drug free, cost effective and easy to use. Any combination of these techniques can help headache sufferers gain quick relief from headache pain.

1) Diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing is known to be helpful in lowering tension levels by promoting relaxation and bringing more oxygen into the bloodstream for a refreshing and energizing effect. Breathing from the abdomen rather than the upper chest allows the lungs to better inflate, lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate. Lie on a firm surface, and place one hand on your abdomen. Concentrate on the upward movement of your hand as you focus on breathing from the abdomen rather than from the chest.

2) Neck and shoulder massage can relieve tension. Hot or cold packs applied to the neck and shoulders can also help.

3) Guided imagery uses the mind to call upon specific images. Headache sufferers can use all senses to imagine the sound, feel, sight, taste and smell of pleasant sensations with the goal of alleviating headache pain.

4) Progressive muscle relaxation is a systematic technique for relaxing the body when muscles are tense. Tighten a group of muscles and hold them in a state of extreme tension for a few seconds. Then relax the muscles while consciously focusing on releasing tension and stress. Start with the muscles in the toes and feet, working your way up to the muscles in the neck and head.

5) Biofeedback teaches you to control involuntary body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate and hand temperature. Training using special equipment is required until the technique of biofeedback is mastered. This is a valuable tool for reducing migraine and tension type headaches.

6) Stretching relaxes the muscles. Stretching can be done almost anywhere and at any time. It requires no special skills and can often be done while you are doing something else. Stretch the different muscle groups for a total five minutes, beginning with the feet, ankles and legs moving up the body to arms, torso, neck, shoulders and face. Yoga can also be a great method to relax the muscles.

7) Taking a brisk walk helps release endorphins, which are the brain's natural pain killers. Walk for five minutes and think of relaxing, calming thoughts.

8) Visualization can reduce stress, thereby reducing headache pain. For example, envision your worries and stress being placed inside a large trunk floating away out to sea, or visualize yourself in a special place of calm, serenity and quiet.

9) Meditation can help you achieve a state of consciousness where you have eliminated stress-inducing factors from awareness so that your mind can concentrate on a single, calming thought. Focus on inward silence and stillness and attempt to reach a calm state while tuning out the day-to-day stresses which can cause headache.

10) Closing your eyes and repeating words, either out loud or to yourself, helps reduce tension and stress. Repeat or think of words such as "calm," "relax," "quiet" or a word of your choice.

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Officials Offer Ways to Ease Allergy Misery

According to the Canyon Courier:

"Pollen allergies create springtime misery for more than 35 million people in this country, and prompt about 16.7 million health provider office visits yearly.

Allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose are the result of the body's immunologic response to a foreign substance that it mistakenly identifies as harmful.

Discerning a cold from allergies isn't always easy, but they are different in a number of ways. Allergy symptoms last noticeably longer than cold symptoms and tend to occur at the same time each year. A cold may involve a fever; allergies do not. Thin, clear nasal discharge rather than yellowish-greenish discharge is characteristic of allergies. Itchy eyes and sneezing are more likely from allergy rather than a cold.

Specific allergies are not inherited; the tendency to develop allergies is. So just because dad was allergic to ragweed doesn't mean your allergy is from ragweed, too.

The best defense against symptom-triggering pollens is environmental control..."

 

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Could You Have Asthma?

The ongoing cough you can't get rid of could be a signal that you have asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects 20.3 million people in the United States. It accounts for approximately 14.5 million missed work days for adults and 14 million missed school days for children annually.

For people who have asthma, the air flowing in and out of their lungs may be blocked by muscle swelling and squeezing. Symptoms of asthma include cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.

Ask yourself these questions:

For you:
* Is there a family history of asthma or allergies?
* Are you constantly short of breath and wheezing?
* When do you notice your symptoms - when you have a cold, when you are exercising or around allergens, such as pollen, mold and animal dander?
* Are you missing work because of symptoms?
* Is coughing and wheezing keeping you up at night?

For your child:
* Does your child cough, wheeze (a rattling sound when they breathe), have chest tightness or shortness of breath?
* Does your child cough or wheeze with play, exercise, laughter or during temper tantrums?
* Is your child missing school because of symptoms?
* Is coughing and wheezing keeping your child up at night?
* Is there a family history of asthma or allergies?

If you are experiencing symptoms and they are keeping you from work, school or normal activities, you should consider talking to a doctor to see if you have asthma.

"Every person has their own triggers," said Jonathan Corren, MD, member of the AAAAI's Quality of Care for Asthma Committee. "If you have asthma, you can minimize your symptoms by avoiding the factors that trigger your symptoms and by working with your allergist/immunologist."

The above article first appeared in the June 1, 2004 edition of Sinus News.

 

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Sinus News Special Edition:
Dust Mites

In December 2003, Sinus News put out a special edition newsletter focused in-depth on dust mites. Below is an summary of each article in the special edition along with a link to the article.

Winning the Battle Against Dust Mites
One of the major causes of allergies and asthma are tiny creatures, which the human eye can't see, called Dust Mites. Dust mites are a part of everyday life, living and thriving in beds, clothing, carpets, pillows and other areas that might be warm and humid.

Dust mites live within house dust (thus the name) and eat dead skin cells that humans regularly shed. Their droppings are what regularly contribute to allergy and asthma problems. In fact, dust mites are the number two cause of allergy problems (topped only by Pollen). There are likely millions of them in your home.

Research states that 44 million homes in the U.S. (that's 45% of all homes) have a very serious dust mite problem. So where exactly is the greatest exposure to dust mites in the home?

Understanding Where The Greatest Exposure Takes Place
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI):

"People are exposed to more dust mite allergens while in bed when compared to other activities performed throughout the day, researchers at the 2001 AAAAI Annual Meeting.

Using nasal filters, Sandra De Lucca, BSc and colleagues from the Institute of Respiratory Medicine in Sydney Australia, collected particles that people inhaled during normal respiration and measured them for allergen content. Subjects wore the nasal filters for one hour during seven activities: in the morning at home, driving to work, at work in the morning and afternoon, driving home, in the evening at home and while lying in bed. This allowed researchers to monitor the actual dose of mite allergen the 10 subjects inhaled during daily activities.

Results indicated that the subjects were exposed to higher levels of mite allergen in the home environments, with the majority of exposure occurring while the subject was lying in bed. While lying in bed, the average level of inhaled mite allergen was eight times higher than while driving to work and 1.5 times higher than at home in the evening. Since people spend one-third of the day in bed, allergen avoidance measures and effective washing routines to remove mite allergens from bedding needs to be employed to reduce exposure, especially among allergy sufferers."

Like Pollen, Mold, and Pet Dander, Dust Mites are an allergen that irritate a condition like asthma and allergies. To help combat a Dust Mite problem, you must be ready to go into battle...

Let the Battle Begin!
There is no single solution for getting rid of dust mites, however some battle strategies can help you win the war.

A Wright State University study (funded with an EPA grant) on dust mites from 1996 - 1999 titled "Factors Controlling the Dust Mite Population in the Indoor Environment" said, in part of its conclusion, that "it is possible, practical and effective to reduce indoor RH (relative humidity) to levels that will control dust mites. This coupled with regular vacuum cleaning by the participants of the study resulted in the reduction of allergen in surface dust to insignificant levels."

Other conclusions the study reached can help people combat Dust Mite problems. Such conclusions include:

- "To effectively control dust mites under fluctuating hydrating and dehydrating RHs, daily humidity must be kept at 35 percent for at least 16 hours."

- "Washing clothes and bedding in hot water (50 C) for >30 minutes is required to kill D. pteronyssinus and E. maynei whereas a 7.5-minute wash will kill D. farinae. One-hundred percent mortality can be reached for D. pteronyssinus and E. maynei after 12- and 5-minute soaks, respectively, at 53 C. A 4-hour wash in warm water (35 C) kills less than half of the mites."

So besides the above, what are some things that you can do to help control Dust Mite problems? Here's are some great tips put out in 2000 via a press release by the AAAAI:

Using a combination of allergen barriers and a regular washing routine can significantly lower the number of dust mites found in the bedroom, even in humid regions, say Australian researchers in the June Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI). This is good news for asthma sufferers, since dust mites are estimated to induce allergy and asthma symptoms in millions of people. The JACI is the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

Dust mites are microscopic, sightless, eight-legged arthropods that are natural inhabitants of indoor environments. The droppings of these mites are the most common trigger of perennial allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in humid regions where dust mites tend to thrive throughout the home, such as the case in Australia.

Because of the high humidity in Australia and the allergic problems associated with it, lead researcher Carl Vanlaar and colleagues set out to determine how to successfully reduce dust mite allergen levels in the bed. The beds of 14 children were tested by encasing the mattresses and pillows in covers and washing all bedding with an acaricidal additive, a solution proven to kill mites and ticks. Beds occupied by the siblings of the 14 children were used as the control and were not treated. Dust was vacuumed from beds and settled dust was collected and measured. The level of dust mite allergens in treated beds was immediately reduced almost 10-fold, and levels remained low over an extended period of time. The amount of allergens near the bed was also lower.

Researchers conclude that preventative measures can substantially decrease the amount of dust mite allergens in the bed and in the air around the beds, even in humid regions. Furthermore, these steps should be followed as a measure to control asthma.

"Washing bedding in extremely hot water once a week and encasing pillows and mattresses in allergen impervious covers are the easiest and most effective ways to reduce allergen levels in the home," said Michael Ruff, M.D., spokesperson of the AAAAI, "This study proves that even allergy and asthma sufferers living in areas with high humidity can benefit from these steps."

Ongoing Research on Killing Dust Mites
There is ongoing research examining methods of killing dust mites. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:

"Vapors from wintergreen and other natural plant oils kill house dust mites on clothing, researchers at the 2001 AAAAI Annual Meeting announced. House dust mites are microscopic arachnids that grow in soft materials such as beds, carpets, and clothing. Allergic reactions to proteins produced by dust mites are a major cause of asthma and other allergies.

Jeffrey D. Miller, MD, FAAAAI, an allergist at Allergy & Asthma Associates in Danbury, CT and president of Mission: Allergy, Inc., previously reported that the vapor of lavandin oil killed dust mites in clothing. In this study he investigated the effect of 56 other plant oil vapors, finding that many others also killed dust mites. Plant oils whose vapors were effective at killing mites in close proximity included such pleasant smelling oils as anise, birch, coriander, lemon grass, nutmeg, pine, spearmint, ylang-ylang and wintergreen. Wintergreen was particularly effective, with sufficient amounts killing dust mites in clothing not only in small areas such as sweater boxes or drawers, but also in larger areas such a closets.

The mite killing properties of these plant products are probably part of the living plant's natural protective system for preventing its own infestation by plant mites, Miller said. The clinical usefulness and safety of such oils is not yet clear, although the oils studied are commonly used in aromatherapy and perfumes, he cautioned."

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Reducing Exposure to House Dust Mites

Dust mites thrive in soft furnishings like pillows, mattresses, carpets, and drapes. These microscopic organisms give off particles that cause allergic reactions when inhaled. They need moisture to survive and therefore thrive in humid environments. Decreasing the number of dust mites to which people with asthma are exposed may help control their asthma. One key way of doing this in the bedroom is by using mattress and pillow case covers. These bedding encasements, which are available commercially, may be plastic or vinyl and are covered with cotton, nylon, or knit fabric. They provide a barrier between the dust mites and the person with asthma. A sheet and pillow case are usually placed over the encasement for increased comfort. Any linens placed over the encasements should be washed weekly in hot water.

Down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters should not be used. Down filling consists of tiny feathers that contain large numbers of dust mites. Also, stuffed animals and clutter should be removed from the bedroom.

If a child with asthma wants to play or sleep with a stuffed toy, wash the toy frequently in hot water, or put it in the freezer for a few hours every 2 weeks. Freezing cold kills dust mites as effectively as hot water. The hot water needs to be about 130 degrees to kill mites, and this is generally hotter than most household hot water. If you re-set your hot water heater thermostat to 130 degrees, you have to take other precautions to prevent scalding.

Another thing to consider in the bedroom is getting rid of fabric curtains and replacing them with shades or mini-blinds. Replace upholstered chairs with plastic or wood, and, if possible, get rid of carpeting in favor of vinyl or wood floors with area rugs that can be shaken out frequently. Because dust mites need high humidity, try to keep the humidity levels in your home to under 50%. In hot, humid climates, this requires the use of air conditioning and possibly dehumidifiers. In dryer, cooler climates, you may be able to achieve this by opening windows and ensuring good air flow.

 

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Dust Mite Control

Recommendations focus on "dust control." One must reduce the concentration of dust borne allergens in the living environment by controlling both allergen production and the dust which serves to transport it. For the bedroom environment:

1. Replace feather and down pillows with those having synthetic fillings.

2. Enclose the mattress top and sides with a plastic cover, thoroughly vacuuming mattress pillows and the base of the bed.

3. Daily damp dust the plastic mattress cover.

4. Weekly change and wash pillowcases, sheets, and under blankets, and vacuum the bed base and around the covered mattress.

5. Replace woolen blankets with nylon or cotton cellulose ones.

6. Frequently wash all bedding (blankets, mattress pads and comforters) in hot water (130 degrees F weekly). Also wash curtains.

7. Remove carpet and replace with wood, tile, linoleum, or vinyl floor covering. (If you have carpet, vacuum every day.)

8. Mattresses covered with "fitted sheets" help prevent the accumulation of human skin scales on the surface (an alternate to encasing mattresses and box springs in non-allergenic, impermeable, plastic covers).

The application of frequent vacuuming as a dust control measure is more likely to aggravate allergic asthmatic conditions because conventional vacuums are very "inefficient." Dust collection by conventional vacuums results in a significant increase in air borne dust concentrations. Vacuuming is best accomplished by cleaners that entrain dust into a "liquid medium" such as water (rather than a dust bag), which reduces the suspension and dissemination of allergenic dust particles in the air.

Some pest control firms sell air purifiers to eliminate the food source of house dust mites. Air purifiers emit a low level of ozone (activated oxygen). Ozone attaches to fungus, mold, and bacteria on skin flakes. Machines sell for around $625 and last up to 15 years. About the size of a bread box, an area up to 2,500 square feet is protected. There is no maintenance required other than a thorough cleaning once every three to four months. The air purifier is placed near a return for air conditioning or heating system or centrally located within the home.

Various types of air purifiers can be attached to the central air return to decrease irritants. Most filters remove 50 to 70 percent of material. HEPA filters will remove up to 99 percent of the material. Indoor air quality is very important. (One needs to bring in fresh outside air rather than recirculating dirty air.) Some filters need to be changed monthly.

Some feel it is important to focus on decreasing indoor humidity, especially during the winter period to reduce dust mite populations. One might forsake humidifier use during winter periods, use of dehumidifiers during high-humidity periods, or use of central air conditioning. Effective control of mites would require the maintenance of relative humidities below 50 percent (mites thrive in humid conditions).

Homes that have their air conditioners on constantly have lower mite counts than non-air conditioned homes.

 

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Sinus News Awards
Sinus News is dedicated to bringing the most helpful, educational, and informative content to sinus sufferers who subscribe to the Sinus News newsletter (always free). Once in awhile these efforts are recognized on a larger level, as outlined below:

/images	In April 2003, Sinus News was awarded fourth place in the Quarterly Chrysallis Awards, which selects four outstanding Webmasters and sites per quarter to honor and promote as excellent examples of Web presence at its best.
/images	On March 3, 2003, Sinus News won the bronze Prospective Award, one of the hardest awards for a Website to win due to the strict criteria and detailed judging. Prior to Sinus News winning, only one Website had won the bronze Prospective Award in the previous two months.
/images	On February 25, 2003, Sinus News won the Gold World Wide Web Award for being an outstanding Website that "is a wonderful contribution to the internet community." Sinus News was also singled out for having "nice graphics, layout, design, navigation and appearance." Gold is the highest attainable award for the World Wide Web Awards.
	On August 4, 2002, Sinus News was featured as the "Cool Site of the Day" from the original Cool Site of the Day program that has been operating since 1994 and has been featured in several magazine articles and news stories.
	On July 10, 2002, Sinus News won The Critical Mass Award for quality content. Sinus News was referred to as an "exceptional site" that helps "make the Web a more interesting, educational, and attractive place to visit." The quality of the content was singled out as a major reason for the award.
/images	On June 10, 2002, WebShots recognized Sinus News as its "Cool Site of the Day." Sinus News was referred to as "the leading sinus health email newsletter."

Here's what others are saying about Sinus News:

Power Pointers "Best of the Best" on the Web (September 18, 2002)
"If you have sinus problems, you know just how aggravating they can be. But now, www.SinusNews.com brings you all the latest news that relates to sinus infections and sinusitis. Find out what’s causing your sinus discomfort and learn about the latest progress in 'sinus science'. You can even sign up for bi-weekly newsletters delivered straight to your email in-box! It’s a winner of multiple awards and definitely worth checking out. Visit www.SinusNews.com to clear things up!"

 

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