pollution related health issues

[GeorgAZ]

The past year I have developed severe sensitivity to the particulates+pollution now existing in the metropolitan area.This has curtailed my hikes on Squaw Peak+Camelback, except on the rare clear day.I usually end up with a debilitating sinus infection that has unfortunately become chronic.I don't believe there is a desensitization available against dust+particulates.Sinus surgery is suggested. (I don't wanna!)It is very annoying! I miss my local mt. hikes+am limited to hitting the road northward. Anyone else dealing with this or have any ideas as to natural alternatives? Any ideas, anyone?? : (Move to the mountains!!)Help!!

[olesma]

Well, I can't give you too much good news other than to say you're not alone. A lot of recent research is pointing to the fact that polution is causing more respiration related illnesses all the time. Young ones are especially affected, cases of chronic asthma are climbing at a rapid pace.

As far as the sinus surgery - I had that done a little over a year ago. I had chronic sinusitis, in fact my doctor (after taking a peek inside - WAY up inside with some freaky and uncomfortable tool) said that he didn't see how I could breathe. After describing my history and my symptoms, and having looked at an MRI, he postulated that I may have had a perpetual sinus infection since I was a teenager. It would just flare up or die down, never actually went away. I can't find any way to disagree with him - sinus infections like clockwork every 2 to 3 months since I was 14 or so. Just murder if you're a singer.

Anyway - they preformed some surgery to clean me out and widen my sinus passages. Although it really bit during the recovery period I have never been happier - only one sinus infection since the surgery. I highly recommend it.

[CindyC]

If it's sinus congestion that bothers you I use a tea made of one teaspoone each; yarrow flowers, elder flowers, peppermint leaves and elecampane root. Cover with one quart boiling water let steep for at least 20 min. Strain and drink several times daily, up to every half hour. If it's chest congestion or asthma mix one teaspoon each; chamomile flowers, echinacea root, mullen leaves and passion flower leaves, 1/2 teaspoon each elecampane root and lemon verbena leaves. Steep as above. Drink 1 cup once a day as a preventive measure or a few times a day when breathing is strained. Also vitamins C and B (esp B6) are important. And my personal favorite; using good old Tiger Balm as a nasal inhaler. Good luck! Cindy

[joebartels]

:yuk:

[CindyC]

Funny Joe! But I do believe that those natural remedies really help. I have asthma that has gotten worse over the years. I take a tincture called 'pneumotone' . It may taste bad but it has cut my attacks by close to 50%. That's good enough for me. And I'm sure that with the outdoorsman that you are you have Tiger Balm in your first aid kit. :

[Nighthiker]

I had sinus surgery in 1991 and everything Olesma said, I had the same experience. My head did swell up like a pumkin for a couple of days, but very few sinus infections since. As for moving, cypress trees and mazanita caused my grief until the surgery.

[MaryPhyl]

I know it would look silly but... have you thought of a mask like one wears when painting? The old cowboys used bandanas not just for robbing banks.

[azrocks]

An alternative to surgery is the prescription nasal sprays that
contain cortizones. I've used them for 8 years, on an as needed
basis rather than the recommended twice-daily, and they have
almost completely eliminated the congestion and sinus infections.

[olesma]

An alternative to surgery is the prescription nasal sprays that
contain cortizones.

Those can help, but it really depends on the severity of the affliction and the structure of your sinus cavity. I took them for a while as well and all they really did was make my nose run a little more than normal. Of course, in my case I have lots of hereditary sinus problems to deal with and my sinuses were just a big mess.

Explore all options is probably the rule of thumb here. Different solutions work for different people. Don't rule anything out and always progress from simplest and cheapest and move toward the more severe therapies.

I have a brother-in-law who had such severe sinus infections that he had 9 different sinus surgeries of increasing severity. His last one actually eliminated his sinuses by filling them with fat. 6 months later - infected again. The doctors said there was nothing else they could do, so they sent him to a pain clinic for 9 months so he could learn how to simply live with the problem.

So - you never know what will work and what will not.[/b]

[GeorgAZ]

Your poor bro-in-law!I will do all I can to avoid surgery+living on prednisone,but if all else fails,will seek a medical solution.What was your doc's name?? :