Harvard Medical School Guide to Healing Your Sinuses

by Steven Mardon and Ralph Metson

Book Overview

From a leading expert at one of the world's most respected medical schools----learn how to beat sinus infections once and for all

Nobody needs to tell you how painful and annoying sinus problems can be--the pounding headaches and congestion, the perpetually runny nose, and the debilitating fatigue, not to mention sleepless nights, lost work, and ruined vacations. Now you can do something about it by learning what a top expert tells...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071444696
• ISBN13: 9780071444699
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great Reference Book for Sinus Sufferers

The Harvard Guide to Healing Your Sinuses is a valuable resource, which is written in easy-to-understand language that details various sinus conditions, including ones that might seem like sinusitis but are not, and numerous strategies for treating them. In addition, discussions of treatments include helpful thoughts on various methods of sinus surgery, how to prepare for surgery if needed, and what to expect. I appreciate how, on pages 162-163, Dr. Metson and Mr. Mardon cite empty nose syndrome (ENS) as a "troubling phenomenon," which results from an overly aggressive surgery of the turbinates (inner nasal mucus-producing tissue that performs many critical functions). The description of ENS is accurate, and I am grateful it is noted as a complication of surgery, as not all sinus self-help books acknowledge ENS. When discussing treatments, The Harvard Guide to Healing Your Sinuses mentions zicam, which is the oral spray form of zinc. The authors note while zinc has been shown to reduce the duration of a cold, particularly when used at the onset of symptoms, it must be sprayed into the nose every four hours for one to two weeks to be effective. A word of caution, though, which also should be highlighted, is that spraying high concentrations of zicam in the nose can lead to burning and destruction of olfactory epithelium, the nerve cells responsible for smell. Consequently, some users of zicam have permanently lost their sense of smell. This book definitely has much useful information on sinusitis from a highly reputable source. It is a great reference book for sinus sufferers. Chris Martin, author of Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become An Empty Nose Victim!

Excellent book

This book is well organized and describes sinus problems from minor to major. Several tables summarize treatment, medications, symtoms, etc. Although fairly technical (that's a good thing) the authors didn't 'talk down' to the layman. I found it very helpful and insightful. The book describes many self-treatments in a very orderly fashion.

Excellent resource

The information is coherent and well organized. Yes, it is possible one can glean much of the information from other sites on the Internet. However, doing so would take twice as long as reading the book and one can never tell when they are receiving advice from a real doctor or a quack. Everything in this book is backed by a Clinical Professor at Harvard. Not only does that offer peace of mind, it also gives you an upper hand when trying to get the correct medication from your doctor. "I read in this book by Ralph B Metson from Harvard..." goes a lot farther than "I read on an Internet site somewhere..." I wish I could have read this book years ago. Of note: The recommended salt usage for nasal wash is a bit high. Some prefer it that high, I recommend doing Internet research and trying less salt at first, ESPECIALLY if you notice a stinging sensation. Never, ever try to force water through a clogged nose!! The explanation of Zicam in the book is not quite correct. Zicam is *marketed* as homeopathy, but it is not really homeopathic; it actually contains Zinc. Homeopathy is just water. Also, I was told Atrovent (in that form) was taken off the market.

Doesn't get any better than this!

This book was written in a style that is very informative as a self help book. Dr. Metson breaks down the complexity of the problems that can occur in sinuses and explains them in a way that is an eye opener. If nothing else, this book can begin to unravel some of the mystery involved, as it has done for me. It's the best explanation I've found to date. But it doesn't stop there. Many chapters are dedicated to self help tips on improving ones sinus condition, something that can make all the difference. I would like to mention that some of the suggestions provided may need to be modified depending on the individual. For example, I had to experiment with the formula for sinus irrigation to get it right for me. But then again, it would take a volume of data to cover every individual situation. This book is a worth every penny, and I won't be lending out my copy to anyone. The next time I see a doctor, I will be more informed and active in the treatment decision making. If you have sinus problems, do yourself the favor and pick up a copy.

Incredible book!

This is the most comprehensive book I've read on sinuses. It is written so that the average person can understand what goes on inside your sinuses, what the problem areas are, but most importantly, what can be done to get relief. I was also very fortunate to have had surgery by Dr. Metson. Each day I continue to improve and feel like a brand new person. This book is a must for anyone who is suffering. I HIGHLY recommend getting this book.