The Claim: Humming Can Ease Sinus Problems
By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Published: December 20, 2010
THE FACTS
Dealing with a cold is bad enough, but when it leads to a sinus infection, the misery can double. Some researchers have proposed a surprising remedy: channeling your inner Sinatra.
Sinus infections — which afflict more than 37 million Americans every year — generally occur when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, trapping air and pus and other secretions, and leading to pain, headaches and congestion. Because the inflammation is often caused by upper-respiratory infections, people with asthma and allergies are more vulnerable than others to chronic sinusitis.
Keeping the sinuses healthy and infection-free requires ventilation — keeping air flowing smoothly between the sinus and nasal cavities. And what better way to keep air moving through the sinuses and nasal cavity than by humming a tune?
In a study in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers examined this by comparing airflow in people when they hummed and when they quietly exhaled. Specifically, they looked to see if humming led to greater levels of exhaled nitric oxide, a gas produced in the sinuses. Ultimately, nitric oxides during humming rose 15-fold.
Another study a year later in The European Respiratory Journal found a similar effect: humming resulted in a large increase in nasal nitric oxide, “caused by a rapid gas exchange in the paranasal sinuses.” Since reduced airflow plays a major role in sinus infections, the researchers suggested that daily periods of humming might help people lower their risk of chronic problems. But further study is needed, they said.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Studies show that humming helps increase airflow between the sinus and nasal cavities, which could potentially help protect against sinus infections.
ANAHAD O’CONNOR scitimes@nytimes.com
MY THOUGHTS
that's such an easy way to be free of sinus infections. i wonder if there's anyone who doesn't know how to hum?
By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Published: December 20, 2010
THE FACTS
Dealing with a cold is bad enough, but when it leads to a sinus infection, the misery can double. Some researchers have proposed a surprising remedy: channeling your inner Sinatra.
Sinus infections — which afflict more than 37 million Americans every year — generally occur when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, trapping air and pus and other secretions, and leading to pain, headaches and congestion. Because the inflammation is often caused by upper-respiratory infections, people with asthma and allergies are more vulnerable than others to chronic sinusitis.
Keeping the sinuses healthy and infection-free requires ventilation — keeping air flowing smoothly between the sinus and nasal cavities. And what better way to keep air moving through the sinuses and nasal cavity than by humming a tune?
In a study in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers examined this by comparing airflow in people when they hummed and when they quietly exhaled. Specifically, they looked to see if humming led to greater levels of exhaled nitric oxide, a gas produced in the sinuses. Ultimately, nitric oxides during humming rose 15-fold.
Another study a year later in The European Respiratory Journal found a similar effect: humming resulted in a large increase in nasal nitric oxide, “caused by a rapid gas exchange in the paranasal sinuses.” Since reduced airflow plays a major role in sinus infections, the researchers suggested that daily periods of humming might help people lower their risk of chronic problems. But further study is needed, they said.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Studies show that humming helps increase airflow between the sinus and nasal cavities, which could potentially help protect against sinus infections.
ANAHAD O’CONNOR scitimes@nytimes.com
MY THOUGHTS
that's such an easy way to be free of sinus infections. i wonder if there's anyone who doesn't know how to hum?
Hi everybody,i have been dealing with Crohns Disease for over 5years. The pain and discomfort caused by this hideous disease destroyed my life. I have gone through two bowel resections and numerous emergency room and hospital visits over the years. During the first twenty years of this disease, Prednisone and Sulfasalazine were the main treatment. Later Antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin or Metronidazole), Corticosteroids, 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP), Methotrexate, and Cyclosporine when I ended up in emergency rooms. Which happened more than I can remember. None of these worked as the Prednisone did. I eventually started receiving Remicade treatments that helped with the fistulas for a while. This was temporary and I had to go back every 6 weeks. In 2007 , the disease flared-up and consumed me. I was found in bed un-responsive and rush to the hospital in an ambulance. I spent three days on life support and stayed in the hospital for approximately 35 days. During this time, they were not able to get control of the disease and I experienced my second bowel resection. I never recovered. After the surgery, I got worse. The pain returned and got worse, and I developed a new symptom of rashes all over my skin. The pain stayed at a level 10 and was now 24 hours. I slept in 30 minute increments because my bowel frequency was unparalleled to anything I had experience in all the years of harboring this disease. I literally was preparing for my death. I sent all my possessions to my children and arranged for my body to be taken care of. I at this time lost all hope and wanted nothing more than to die. In September of 2010 , my roommate approached me and told me she met someone whose grandchild had Crohns disease. He had come across a spell-caster that he felt could help me. I responded that I did not want help and really, as if I need another miracle in my life as I rolled my proverbial eyes. Through the years, I had tried everything. I made my own food. I ate different diets. I tried everything from Probiotic products to vitamins to miracle cures. At every corner through the years was the ultimate miracle that resulted in yet another disappointment. With her insistence, I contacted this individual and when we talked I felt there was no way I wanted anything to do with this. To my disappointment, there was a voice deep down pushing me forward. I accepted everything he said i should do and everything he told me. My attitude was that I had nothing to lose. Therefore,I followed his instructions,he sent me some materials and information on how to prepare and use them which i did. Two weeks after, the pain disappeared and I was able to sleep through most of the night. The frequency went down and I was able to sleep through the night within a week of starting the formula of what he gave me. Today I am not totally symptom free and there are some resemblances of the disease present at times. However, I lost my ileum in the first bowel resection and bile can be an issue if I do not watch my diet. For the most part, I live a productive, happy symptom free life. In my heart, I know the disease is gone. I feel that after 6 years of pain and everything else that comes with Crohns disease there is a body and cellular memory.this is his contact details: odonmark11(at)gmail(dot)com.As each day goes by, I laugh more than the day before. There is hope for people out there.I guess he saved me and magic does still exist with right people...
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