Do I have a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection and how do I tell the difference?

* Source: National Institutes of Health, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Cold and Flu Symptoms - An Explanation

by Lawrence Stepanowicz, ND

You are a remarkable organism! Your body will work to repair itself and stay well. Drugs can alleviate symptoms. They can even kill invading organisms. But if you're going to get better, your body will have to do the work.

Take colds and fevers.

A fever is just a way your body destroys germs. It does this by bringing them to a temperature at which they can't survive. Medicine may see a fever as a symptom and high fevers can be dangerous, but a fever is part of your body's healing process.

A cold is basically a nasal infection. It can lead to sore throats and other things, but a cold lives and dies in your nose. The rhino virus, strains of which account for most colds, gets its name from that fact. Rhino means nose.

Cold viruses thrive at temperatures slightly cooler than the 98.6 degrees considered normal. So when faced with this invader, your body's first defense is stuffiness.

Why?

Because breathing through your nose keeps your nasal passages cooler and the virus alive.

But when you get stuffy and are forced to breathe through your mouth, your nose, no longer air cooled, reaches a higher temperature and becomes less friendly an environment for the virus. The virus dies, and after your body does some necessary cleanup and repair work, you're good as new.

That's why almost anything you do to relieve a cold's symptoms will only prolong it. It tends to interfere with your body's healing process.

Of course, some diseases are easier for your body to handle than others. That's why your best defense is a good offense and you need to take an active part in your health rather than expect your doctor to fix things after they go wrong. In most cases, he really can't fix much and anything he does will depend on your body's cooperation, anyway.

About the author:
Lawrence Stepanowicz, ND is a naturopath and publisher of Practical Health. For a free subscription and a free copy of Jon Barron's "Lessons From The Miracle Doctors" visit http://practicalhealth.net

Sinus Infection Symptoms - What is Sinusitis?

by the National Institute of Health (NIH)

You're coughing and sneezing and tired and achy. You think that you might be getting a cold. Later, when the medicines you've been taking to relieve the symptoms of the common cold are not working and you've now got a terrible headache, you finally drag yourself to the doctor. After listening to your history of symptoms, examining your face and forehead, and perhaps doing a sinus X-ray, the doctor says you have sinusitis.

Sinusitis simply means your sinuses are infected or inflamed, but this gives little indication of the misery and pain this condition can cause. Health care experts usually divide sinusitis cases into

Acute, which lasts for 3 weeks or less
Chronic, which usually lasts for 3 to 8 weeks but can continue for months or even years
Recurrent, which is several acute attacks within a year

Health care experts estimate that 37 million Americans are affected by sinusitis every year. Health care workers report 33 million cases of chronic sinusitis to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention annually. Americans spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief from their sinus symptoms.

What are sinuses?

Sinuses are hollow air spaces in the human body. When people say, "I'm having a sinus attack," they usually are referring to symptoms in one or more of four pairs of cavities, or sinuses, known as paranasal sinuses. These cavities, located within the skull or bones of the head surrounding the nose, include the:

Frontal sinuses over the eyes in the brow area
Maxillary sinuses inside each cheekbone
Ethmoid sinuses just behind the bridge of the nose and between the eyes
Sphenoid sinuses behind the ethmoids in the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes

Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus, and each is joined with the nasal passages by a continuous mucous membrane lining. Therefore, anything that causes a swelling in the nose-an infection, an allergic reaction, or an immune reaction-also can affect the sinuses. Air trapped within a blocked sinus, along with pus or other secretions, may cause pressure on the sinus wall. The result is the sometimes intense pain of a sinus attack. Similarly, when air is prevented from entering a paranasal sinus by a swollen membrane at the opening, a vacuum can be created that also causes pain.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

The location of your sinus pain depends on which sinus is affected.

• Headache when you wake up in the morning is typical of a sinus problem.
• Pain when your forehead over the frontal sinuses is touched may indicate that your frontal sinuses are inflammed.
• Infection in the maxillary sinuses can cause your upper jaw and teeth to ache and your cheeks to become tender to the touch.
• Since the ethmoid sinuses are near the tear ducts in the corner of the eyes, inflammation of these cavities often causes swelling of the eyelids and tissues around your eyes, and pain between your eyes. Ethmoid inflammation also can cause tenderness when the sides of your nose are touched, a loss of smell, and a stuffy nose.
• Although the sphenoid sinuses are less frequently affected, infection in this area can cause earaches, neck pain, and deep aching at the top of your head.

Most people with sinusitis, however, have pain or tenderness in several locations, and their symptoms usually do not clearly indicate which sinuses are inflamed.

Other symptoms of sinusitis can include

• Fever
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• A cough that may be more severe at night
• Runny nose (rhinitis) or nasal congestion

In addition, the drainage of mucus from the sphenoids or other sinuses down the back of your throat (postnasal drip) can cause you to have a sore throat. Mucus drainage also can irritate the membranes lining your larynx (upper windpipe). Not everyone with these symptoms, however, has sinusitis.

On rare occasions, acute sinusitis can result in brain infection and other serious complications.

What are some causes of acute sinusitis?

Most cases of acute sinusitis start with a common cold, which is caused by a virus. These viral colds do not cause symptoms of sinusitis, but they do inflame the sinuses. Both the cold and the sinus inflammation usually go away without treatment in 2 weeks. The inflammation, however, might explain why having a cold increases your likelihood of developing acute sinusitis. For example, your nose reacts to an invasion by viruses that cause infections such as the common cold or flu by producing mucus and sending white blood cells to the lining of the nose, which congest and swell the nasal passages.

When this swelling involves the adjacent mucous membranes of your sinuses, air and mucus are trapped behind the narrowed openings of the sinuses. When your sinus openings become too narrow, mucus cannot drain properly. This increase in mucus sets up prime conditions for bacteria to multiply.

Most healthy people harbor bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, in their upper respiratory tracts with no problems until the body's defenses are weakened or drainage from the sinuses is blocked by a cold or other viral infection. Thus, bacteria that may have been living harmlessly in your nose or throat can multiply and invade your sinuses, causing an acute sinus infection.

Sometimes, fungal infections can cause acute sinusitis. Although fungi are abundant in the environment, they usually are harmless to healthy people, indicating that the human body has a natural resistance to them. Fungi, such as Aspergillus, can cause serious illness in people whose immune systems are not functioning properly. Some people with fungal sinusitis have an allergic-type reaction to the fungi.

Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages also can lead to sinusitis. If you have allergic rhinitis or hay fever, you can develop episodes of acute sinusitis. Vasomotor rhinitis, caused by humidity, cold air, alcohol, perfumes, and other environmental conditions, also may be complicated by sinus infections.

Acute sinusitis is much more common in some people than in the general population. For example, sinusitis occurs more often in people who have reduced immune function (such as those with immune deficiency diseases or HIV infection) and with abnormality of mucus secretion or mucus movement (such as those with cystic fibrosis).

What causes chronic sinusitis?

If you have asthma, an allergic disease, you may have frequent episodes of chronic sinusitis.

If you are allergic to airborne allergens, such as dust, mold, and pollen, which trigger allergic rhinitis, you may develop chronic sinusitis. In addition, people who are allergic to fungi can develop a condition called "allergic fungal sinusitis."

If you are subject to getting chronic sinusitis, damp weather, especially in northern temperate climates, or pollutants in the air and in buildings also can affect you.

Like acute sinusitis, you might develop chronic sinusitis if you have an immune deficiency disease or an abnormality in the way mucus moves through and from your respiratory system (e.g., immune deficiency, HIV infection, and cystic fibrosis). In addition, if you have severe asthma, nasal polyps (small growths in the nose), or a severe asthmatic response to aspirin and aspirin-like medicines such as ibuprofen, you might have chronic sinusitis often.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Because your nose can get stuffy when you have a condition like the common cold, you may confuse simple nasal congestion with sinusitis. A cold, however, usually lasts about 7 to 14 days and disappears without treatment. Acute sinusitis often lasts longer and typically causes more symptoms than just a cold.

Your doctor can diagnose sinusitis by listening to your symptoms, doing a physical examination, and taking X-rays, and if necessary, an MRI or CT scan (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography).

How is sinusitis treated?

After diagnosing sinusitis and identifying a possible cause, a doctor can suggest treatments that will reduce your inflammation and relieve your symptoms.

Acute sinusitis - Sinus Infection

If you have acute sinusitis, your doctor may recommend

Decongestants to reduce congestion
Antibiotics to control a bacterial infection, if present
Pain relievers to reduce any pain

You should, however, use over-the-counter or prescription decongestant nose drops and sprays for only few days. If you use these medicines for longer periods, they can lead to even more congestion and swelling of your nasal passages.

If bacteria cause your sinusitis, antibiotics used along with a nasal or oral decongestant will usually help. Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic that fights the type of bacteria most commonly associated with sinusitis.

Many cases of acute sinusitis will end without antibiotics. If you have allergic disease along with infectious sinusitis, however, you may need medicine to relieve your allergy symptoms. If you already have asthma then get sinusitis, you may experience worsening of your asthma and should be in close touch with your doctor.

In addition, your doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray, along with other treatments, to reduce your sinus congestion, swelling, and inflammation.

Chronic sinusitis

Doctors often find it difficult to treat chronic sinusitis successfully, realizing that symptoms persist even after taking antibiotics for a long period. In general, however, treating chronic sinusitis, such as with antibiotics and decongestants, is similar to treating acute sinusitis.

Some people with severe asthma have dramatic improvement of their symptoms when their chronic sinusitis is treated with antibiotics.

Doctors commonly prescribe steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation in chronic sinusitis. Although doctors occasionally prescribe them to treat people with chronic sinusitis over a long period, they don't fully understand the long-term safety of these medications, especially in children. Therefore, doctors will consider whether the benefits outweigh any risks of using steroid nasal sprays.

If you have severe chronic sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids, such as prednisone. Because oral steroids are powerful medicines and can have significant side effects, you should take them only when other medicines have not worked.

Although home remedies cannot cure sinus infection, they might give you some comfort.

Inhaling steam from a vaporizer or a hot cup of water can soothe inflamed sinus cavities.
Saline nasal spray, which you can buy in a drug store, can give relief.
Gentle heat applied over the inflamed area is comforting.

When medical treatment fails, surgery may be the only alternative for treating chronic sinusitis. Research studies suggest that the vast majority of people who undergo surgery have fewer symptoms and better quality of life.

In children, problems often are eliminated by removal of adenoids obstructing nasal-sinus passages.

Adults who have had allergic and infectious conditions over the years sometimes develop nasal polyps that interfere with proper drainage. Removal of these polyps and/or repair of a deviated septum to ensure an open airway often provides considerable relief from sinus symptoms.

The most common surgery done today is functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in which the natural openings from the sinuses are enlarged to allow drainage. This type of surgery is less invasive than conventional sinus surgery, and serious complications are rare.

How can I prevent sinusitis?

Although you cannot prevent all sinus disorders-any more than you can avoid all colds or bacterial infections-you can do certain things to reduce the number and severity of the attacks and possibly prevent acute sinusitis from becoming chronic.

You may get some relief from your symptoms with a humidifier, particularly if room air in your home is heated by a dry forced-air system.
Air conditioners help to provide an even temperature.
Electrostatic filters attached to heating and air conditioning equipment are helpful in removing allergens from the air.

If you are prone to getting sinus disorders, especially if you have allergies, you should avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants. If your allergies inflame your nasal passages, you are more likely to have a strong reaction to all irritants.

If you suspect that your sinus inflammation may be related to dust, mold, pollen, or food-or any of the hundreds of allergens that can trigger an upper respiratory reaction-you should consult your doctor. Your doctor can use various tests to determine whether you have an allergy and its cause. This will help you and your doctor take appropriate steps to reduce or limit your allergy symptoms.

Drinking alcohol also causes nasal and sinus membranes to swell.

If you are prone to sinusitis, it may be uncomfortable for you to swim in pools treated with chlorine, since it irritates the lining of the nose and sinuses.

Divers often get sinus congestion and infection when water is forced into the sinuses from the nasal passages.

You may find that air travel poses a problem if you are suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis. As air pressure in a plane is reduced, pressure can build up in your head blocking your sinuses or eustachian tubes in your ears. Therefore, you might feel discomfort in your sinus or middle ear during the plane's ascent or descent. Some doctors recommend using decongestant nose drops or inhalers before your flight to avoid this problem.

Sinus Infection Research

Scientific studies have shown a close relationship between having allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. In fact, some studies state that up to 80 percent of adults with chronic sinusitis also had allergic rhinitis. There is also an association between asthma and sinusitis. Some researchers think that as many as 75 percent of people with asthma also get sinusitis. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) conducts and supports research on allergic diseases as well as bacteria and fungus that can cause sinusitis. This research is focused on developing better treatments and ways to prevent these diseases.

Scientists supported by NIAID and other institutions are investigating whether chronic sinusitis has genetic causes. They have found that the alterations in genes which cause cystic fibrosis may also contribute to chronic sinusitis. This research focus will give scientists new insights into the cause of the disease in some people and points to new strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

Another NIAID-supported research study is trying to determine whether fungi may play a role in causing many cases of chronic sinusitis. This research also will help scientists develop better medicines to treat chronic sinusitis.

Where can I get more information about cold, flu, and sinus infections?

Common Cold Symptoms
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/

Sinus Infections Symptoms
http://www.nlm.nih.gov

Key Facts about the Flu
http://www.cdc.gov

Time is The Only Sure Cure
http://www.fda.gov/

Cold Flu, Allergic rhinitus or Sinusitis Comparison Chart
University of Maryland Medicine

Differentiating between a cold & flu University of Maryland Medicine

Cold & Flu - (Includes symptoms for strep throat, allergies, bronchitis, & sinus infection) Amer Academy Family Physicians

What is the difference between a cold & the flu?
healthAtoZ.com

Is it a cold or the flu?
KidsHealth, Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media

Flu verses Cold
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

How can I tell if I have the flu or just a cold?
Sarah Hansen, Student Health Service, Univ Iowa

Cold & Flu Guidlines
American Lung Association

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
611 East Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
1-800-822-ASMA (2762)
http://www.aaaai.org

Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
50 N. Brockway, Suite 3.3
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 934-1918
http://www.jcaai.org

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc.
One Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3357
(703) 836-4444
http://www.entnet.org

NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIAID supports basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious and immune-mediated illnesses, including HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, illness from potential agents of bioterrorism, tuberculosis, malaria, autoimmune disorders, asthma and allergies.

Press releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID Web site at http://www.niaid.nih.gov

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Does Echinacea Fight Colds?

Condensed from Megen Phelps' article in Mother Earth News, Jan 2006

Echinacea's effectiveness  in the prevention of colds and flu seems to have been called into question when the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a clinical trial in July 2005.  The results of a large clinical trial seemed to find that the herb was not effective in the treatment or prevention of colds. This widely published study was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). However Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council, a non-profit organization that promotes research and education on medicinal plants, commented in Mother Earth News,  The NCCAM study was well controlled, but this is not the definitive study. It needs to been seen in the context of the many other trials of Echinacea.” Research collected by Herbalgram.org found of the 21 studies listed, 18 found positive results, with three studies finding no significant effects. Researchers themselves in the NCCAM study noted it difficult to prove or disprove the effects of Echinacea because so many forms of the herb are used. Dr. Rudolf Bauer, a co-author of the NCCAM Echinacea study was quoted in The New York Times stating that he personally continues to take Echinacea. Dr. Bauer thinks that the study should investigate the effect o higher dosages. The studys 900 milligram-per-day level used the Echinacea Augustifolia” variety of Echinacea instead of the newer standards of 3,000 milligram daily dosage of the Echinacea Padilla” variety as set by the World Health Organization and the Canadian National Health Products Directorate.

Echinacea Fails to suppress Cold, Flu and Sinus Infection Symptoms

J. Immunother. 2002 Sep-Oct;25(5):413-20 Department of Internal Medicine, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany.

Echinacea extracts are widely used in European countries and in the United States as "immune-stimulating" agents. Even though the evidence to stimulate certain components of the nonspecific immune system (phagocytosis, macrophages, and production of cytokines) stems from in vitro experiments or studies after parenteral application, the commercially available Echinacea preparations used as drugs or supplements are for oral use. The aim of the study was to determine whether phagocytic activity and production of cytokines is stimulated by oral application of a commercially available Echinacea preparation. Forty healthy male volunteers (ages 20-40 years) participated in the study. They received either a freshly expressed juice of Echinacea purpurea herbs or placebo juice using a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design with two treatment periods of 14 days and a wash-out period of 4 weeks in between. Endpoints for immune stimulation: phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes measured by flowcytometry, production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-alpha and Interleukin (IL)-1beta by LPS-stimulated blood monocytes. Echinacea purpurea herbs did neither enhance phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes nor that of monocytes when compared with placebo. Echinacea purpurea herbs did not influence the production TNF-alpha and IL-1beta by LPS-stimulated monocytes. Unexpectedly, Echinacea purpurea herbs decreased serum ferritin concentration (p = 0.0005). All other laboratory and safety data remained unchanged. The "immune stimulation" by Echinacea purpurea observed in vitro and after parenteral administration are not confirmed in healthy humans after oral intake. Other immunomodulatory effects may explain the benefits of Echinacea preparations in reducing duration and severity of upper-respiratory tract infections found in randomized, double-blind clinical trials.

Understanding Cold and Flu Symptoms - Over The Counter Drug Side Effects

By Decker Weiss: MD, AACVPR

The common cold is the leading reason children and adults stay home sick from school or work, according to the National Institutes of Health. It’s estimated that one billion colds are caught and spread in the U.S. every year.1 During influenza season, 35 to 50 million Americans get the flu. Flu outbreaks can sweep through entire communities, affecting up to half the population. For certain people (the elderly, newborns, and people with chronic illnesses) the flu can cause serious and even life-threatening complications.

Why hasn’t a cure been found for colds and the flu?

Viruses are extremely difficult to study. To cure a cold, a remedy would need to kill any one of the 200 different viruses. Flu viruses continually evolve and mutate from season to season.1,2 So far, no one has succeeded at finding the magic formula for a safe cold or flu cure.

The best research has been able to offer is the development of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat cold and flu symptoms. However, there is some consensus that treating the symptoms of colds and flu infections may actually prolong the duration of the disease and prolong the misery.1,2 In addition, some potentially serious side effects have been associated with the use of OTC cold and flu medications.8,9

What kind of side effects are associated with OTC cold and flu medications?

A variety of OTC products are available. Decongestants temporarily dry up runny noses, stop sneezing, and relieve watery eyes.

Acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen reduce body aches. Aspirin and ibuprofen bring down fevers.1,2

All these medications can cause side effects. Aspirin and ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal upset.10,11 Additionally, aspirin should never be given to children and adolescents with colds or the flu. Several studies have linked the use of aspirin to the development of Reye’s syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal illness.1,2

Taking acetaminophen over an extended length of time can cause liver and kidney damage so the daily dose should be limited to no more than four grams.12,13 Decongestants can cause high blood pressure, heart palpitations, urinary retention, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, anxiety, tremors, and insomnia.14 Decongestant use can alter the normal tissue of the nose and actually increase the duration of nasal congestion.15,16

However, suffering with an untreated cold or the flu can be very distressing and quite uncomfortable.

What else can be done for colds and flu?

Supplementing with elderberry during the flu may reduce its symptoms.41 Elderberry is an herb that causes an increase in viral antibodies. While elderberry is available as an individual supplement, it is also frequently combined with other vitamins, minerals, glandular extracts, or herbs for maximum cold and flu symptom relief.

If you also have an irritated throat, English ivy extract has been shown to provide natural and effective relief. English ivy soothes and quiets coughs due to colds and flu without the side effects often found in some products containing synthetic ingredients.42-44

Getting lots of rest and drinking lots of fluids (a minimum of 64 ounces of water and juice a day) are also very important. Drinking hot beverages such as tea and eating chicken soup are not only comforting, but they can open up stuffy noses. Gargling with salt water may help reduce painful sore throats.1,2

Individuals should seek care from a licensed health care practitioner if they have a fever that lasts longer than three days, are coughing up yellow-green mucus, or have chest pain that occurs with breathing. These symptoms may signal more serious conditions.1,2

With colds and flu, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Frequent hand washing and sneezing into facial tissues (that are promptly thrown away) are the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of colds and flu.1,2

References

1. The Common Cold. National Institutes of Health Web site. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/
factsheets/cold.htm.
Accessed on April 30, 2001.

2. Flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
diseases/flu/fluinfo.htm. Accessed April 30, 2001.

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4. Wustenberg R, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Kohler G, Stammwitz U. Efficacy and mode of action of an immunomodulator herbal preparation containing echinacea, wild indigo, and white cedar. Adv Ther. 1999;16:51-70.

5. Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Hentschel C, Schnitker J, Kohnen R, Kohler G, Wustenberg P. Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory tract infection): results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Curr Med Res Op. 1999;15:214-227.

6. Porth CM. The common cold. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998: 502.

7. Norris J, Ed. InfluenzProfessional Guide to Diseases. 5th ed. Springhouse, Pa: Springhouse Corporation; 1995:212-213.

8. Karch AM, Karch FE. Let the user beware. OTC drugs aren’t necessarily ‘safe when taken as directed.’ Am J Nurs. 2001;101:25.

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10. Hirschowitz BI, Hawkey CJ. Questions regarding future research on aspirin and the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Med. 2001;110(Suppl):S74-S78.

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12. Noriega GO, Ossola JO, Tomaro ML, Batlle AM. Effect of acetaminophen on heme metabolism in rat liver. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2000;32:983-991.

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26. Burger RA, Torres AR, Warren RP, Caldwell VD, Hughes BG. Echinacea-induced cytokine production by human macrophages. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1997;19:371-379.

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28. Sun LZ, Currier NL, Miller SC. The American coneflower: a prophylactic role involving nonspecific immunity. J Altern Complement Med. 1999;5:437-446.

29. Kindzel’skii LP, Zlochevskaia LL, Tsyganok TV, Shebava MM. The effect of natural immunomodulators on the lymphocytic natural killer activity in patients with malignant lymphoproliferative diseases. Lika Sprav1995;1:146-148.

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35. Beuscher N, Kopanski L, Ernwein C. Modulation der immunanatwort durch polymere substanzen aus baptista tinctoria und echinacea angustifoliIn: Masihi KN et al, eds. Immunotherapeutic Prospects of Infectious Diseases. Berlin, Heidelberg:
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36. Beuscher N, Scheit KH, Bodinet C, Egert D. Modulation der korpereigenen immunabwehr substanzen aus baptista tinctoria und echinacea purpureIn: Masihi KN et al, eds. Immunotherapeutic Prospects of Infectious Diseases. Berlin, Heidelberg:Springer-Verlag; 1991.

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Cold, Flu and Sinus Infection Facts:

More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the common cold.

While antibiotics kill disease-causing microbes, echinacea enhances the body’s own ability to fight off cold flu and sinus infections.

Echinacea is the most widely used herbal supplement in the United States.

Echinacea tea blend shortens duration of cold symptoms

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of 95 people, treatment with an echinacea tea preparation (Echinacea Plus®, Traditional Medicinals) early in the course of a cold or flu was significantly more effective in relieving symptoms than a placebo tea. For the 90-day study, participants reported for assignment to one of two treatment groups at the first onset of cold and flu symptoms (scratchy throat, runny nose, fever, etc.). The subjects drank 5 to 6 cups a day of echinacea or placebo tea on the first day of symptoms, reducing the dosage to 1 cup per day for the next five days. Results were assessed with a questionnaire that measured symptom relief, duration of symptoms, and time before subjects noticed a difference in symptoms. The echinacea tea was significantly more effective than placebo in all parameters measured. No side effects were reported in either group. Echinacea Plus is a proprietary blend of E. purpurea and E. angustifolia leaves, flowers, and stems, a water soluble dry extract of E. purpurea root, and flavoring herbs. Eater's Digest® (Traditional Medicinals) was selected as the placebo tea because it was not expected to have a significant effect on cold or flu symptoms at the dosages used in this study. Among other herbs, Eater's Digest contains cinnamon, ginger, and peppermint. Lindenmuth GF, Lindenmuth EB.

The efficacy of echinacea compound herbal tea preparation on the severity and duration of upper respiratory and flu symptoms: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.

This article originally appeared in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2000; 6(4): 327-334.

Nasal irrigation is effective in improving symptoms and the health status of patients with sinus infections.

Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation. School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, USA.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Nasal disease, including chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis, is a significant source of morbidity. Nasal irrigation has been used as an adjunctive treatment of sinonasal disease. However, despite an abundance of anecdotal reports, there has been little statistical evidence to support its efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the use of pulsatile hypertonic saline nasal irrigation in the treatment of sinonasal disease. Study DESIGN: A prospective controlled clinical study. METHODS: Two hundred eleven patients from the University of California, San Diego (San Diego, CA) Nasal Dysfunction Clinic with sinonasal disease (including allergic rhinitis, aging rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, and postnasal drip) and 20 disease-free control subjects were enrolled. Patients irrigated their nasal cavities using hypertonic saline delivered by a Water Pik device using a commercially available nasal adapter twice daily for 3 to 6 weeks. Patients rated nasal disease-specific symptoms and completed a self-administered quality of well-being questionnaire before intervention and at follow-up. RESULTS: Patients who used nasal irrigation for the treatment of sinonasal disease experienced statistically significant improvements in 23 of the 30 nasal symptoms queried. Improvement was also measured in the global assessment of health status using the Quality of Well-Being scale. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal irrigation is effective in improving symptoms and the health status of patients with sinonasal disease.