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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