TULSA, Okla., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study published in this month's print issue of the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology shows that treatment with Dead Sea salt (DSS) irrigations and sprays are as effective as topical nasal steroids in treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) – a sinus condition that can obstruct nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe. CRS is often accompanied by swelling around the eyes and face, facial pain and/or headaches.

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The study, led by Michael Friedman, MD, otolaryngologist, Professor and Chairman, Section of Otolaryngology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and Professor and Chairman, Section of Sleep Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, provides evidence of the medically significant difference DSS brings to treating CRS. When comparing the results of LAVI Dead Sea Sinus Solutions – currently the only natural, DSS line of products available for patients – to that of typical saline nasal irrigations and nasal steroids, the study found the DSS regimen was as effective as using nasal steroids.

"The mineral make-up of Dead Sea salts provide the same anti-inflammatory benefit as prescription nasal steroids," said Dr. Friedman.  "As physicians, this offers us a natural alternative for our patients. Further, study findings demonstrate that the health benefits of Dead Sea salts also help in the treatment of allergies and other respiratory illnesses."

Nasal steroids have been used to treat CRS because of the ability to reduce inflammation. For the same reason, it's also the most highly prescribed medication used to treat nasal allergies, which affect nearly 50 million people in the United States alone. Yet a 2010 nasal allergy survey revealed that nearly 64 percent of patients discontinue use of nasal steroid prescriptions due to the unwanted side effects.  The results of this most recent study suggest that natural DSS solutions can be used as an alternative.

Study Overview

In the study, 114 adults presenting complaints of CRS-related symptoms completed a Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test 20 (SNOT-20) and underwent an endonasal examination, acoustic rhinometry and smell testing. Patients were randomized into two groups: the experimental group that self-administered hypertonic (highly concentrated) DSS spray and DSS irrigation and the control group that self-administered topical nasal steroid spray and hypertonic saline irrigation.

This is the second study conducted by Dr. Friedman to prove the efficacy of DSS. A study published in the June 2006 issue of The Laryngoscope found that hypertonic saline irrigation, though of some value, can cause inflammation that increases mucus and causes excess secretion, whereas DSS, even in hypertonic form, has an anti-inflammatory effect, thereby naturally reducing swelling and congestion. The results of this earlier study provide evidence that DSS is superior to other saline for the treatment of CRS and significantly improves patient quality of life.

Allergy Effects

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies – specifically hay fever – are the fifth leading chronic disease for adults, resulting in nearly 4 million missed or lost workdays each year and costing an estimated $8 billion in healthcare spending.

"Many people down play the effects of allergies," said Friedman. "However, the facts remain. Allergies can have a debilitating impact on a person's quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to even more severe conditions."

Practicing good nasal hygiene, including using natural nasal sprays and washes, helps to prevent allergy symptoms and related illnesses by flushing allergens, toxins, germs and other pollutants from the nasal passages. It also decreases reliance on or the need for expensive medical procedures, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, which can often cause side effects.

DSS irrigations and sprays offer natural solutions that are ideal for anyone, especially those for whom prescription or medicated sinus or allergy products may be contraindicated, including cancer patients, older Americans, young children and those undergoing post-operative care. Additionally, DSS is a safe solution for women who are pregnant and those with high blood pressure or on sodium-restricted diets.

Not all Salts Are Created Equal

Most saline-based sinus products – including those claiming to be derived from sea salt – are nearly 100 percent sodium chloride (common table salt), which in highly concentrated forms, can actually cause an increase in mucus production and potentially damage the cilia – or hairs – inside the nose. Dead Sea salts are rich in minerals including magnesium, potassium, and calcium, known to provide an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing swelling and congestion.

About the Dead Sea

For thousands of years people have sought – and science has recognized – the Dead Sea as a place of natural healing and relief from dermatological, inflammatory and respiratory ailments such as psoriasis and eczema. This same natural healing power has now been clinically recognized in the treatment and prevention of allergy symptoms and other related illnesses.

About LAVI Dead Sea Sinus Solutions

LAVI Dead Sea Sinus Solutions is an all natural and non-addictive line of nasal care products made from purified salts extracted from the Dead Sea.  LAVI Dead Sea Sinus Solutions are ideal for anyone, including women who are pregnant, those with high blood pressure, and especially for those for whom prescription or medicated sinus or allergy products may be contraindicated, including cancer patients, older Americans, young children and those undergoing post-operative care. The patented line of LAVI Dead Sea Sinus Solutions, which debuted in 2011, replaced the company's Oasis Nasal Wash and Oasis Nasal Spray.  LAVI is manufactured by TriCord Pharmaceuticals LLC, based in Tulsa, Okla.

For more information about the studies or DDS or LAVI Sinus Solutions, please visit www.LAVImed.com. 

SOURCE TriCord Pharmaceuticals