Acute sinusitis... What is SaltAire Sinus Relief?

What is SaltAire Sinus Relief?

SaltAire Sinus Relief is a specially formulated, drug-free, natural saline nasal wash using a hypertonic solution for people with nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or who are exposed to environmental pollutants.

Acute sinusitis is a short-term condition that usually responds well to antibiotics and decongestants. Chronic sinusitis is characterized by multiple or continuous sinus infections. Either medication or sinus surgery is a possible sinusitis treatment.

The sinuses are air-filled spaces located in the bones of the face and skull.

How does SaltAire Sinus Relief work?

SaltAire Sinus Relief is a pre-mixed saline nasal wash that gently flushes out dust, mold, pollens, and other inhaled irritants known to contribute to allergy, sinus infection, and other respiratory problems. Sinus cleansing with a hypertonic solution increases mucociliary clearance and enhances the upper respiratory tract’s natural filtration system. SaltAire Sinus Relief comes packaged in an easy-to-use, manually operated pump bottle that gives the user easy fingertip-control over the flow of the hypertonic solution. Unlike nasal sprays, the SaltAire dispenser delivers the volume and rinsing intensity necessary for the hypertonic solution to comfortably penetrate and cleanse the entire nasal cavity.

They produce a thin layer of mucus that normally flows freely into the nose, moistening the air we breathe and fighting infection by trapping and removing inhaled pollutants such as dust, mold, viruses, and bacteria.

When the connections between the nose and sinuses become blocked, mucus cannot drain normally and infection or sinusitis often follows.

This type of obstruction occurs for various reasons:

• The most common cause is temporary swelling due to a cold or allergy;
  
  
• Congenital narrowing of the sinus outflow tracts can contribute to repeated infection;
  
  
• Abnormalities in the nose such as deviated septum or nasal polyps can also contribute to repeated infection;
  
  

Is SaltAire Sinus Relief safe?

Yes, when used as directed. The product’s main ingredients are water and salt, both of which are naturally occurring compounds found within the body. SaltAire Sinus Relief was developed in 1997 by leading sinus doctors and allergy specialists at The New York Sinus Center. However, the practice of saline nasal cleansing has been traced back to ancient times. Indeed, rinsing with seawater or saltwater is still a popular method of treating head colds in many cultures. Studies published in respected medical journals support the use of saline nasal wash with a hypertonic solution for sinus and allergy problems.

Additional factors that reduce the mucous membranes’ ability to fight infection include:

• Allergies to pollen, dust, animals and foods;
  
  
• Exposure and sensitivity to mold;
  
  
• Poor air quality;
  
  
• Acid reflux from the stomach into the nose and sinuses;
  
  
• Immune problems;
  
  
• Severe systemic disease such as diabetes and cancer.
  
  

Warning: If nasal irritation, ear pressure or ear pain occur, discontinue use and contact your physician. If you are on a sodium restricted diet or are pregnant or for children under 8 years of age please consult physician before using SaltAire Sinus Relief.

Nasal cleansing with salt water has been recommended for centuries as a potent method of improving nasal breathing and promoting nasal health.

More recently, independent research conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that mold and fungus are present in the mucus of virtually all individuals and are the underlying cause of sinus problems in most sinus sufferers.

Does the medical community recognize nasal cleansing as an effective treatment?

Yes. The benefits of saline nasal cleansing with a hypertonic solution have been extensively documented in medical literature, and the results of relevant scientific studies have been published in multiple otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), allergy, pediatric, and pulmonary medical journals.

Several published university studies have confirmed the efficacy of nasal cleansing with a hypertonic solution for relieving sinus symptoms and improving respiratory health.

Doctor Scott Gold and Doctor Robert Pincus developed SaltAire Sinus Relief to provide sinus sufferers with access to a convenient, cost-effective, ready-to-use product. Nasal cleansing with a drug-free hypertonic saline solution helps clear the nasal passages of mucus, shrinks nasal membranes, and promotes mucociliary flow, the body’s natural nasal cleansing and filtering system.

How does SaltAire Sinus Relief differ from other over-the-counter saline nasal washes?

Most nasal saline washes contain less than 1% salt, are acidic, and/or are delivered into the nose as a mist or spray. SaltAire uses a hypertonic solution, meaning it contains a higher concentration of salt but is pH balanced, making it gentle and non-irritating. Further, SaltAire Sinus Relief is a saline nasal wash, not a spray. Its award-winning applicator bottle provides the liquid volume and rinsing intensity necessary to fully cleanse the entire nasal cavity.

Inhaled material including pollen, dust, mold, and other irritants are removed with this type of saline nasal wash.

SaltAire Sinus Relief is a drug-free saline nasal washing solution that was initially developed by New York City’s leading sinus doctors and allergy specialists to help their own patients better manage their overall sinus health and avoid the repeated use of antibiotics and possible nasal surgery

Now available over-the-counter at drug stores across the nation, SaltAire Sinus Relief gently washes away dust, mold and pollens as well as the other inhaled allergens and pollutants that can cause nasal congestion, allergies and sinus infection.

What are its ingredients?

The SaltAire saline nasal wash is a drug-free pH balanced formula that contains significantly more salt but is less acidic than other commercially available nasal washes. The hypertonic solution is a mixture of purified water, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, dibasic sodium phosphate, benzethonium chloride and trisodium EDTA. The ingredients are buffered to insure a gentle cleansing wash of the sinus cavities.

SaltAire’s smooth, non-irritating formula and its award-winning, patented dispenser make nasal cleansing pleasant and quick, taking less than a minute each day.

How to use:

1. Remove cap from top of bottle. Remove inner seal. Remove dispensing cap assembly from plastic bag. Make sure dip tube is inserted firmly into dispensing cap. Screw dispensing cap assembly onto bottle.
   
   
Does SaltAire Sinus Relief help individuals with allergies?

Yes. The SaltAire hypertonic solution helps wash away the pollen and dust that can cause allergies.
2. Hold SaltAire Sinus Relief bottle upright in palm with bellows facing away from you.
   
   
3. Bend forward over a sink, or in the shower, so that you are looking at the sink bottom or the shower floor.
   
   
Can individuals on a salt restricted diet use SaltAire Sinus Relief?

As the SaltAire mixture contains sodium, we recommend that people on a low sodium diet consult their doctors to determine if this product is appropriate for them.
4. Gently hold the spout up to one nostril, aiming at the back of your head (see illustration).
   
   
5. Gently pump the bellows with your fingers to deliver the solution into nose. Do not inhale while squeezing.
   
   
6. After several seconds, solution will fill that side of your nose and exit from either the same or opposite nostril. If you lean far enough forward, the solution will not be tasted.
   
   
7. Repeat this process in the opposite nostril.
   
   

We recommend using one-half to one ounce of SaltAire in each nostril once or twice daily or according to your physician’s instructions. To determine proper “gentle” pressure: Hold SaltAire bottle upright in front of you (not in nose), squeeze or pump bellows with just enough force to create a 1 to 2 inch stream above bottle. Do not squeeze any harder than this.

What are hives? How can I protect my child from hives?

Adverse Reactions to Food.

The lips and mouth may be this first part of the body to react to a food and may include swelling and itching of the lips, tongue and inside the mouth. The gastrointestinal tract may also react to food quickly. The allergic reaction can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. As the immune response to food affects other tissues of the body, an individual may develop hives (urticaria), swelling (edema), sneezing and a runny nose, asthma or difficulty breathing.

What are hives?

Hives are an itchy skin rash - red, raised bumps with a paler center - triggered by an irritant. They can show up anywhere on your child's body, from the skin to the inside of his mouth, and vary in size from 1/16 inch in diameter to many inches across. Hives, also known as urticaria or wheals, can pop up in one area, fade, and appear in a totally different place within a matter of hours. Studies show that 2 to 20 percent of children develop hives at one time or another. An episode of hives can be over in a few hours, but most take about 48 hours to completely disappear. Some stubborn cases may even last a few weeks.

The most severe food allergy reaction is anaphylaxis which is a systemic, life-threatening shock. It can occur within minutes of eating a food to which the individual is allergic. Anaphylactic shock can lead to trouble breathing caused by the swelling of the throat or bronchi, severe asthma, hives, a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and death if not treated immediately.

What causes them?

Common triggers include food allergies, drugs, viruses, insect bites and stings, plants, exercise, heat, and cold. Unfortunately, finding the cause of your child's hives is rarely easy; many times, you and your doctor will be unable to identify the exact cause. And like most allergic reactions, your child may have been exposed to the irritant in the past without any problem. Here are some common triggers:

An individual who suspects they have an adverse reaction to some food should consult with a medical physician who specializes in allergies for an accurate diagnosis. Assessment usually includes a detailed medical history. The physician must first rule out a food intolerance, foodborne illness or other diseases such as ulcers or cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, before determining if an individual has a true food allergy. Assessment can be made utilizing a physical exam, food and symptom diary, followed by an elimination diet.

• Food allergies. The most common culprits include nuts, eggs, shellfish, strawberries, and tomatoes. Food additives, including monosodium glutamate, also cause hives in some children.
  
  
• Viral infections. The offending viral infections include infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus); hepatitis A, B, or C; adenovirus; and enterovirus. (Many of these illnesses have other symptoms in addition to hives.)
  
  
• Prescription and over-the-counter drugs. These include codeine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, and antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporin. Aspirin may also cause hives - and it's associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening disorder; it should not be given to anyone under 20.
  
  

Under a physician's supervision, the individual eliminates the suspected food from the diet. If there is no improvement of symptoms, additional foods may be eliminated. If the symptoms go away, a diagnosis of food allergy can be made. Again, under a physician's supervision, if the individual eats the food again and the symptoms come back, the diagnosis is confirmed. The elimination technique cannot be used if the reactions are severe or infrequent.

Among kids taking those medications, hives may appear immediately or after the first dose or sometimes days into the treatment. What's more, hives don't always appear the first time your child takes a particular medication; sometimes they erupt after he has taken the medicine on several different occasions.

• Insect bites. Children tend to react much more strongly than adults to bites from mosquitoes, fleas, and red mites (commonly known as chiggers). The bites tend to be on body parts not covered by clothing, and each crop of hives can last ten to 14 days. Stings from bees, wasps, scorpions, spiders, and jellyfish can also cause hives.
  
  
• Changes in the environment. It's rare, but occasionally cold, heat, and sun exposure can trigger hives in susceptible individuals. Sometimes hives can be a sign of an underlying disease, like lupus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory bowel syndrome.
  
  

A more accurate method, the double- blind test may also be given. The individual does not know what type of food they may be ingesting, so cannot influence the results.

What makes the hives appear?

Some children are simply more susceptible to certain irritants than others. Their immune systems reacts more quickly - sometimes even to substances that are usually harmless - and attack what appears to be an invader.

Direct allergy skin tests may be helpful in determining which foods are causing an allergic response. In skin testing, a small amount of liquid extract, made from the food in question, is placed on the back or arm. The extract is deposited under the skin with a needle (prick test) or by making small scratches (scratch test). If a bump (wheal) develops within twenty minutes, a positive response is indicated for that food. Skin tests are more useful in diagnosing pollen allergies.

When this occurs, the immune system releases a chemical called histamine to combat the irritants. Histamine makes blood vessels in the skin leaky, and the fluid that escapes gets trapped in the lower level of the skin, causing the bumpy hives. Histamine also provokes the itchy feeling that accompanies hives.

Hives triggered by heat, cold, sun, and exercise are more of a mystery. Scientists don't yet know exactly why these rashes appear.

Blood tests (known as RAST test) may be helpful for selected individuals but are generally not as useful as the challenge or elimination tests. Food cytotoxic blood tests and sublingual provocation food testing are not recommended since these tests are unproven in the diagnosis of food allergies... [read more]

When should I call the pediatrician?

Most hives are harmless, but they can also signal a serious or even life-threatening condition. Contact your pediatrician or call 911 immediately if your child has any of these symptoms:

• Hives in or swelling around the mouth
  
  
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  
  
• Pale, clammy skin
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Hives or difficulty breathing after an insect sting
  
  

In those instances, hives can be a sign of anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. These episodes progress rapidly, and can cause enough swelling around the lips, tongue, and mouth to block the airway; your child's blood pressure can also drop rapidly. If your child has a history of severe allergy to insect stings or foods and is carrying epinephrine, give him an injection and then seek medical attention immediately.

You should also contact a pediatrician for a non-emergency appointment in these circumstances:

• Your child has been taking medication and develops hives or a rash.
  
  
• He has had hives in the past and they recur.
  
  
• An episode of hives lasts more than four hours.
  
  
• The hives are accompanied by a fever of more than 100 degrees Farenheit, abdominal pain, or painful, swollen joints. Those symptoms can be signs of infection or disease.
  
  

How do I treat hives?

You can use cool compresses or a cool bath to reduce irritation and itching, but since hives are a reaction to histamine, antihistamines are usually the most effective treatment. Benadryl (its generic name is diphenhydramine) is available over-the-counter in liquid and pills. Follow the dosing guidelines carefully (and contact your doctor for children under 2 years old.) Give Benadryl every 6 hours until the hives fade. Continue the medication, spacing the doses farther and farther apart, until you are sure the hives are no longer a problem.

Your pediatrician may also recommend hydroxazine (Atarax), a prescription antihistamine. (Let your doctor know if you're using any over-the-counter medications for the hives.) Be aware that antihistamines make most children a little drowsy.

How can I protect my child from hives?

Avoid the irritant, if you know what it is. Teach your child to avoid trigger foods, and alert family, friends, school, and daycare. If your child is severely allergic, ask your pediatrician for a Medi-Alert bracelet, which will let medical workers know how to proceed in an emergency.

Children with a history of life-threatening hives from foods or insect stings should carry epinephrine with them at all times. Epinephrine is available in automatic injection devices; talk to your pediatrician about when to use it, and always seek medical attention immediately after giving it.

Lisa Asta, MD, is a writer and pediatrician who practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has written for the Annals of Internal Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and Hippocrates.