On 3 Feb 2006 at 12:47, David Epstein wrote:
> I've been using Zicam for a couple of years with seemingly good
> results (and no anosmia), based on the faborable results of clinical
> trials.
David:
I presume you're referring to this:
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Hirt M, Nobel S, Barron . E. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000 Oct;79(10):778-80, 782.
Zinc nasal gel for the treatment of common cold symptoms: a double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial.
Center of Integrative Medicine, Tarzana, Calif. 91356, USA.
Effective treatment for the common cold have been difficult to develop
because so many different types of virus are responsible for this condition.
Oral zinc has been studied as a possible means of preventing or alleviating
symptoms, with mixed results. We studied a new approach to zinc therapy--an
over-the-counter nasal gel formulation (Zicam)--to independently evaluate its
efficacy as a treatment for the common cold. Our study was conducted at four
sites over a 5-month period. The study group consisted of 213 patients with
recent-onset(< or = 24) cold symptoms; 108 patients received zinc therapy, and
105 reviewed placebo. Symptom charts were used to track the duration and
severity of each patient's symptoms. At study's end, the duration of symptoms
was 2.3 days (+/-0.9)in the zinc group and 9.0 days (+/-2.5)in the control
group--a statistically significant difference (p <0.05). These results provide
evidence that zinc nasal gel is effective in shortening the duration of common
cold symptoms off when taken within 24 hours of their onset
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But there's also this...
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Jafek BW, Linschoten MR, Murrow BW.. Am J Rhinol. 2004 May-Jun;18(3):137-41.
Anosmia after intranasal zinc gluconate use.
BACKGROUND: Zinc is an essential mineral. Beneficial zinc absorption takes
place via enteral, parenteral, or cutaneous routes. However, direct application
to the olfactory epithelium has been reported to cause loss of smell. Recently,
intranasal zinc gluconate has been recommended as a treatment for the common
cold. Severe posttreatment hyposmia and anosmia have been observed. METHODS:
The case report of a typical patient is presented and analyzed in detail,
followed by a series of patients with severe hyposmia or anosmia after the use
of intranasal zinc gluconate. RESULTS: Although interindividual variation in
drug response and drug effect is apparent, the severe hyposmia or anosmia
appears to be long lasting or permanent in some cases. The mechanism of
olfactory loss is thought to be the direct action of the divalent zinc ion on
the olfactory receptor cell. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc ions are toxic to olfactory
epithelium. Reports of severe hyposmia with parosmia or anosmia have occurred
after intranasal use of zinc gluconate.
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I think you're taking a considerable risk in using it. Colds aren't so bad.
Better to wait them out than risk anosmia. Also, I'm deeply suspicious of an
affiliation like "Center of Integrative Medicine", Tarzana, which I haven't
been able to find on the web. The fake Ph.D. of one of the inventors and
promoters of Zicam is also a matter to give one pause.
Take good care of your nose. It's the only one you've got.
Stephen
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Stephen L. Black, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Lennoxville, QC J1M 1Z7
Canada
Dept web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy
TIPS discussion list for psychology teachers at
http://faculty.frostburg.edu/psyc/southerly/tips/index.htm
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