Dr. Grossan's Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant Pages

Drug Resistant Streptococcus? Try the Drug-Free Approach!


Drug-resistant versions of the "strep", or streptococcus, bacteria, which causes ear nose and throat infections (and other bacteria ) as well, are becoming more common, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 1997 up to 25 percent of cases of Streptococcus were not killed by penicillin. This figure has risen 11% in just four years.

Doctors and health officials are worried about the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Strep is the most common. Most hospitals now run regular culture and sensitivity studies to figure out "the drug of the week". This is why it is so important to try a drug-free approach such as Pulsatile Irrigation for sinus and throat conditions. Many physicians feel that by removing bacteria, reducing the bacterial load, the body has a better chance to handle the infection "nature's way". A bibliography on the use of pulsatile irrigation of the throat and sinuses is located here.

If there is phlegm in the nose and sinuses, it makes sense to remove the phlegm by pulsatile irrigation. The less phlegm, the more chance for your own good white cells to do their job. Irrigation brings more circulation to the area, helps restore the cilia that are slowed by the infection, and helps you breathe better.

For a throat infection, a drug-free approach, is to use the pulsatile throat irrigator in addition to drinking lots of warm tea. Here, bacteria are removed, pulsation brings blood to the area with the bacteria-fighting white cells, and stagnant material which can harbor bacteria, is also removed. This won't clear all infections by any means. You still need to see your doctor if you are sick. But the Drug Free Approach is a reasonable and popular approach that can reduce the amount of antibiotics you will need in the long run.

Note that pulsatile irrigation with saline has already been shown to prevent the common cold without drugs. This practice has been used since ancient times in Indian traditional medicine.

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Last Update 1999 September 23
Murray Grossan M.D.
ENTconsult@aol.com