What type of water should i use for my Neti Pot?

Dear Reader,

NeilMed is the world’s largest company for manufacturing and selling large volume nasal rinse devices. Our products are available throughout the USA, Canada and several other countries. As a practicing physician, I have placed a great amount of effort, since 2000, in writing appropriate instructions to address anticipated concerns for the type of water to be used with our nasal wash devices.

NeilMed has learned about recent news and internet articles concerning the improper use of unfiltered or contaminated tap water with neti pots. We emphasize when used as directed, NeilMed’s nasal wash devices are safe, affordable and effective to use. From the beginning, NeilMed’s directions of use have always stressed the importance of using clean and previously boiled, distilled or filtered water through a 0.2 micron filter for nasal irrigation. Our product brochure clearly notes that using tap water is not recommended. Please do not use tap or faucet water when using NeilMed’s nasal wash devices unless it has been previously boiled and cooled down. NeilMed brochures also provide clear instructions for disinfecting our nasal irrigation devices. The neti pot devices are designed to allow for microwave disinfection as they do not contain any metal parts.

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Use Saline Gel to Prevent Nosebleeds

December is around the corner and winter is in full swing. Though December brings many holidays and celebrations, we can’t ignore the fact that the cold weather and dry air bring with them many accompanying sinus problems. Nosebleeds are a common problem that can arise in the winter months.

Nosebleeds are often the result of irritation to the delicate lining of the nose. The dryness of the cold air and frequent use of the heater cause dryness inside the nose. In addition, the increase in viruses and increase in frequent rubbing, blowing, and picking of the nose cause crusts to form, which can lead to nosebleeds.

To prevent frequent nosebleeds, especially during the cold and dry winter, you should lubricate the lining of the nose with a saline gel and use a humidifier or vaporizer to help keep your nose from drying out. This winter, use NeilMed NasoGel Spray, NasoGel Tube, or NasaDrops to provide long lasting moisture for dry nasal passages. Visit www.neilmed.com to purchase online or to find a list of available stores.

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Chili Peppers to Clear Your Sinuses

November is in full swing and so is the cough/cold season. Don’t let congestion bog you down. The next time you’re feeling a bit stuffed up and want some immediate relief, try reaching for some chili peppers! If you love spicy food, this is the perfect cure for you.

Have you ever eaten spicy food and found that suddenly your stuffy nose was clear? Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that not only makes peppers spicy, but studies have also shown that it reduces sinus symptoms, such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, coughing, and mucous production.

Capsaicin can be found in all chili peppers except for bell peppers, which have a recessive gene preventing its production. Peppers, such as cayenne, jalapeños, tabasco, birdseye chili, habañeros, and Scotch bonnets all contain capsaicin. Adding them to foods, or using the ground chili powder forms, can help reduce nasal congestion.

A note on wasabi:

It may seem as if wasabi has this same effect on your sinuses. This is because wasabi may react with heat receptors in the nose causing your nostrils to flare and allowing more air into the nasal passages. Your brain is tricked to believe there is less congestion. However, studies have found that wasabi can actually block the sinuses by increasing blood flow to the lining of the nose.

Though wasabi may not work as a decongestant, it does have several health benefits, including antimicrobial properties beneficial for seasoning raw fish. If you’re a fan of wasabi and spice, enjoy!

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A GERD-friendly Diet and Lifestyle

            There are certain foods and lifestyle changes that can help ease the symptoms of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Certain foods and beverages are more likely to trigger heartburn, including:

• Citrus fruits—tomatoes, oranges, and their juices
• Fried/fatty food: bacon, chicken skin
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol, caffeine
• Chocolate
• Peppermint, spearmint

Some of these foods, such as tomatoes, cause the production of excess digestive acids, while mint can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach) to relax, which allows the acid to reflux.

A few lifestyle changes can also help minimize the effects of GERD. Here are some quick tips:

1. Don’t smoke- smoking can increase acid production and cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax
2. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages- alcohol irritates the stomach lining
3. Avoid eating for two hours before sleeping
4. Eat smaller meals
5. Raise the head of your bed above the level of the stomach- you can do this by placing blocks under the legs at the head of the bed or you can place a foam wedge under the mattress at the head of the bed
6. Reduce overall calorie intake if obese/overweight- obesity can contribute to reflux so it is important to exercise and follow a healthy diet

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An Update on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Recently, the US Department of Healthcare & Quality released a report comparing different treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The first line of treatment is usually medications, which can either be proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). PPIs are the more common of the two and you may have heard of some of them.

The PPIs include:

• Nexium
• Prilosec
• Prevacid

H2Ras include:

• Tagamet
• Pepcid

Another treatment for GERD includes a type of surgery called fundoplication, which is performed either laparoscopically or endoscopically. The surgery wraps the upper portion of the stomach around the esophagus to prevent acid from backwashing into the esophagus. Fundoplication is most commonly performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive form of surgery. Endoscopic treatment for GERD uses an endoscope (lighted tube) to perform the surgery, but this method has not been found as conclusive or effective as of yet.

            The results of the study found that there was not much difference between medical treatment and the two surgical options. Patients who had surgery showed improvements in GERD symptoms, yet many still needed medications to treat GERD.

            Due to the difficulty in treating GERD, patients need to discuss the proper treatments with their doctor that will be most manageable in their lives. Important factors include:

• Severity of symptoms
• Age
• Patient compliance for long-term therapy
• Willingness for surgery

 Here is the original report published by the Agency for Healthcare and Quality Research: New Guides Compare Benefits and Risks of GERD Treatments

Stay posted for tips on minimizing the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD through diet and lifestyle.

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Few days ago, I took an opportunity to make an association of ENT symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD). I appreciate the comments I have received. Today, I would like to go over how allergy symptoms may cause Gastrointestinal symptoms. One of the most common symptom of nasal allergy and sinusitis is post nasal discharge and drainage. This happens due to excessive mucus produced by the lining of the nose, pharynx, and sinuses. Generally the amount of mucus produced by nasal passages and sinuses is scant and most people are not even of aware of it. However, the allergies can cause copious amount of mucus production which eventually finds its way to the back of throat causing repeated throat clearing. Most patients end up swallowing this drainage/mucus. In my practice I have encountered many patients who have upper gastrointestinal symptoms due to swallowing of nasal drainage. Patients often have nausea, dry heaves, and sometimes vomiting. They also have the so called “sick” feeling in the upper abdomen area which is not necessarily pain but just the feeling of an upset stomach. Furthar evaluation does not reveal GERD, ulcers, or Gallbladder disease. Once they receive appropriate treatment of allergies with medications or nasal and sinus rinse, the post nasal drainage improves or resolves and that causes their upper gastric symptoms to improve. If you have upper gastrointestinal symptoms as descibed above and also suffer from post nasal drainage, you may benefit from aggresively treating your allergies with medications and sinus and nasal rinse. Of course, the symtoms need to be evaluated by a physician if they are persistent.

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GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease also known as “GERD” is a very common condition with millions of patients suffering in the US. Most patients have symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation of acid. Sometimes the acid comes up all the way into the throat area and causes symptoms such as sore throat, post nasal drainage, repeated throat clearing, hoarseness of voice, and sinus infections. At times such symptoms may be indistinguishable from allergy related symptoms. If the symptoms are due to allergy, they will respond to anti-allergy medications and nasal irrigation and washings by using products such as Sinus Rinse and Netipot. If such symptoms fail to respond to conventional anti-allergy measures, you should consider consultation with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) physician who can then evaluate you further. His/her examination may then indicate if your sinus symptoms are due to GERD.  In such instances, treatment of GERD may improve your symptoms.

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Four Health Behaviors to Help You Stay Healthier and Live Longer 

Would you like to improve your health and live a longer life? Today, chronic diseases are responsible for every 7 out of 10 deaths in America every year.  This includes heart disease, cancer, and stroke. By making a few changes in your health behaviors, you can lower your risk for chronic disease and stay healthier for longer.

Don’t smoke. The number ONE most important factor is to NOT SMOKE.

Reduce alcohol intake. Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than two servings per day for men and no more than one serving per day for women. So how much exactly is one serving of alcohol? People often to do not realize that a serving is actually much less than they thought. One serving of alcohol is equivalent to 0.6 oz. of PURE liquid alcohol:

• A 12 oz. beer or wine cooler
• 8 oz. of malt liquor (such as high-alcohol beers)
• 5 oz. of wine
• 1.5 oz. of 80 proof (40% alcohol) distilled liquor, such as gin, vodka, whiskey, etc.

Eat a healthier diet. Try to eat according to the new food guide set forth by the USDA (United Stated Department of Agriculture). This means increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low fat dairy, and seafoods. You should also reduce the amount of sodium, saturated fats, cholesterol, added sugars, and refined grains in your diet. To read a bit more about MyPlate: Understanding the New Dietary Guidelines or visit the USDA website: ChooseMyPlate

Exercise. Physical activity is extremely important in reducing the risk for preventable chronic diseases. It is recommended that adults participate in either moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, 5 times per week (or more) for a total of 150 minutes OR vigorous exercise, such as race walking or jogging, 3 times per week (or more).

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