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The Sinus Cure: 7 Simple Steps to Relieve Sinusitis and Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions by Debra Fulghum Bruce, Murray Grossan
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Debra Fulghum Bruce, Murray Grossan Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2007-04-10 ISBN: 0345496027 Number of pages: 336 Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Reviews of The Sinus Cure: 7 Simple Steps to Relieve Sinusitis and Other Ear, Nose, and Throat ConditionsBook Review: The Sinus Cure Offers Valuable Information Summary: 5 Stars
Dr. Grossan assisted me in the write-up of Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become An Empty Nose Victim!, endorsing it and offering constructive feedback during its write-up. As only a small token of my gratitude for all he has done for me and others, I would like to share how The Sinus Cure has helped me in my life.
The original version of The Sinus Cure was one of the first sinusitis self-help books I have read, and perhaps the most influential in treatment of my nose. I have enjoyed reading the revised edition just as much.
What I particularly appreciate about The Sinus Cure is that Dr. Grossan and Ms. Bruce go well beyond offering remedies such as antibiotics and decongestants, the overuse of which can cause more harm than good.
As someone diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and empty nose syndrome (ENS), I have had recurrent sinus infections in past years and I was often prescribed an antibiotic, although now I question if many of these infections were in fact viral in origin. Most of the time my mucus was yellow, suggesting a viral infection, rather than green, which would have suggested a bacterial infection. Understanding that a minority of sinus infections really require antibiotic treatment, rather than treating the majority of my infections as if they were of bacterial origin, probably would have helped my condition. In fact, I wonder if antibiotic overuse sometimes led to increased resistance to antibiotics in my situation. Thankfully, although they might be needed in some instances, I do not rely on antibiotics nearly as much as in the past. Now I understand and fully embrace numerous treatment ideas that go far beyond antibiotics and apply these strategies to my own life. And, although my nose still requires constant management, I do not get sinus infections as much anymore.
That said, The Sinus Cure offers numerous treatment strategies for the sinuses, including discussions of herbal remedies, vitamins, and foods that could be beneficial for treating the sinuses. It is a great reference book for any sinus sufferer to look back on from time to time. Dr. Grossan and Ms. Bruce also caution against having the preservative benzalkonium chloride in saline nasal sprays. There is good reason for this. Overuse of such a preservative can cause more harm than good to sensitive nasal mucosa and the reader is well-advised to avoid it. This is particularly true for a sensitive nose, as in the case of an empty nose, for example.
Dr. Grossan and Ms. Bruce recommend using the pulsatile irrigator, which is the best product available for irrigating the sinuses. Please see my review posted on September 3rd regarding the Grossan Hydro Pulse Nasal and Sinus Irrigation System with the Original Grossan Sinus Tip, which details why I believe it is superior to other irrigation methods.
I further appreciate that, unlike the original version, the revised version of The Sinus Cure contains an entire page that is devoted to empty nose syndrome (ENS). ENS is a little known, unspoken, but tragic condition caused by an overly aggressive nasal surgery. ENS sufferers experience a number of sinus symptoms including a sensation that one is not breathing adequately, although the sufferer is in fact inspiring large amounts of air, a unique, yet puzzling phenomenon called paradoxical obstruction. There are scientific reasons for this symptom and others that ENS sufferers experience. As someone who has ENS, I am greatly appreciative of the attention that the revised edition of The Sinus Cure has brought to this condition and how Dr. Grossan is a strong advocate for ENS.
Lastly, while many posted positive commentary on The Sinus Cure, some reviewers posted "very brief" 1-star reviews and suggested friends of Ms. Fulghum Bruce had posted the fake 5-star reviews. First, these reviewers did not include any critical commentary on the content of the book, suggesting they hold a grudge against Ms. Bruce. Did these reviewers actually read the book? If one is going to post a 1-star review of the book, then there should be strong, well-reasoned logic in support of that decision; otherwise the criticism is not going to be taken seriously and is weak at best, hogwash at worst.
I have been very grateful for Dr. Grossan and Ms. Bruce and their fine book, The Sinus Cure, which has been influential for me. You would do well to pick up and read this book, and gain insights from the various easy-to-understand explanations and practical treatment tips contained within.
I believe The Sinus Cure should be part of every sinus sufferer's health library.
Summary of The Sinus Cure: 7 Simple Steps to Relieve Sinusitis and Other Ear, Nose, and Throat ConditionsAT LAST--THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR SINUS SUFFERERS!
If you're one of the thirty-eight million who endure from sinus problems, you know the debilitating effects this condition can bring--from pounding headaches, runny nose, and chronic fatigue to asthma, halitosis, even serious lung disease and meningitis. The good news is that sinus disease can be dramatically alleviated and permanently reversed. Now, after years of research, interviews, and personal and professional experience, Debra Fulghum Bruce and Murray Grossan, M.D., share cures from the top healthcare specialists and patients . . . cures that really work.
In clear, authoritative language, The Sinus Cure explains how you can easily design a highly effective 7-step sinus healing program to help you get a long-lasting grip on your own particular symptoms. Inside you'll discover
- Alternative and complementary healing options--homeopathy, herbs, t'ai chi, yoga, and other ancient and New Age strategies - The foods that trigger sinusitis--and the ones that soothe it - Nutritional and natural supplements that reduce swelling and inflammation - Proven methods for clearing the air you breathe of dust mites, mold, damp, and other allergens - Effective sinus hygiene, including the wonder of nasal irrigators - Exercises that can act as a decongestant - Helpful (and not-so-helpful) prescription or over-the-counter medications - The startling truth about sinus surgery - How to combine the most effective medical and natural treatments to end your sinus symptoms
Although further medical research is needed to completely eradicate sinusitis, the treatments and medications described here, most without any side effects, will greatly reduce or end your sinus problems. So breathe easy. Relief is here! While pain and misery are two things all sinus sufferers have in common, the similarities may well end there. According to authors Debra Fulghum Bruce, a health journalist, and Dr. Murray Grossan, a board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, each person's particular brand of sinusitis is unique and calls for individually tailored treatment. By relying on a multidisciplinary approach that combines some tried-and-true treatments with a few new approaches, Bruce and Grossan believe that most patients can control, even cure, their sinus problems. In this comprehensive, well-organized new guide, the authors recommend a comprehensive healing program designed around seven steps: making a correct diagnosis, using nasal irrigation, considering complementary treatments, cleaning the air, eating right, reducing stress, and choosing effective medical treatments. The book's introductory chapter thoroughly explores the causes and types of sinusitis as well as its link to other respiratory ailments such as asthma and allergies. Thoughtful chapters on the value of holistic treatments, herbal remedies, and good nutrition provide welcome direction for patients interested in natural medicine. The treatment of ear and throat complications is also addressed in detail. While the object of this book is to help the patient avoid surgery, Grossan and Bruce do concede that sometimes it's the only cure for really debilitating conditions. Their final chapter explores this option--why it might be necessary and how to prepare for it. Grossan claims that while each patient will apply the seven steps to varying degrees according his or her own situation, nasal irrigation in particular is key to relief. By frequently cleansing the sinuses with saline solution, mucus, bacteria, and allergens are gently removed and the chance of infection reduced. It is important to note that the irrigation process the doctor most heartily recommends requires using a device called the Pulsatile Nasal Irrigator invented by Dr. Grossan himself. --Marianne Painter
Respiratory Books
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