| As part of our efforts to chronicle the | | | | Another article in the Health Solutions |
| experiences of sinusitis sufferers, a | | | | Newsletter of Sept 2005 also referred to the |
| gentleman named Carlton contributed a | | | | Mayo Clinic/U. of Buffalo study and adds |
| "Sinusitis Treatment Success" story. | | | | further clarification. Their article was |
| | | | entitled "Mayo Clinic Announces Startling New |
| He pointed out a study conducted by the Mayo | | | | Sinus Discovery" |
| clinic and the University of Buffalo | | | | |
| addressing the issue of recurring sinus | | | | "Jens Panikau, sinus researcher at Mayo |
| infection. It states that "chronic sinusitis | | | | Clinic, has published a new finding that |
| is an immune disorder caused by fungus." | | | | explains why sinus disease persists despite |
| | | | so many new drugs. Dr Panikau found that the |
| I asked Carlton in a follow-up email if he | | | | main cause of sinus symptoms was that the |
| had tested positive for fungi in | | | | eosinophiles - your special cells that defend |
| previousallergy tests, and here is his | | | | your body against infection, - get into the |
| response: | | | | mucus and produce a toxic product called MBP |
| | | | that is made in order to kill bacteria. |
| "Hello Walt: | | | | Unfortunately, among sinus sufferers, there |
| | | | is an excess of this MBP in the mucus that |
| I had 2 different allergy tests, both | | | | also damages the cells of the nose and |
| negative. | | | | impairs its ability to sweep bacteria out of |
| | | | the nose. Dr Panikau shows that it is the MBP |
| The Mayo/U. of Buffalo research says this is | | | | that makes the patient sick, with fever, |
| not an allergic reaction like a pollen | | | | pain, fatigue, and secondary infections." |
| allergy, so it wouldn't show up in an allergy | | | | |
| test. It's an over reaction to fungus by | | | | Anyone who suffers from recurring sinus |
| T-cells that damage the sinus lining and | | | | infection issues and who cannot find adequate |
| gives bacteria a place to grow. Most people | | | | relief after treatment by an otolaryngologist |
| have no reaction, but most people with | | | | or after unsuccessful surgery are urged to do |
| chronic sinusitis do. Apparently there is a | | | | what Carlton has done: |
| test, but ENT's are skeptical. Mine said the | | | | |
| fungus idea was false and suggested surgery. | | | | 1.Start using pulsating nasal irrigation to |
| If I was cynical, I might think his opinion | | | | cleanse the nose of crusty old mucus which |
| was because there's no surgical solution. | | | | could be carrying toxins. |
| | | | |
| This is leading edge stuff. Mayo received a | | | | 2.Test your environment to see if you are |
| patent on anti-fungal treatments. | | | | exposed to high levels of fungus. |
| | | | |
| I decided to try this approach after | | | | 3.If the tests are positive for fungus, try |
| everything else failed. I don't want surgery, | | | | to improve your environment to lower the |
| because I've never heard of one that worked. | | | | amount of fungus you are exposed to. |
| | | | |
| I'll let you know how it goes, but so far, I | | | | There are numerous books and articles which |
| feel much better. | | | | address this subject. |
| | | | |
| Carlton" | | | | Hopefully the follow-on work of the Mayo |
| | | | Clinic and University of Buffalo will |
| Huge Implications in the Study Results | | | | identify antifungal treatments that can |
| | | | finally go after the root cause of recurring |
| There are huge implications in this study for | | | | sinus infection. Sinus sufferers should be |
| those who suffer from recurring sinus | | | | aware of these research efforts and be ready |
| infection. This work could lead to treatments | | | | to discuss these findings with their ENT |
| that treat the root cause of the problem for | | | | specialists. Maybe serious help is finally on |
| the first time. | | | | the way. |
| | | | |