Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 larry 2/4/84; site hlexa.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!floyd!harpo!ulysses!mhuxl!ihnp4!hlexa!pcl From: pcl@hlexa.UUCP (Paul C. Lustgarten) Newsgroups: net.med Subject: Re: Sinus Problems and Cures Message-ID: <1667@hlexa.UUCP> Date: Thu, 22-Mar-84 19:22:02 EST Article-I.D.: hlexa.1667 Posted: Thu Mar 22 19:22:02 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 23-Mar-84 21:30:44 EST References: <373@houxt.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Short Hills, NJ Lines: 41 Luckily, my sinus problems are not anywhere near the level of requiring surgery. However, I do have persistent low-level problems, and thought I would mention one practice that I've found to be quite helpful. That is, I keep my *eyes* well lubricated with artificial tears (not to be confused with products like Visine). The frequency of application varies, depending on things like the humidity, how much sleep I've been getting, how much my allergies are being bothered, etc., but it seems to range from several drops per hour to several drops per day (in each eye). In any case, what I've discovered is that this additional lubrication has a significant effect on how much my sinuses are congested. It took me a while to learn just when they were needed, but I am now aware of a distinct feeling indicating the need for another application. On those occasions when I for some reason disregard that feeling (e.g. when I've left the tear bottle at home, or don't want to apply them in the middle of a meeting), I've observed a very reliable, immediate (10-30 minutes) effect of congestion, sneezing, etc. (If I persist in not applying any artificial tears, this soon settles down into the 'generally congested but not aware of anything really wrong' state that I used to think was normal.) I've described this to my allergist, but got little response (although he did write a letter for the insurance company saying that I used artificial tears as part of the treatment for my allergies). Has anyone else ever observed this? Is it possible that it is an acquired dependency, as happens with asthma sprays? There are several brands of artificial tears, and they are sold over the counter. Be advised that I have found a very significant difference in effectiveness among the different brands - the one I use is called "Tears Naturale", and is manufactured by Alcon. The reason I began using them was for the relief of dry eyes (after I had already given up my contact lenses); this is also their purpose according to the manufacturers' literature. Note: wearers of *soft* contact lenses may want to check with their specialist before using any type of eye drops. Paul Lustgarten AT&T Bell Laboratories, Short Hills, NJ ihnp4!hlexa!pcl