COLD SEASON AND DRY AIR
By Dr. Lon Jones, D.O.

       Fall is cold season. Students return to school, people work in crowded conditions and the air becomes dry when heaters are turned on in homes. All these factors contribute to infections, both viral and bacterial. Fall is also harvest time, causing allergies to flare up and possibly cause infections.
          The common origin of all these infections is in the nose. The nose cleans itself by using microscopic hairs called cilia. The cilia are located on cells in the nose and move the mucus to the back of the nose where it is swallowed. The mucus traps bacteria and foreign material, preventing them from entering the lungs. Elements that dry the air also dry the mucus, making it harder to move to the back of the nose.
          When the mucus and cilia are not able to help fight infection, certain cells are irritated and release histamine. This messenger molecule opens some of the blood vessels in the area causing the nose to run. Usually the nose becomes watery and there is increased drainage down the throat. This drainage happens whether the irritant is an allergen (like cotton dust or cat dander), an infection from a virus (probably the most common cause) or bacteria.
        Patients with these symptoms who see a doctor will often receive prescriptions for an antihistamine and an antibiotic. Doctors often prescribe both medications since it is hard to tell if the problem is caused by an allergy or an infection. This is an expensive solution for most patients, not only in dollars, but also in increased bacterial resistance that comes from the overuse of antibiotics.
         For example, in 1975 there were less than 10 million ear infections and the dose of Amoxicillin was 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. In 1997, there were three times as many ear infections and the dose of Amoxicillin was 8 times what it was in 1975. What we are doing is not working!! When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics over a long period of time, they learn to adapt because the stronger bacteria survive and continue to multiply. Studies show that when antibiotics are not used as often, the less resistant bacteria return. This is direct evidence that antibiotics are currently being overused.
       Another contribution to the rise in ear infections is the common use of antihistamines and decongestants. These drugs are frequently used to dry up a runny nose. However, this is not the best solution when the immune system is naturally trying to wash out the problem. Helping the immune system do what it is naturally designed to do is a better response. Saline sprays help keep the nasal membranes moist. A combination of xylitol in saline is the only way I know to help the immune system wash the nose.