ENT Questions & Answers III
In order to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of rhinosinusitis, it is important to follow the international guidelines or consensuses that are currently available and, in our case, our reference is the EPOS consensus. We must base our actions on the dictates of Evidence-Based Medicine, because that is the best way to guarantee quality care based on evidence and not on personal observations. This symposium has shown that we now have enough knowledge and medical resources to offer better management of a highly prevalent disease which has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life.
– According to the consensus documents that are now emerging, what would be the main treatments of choice for rhinosinusitis?
– It depends on whether it is acute or chronic but, in any case, there is a clear trend towards basing therapy on the administration of topical corticoids, restricting the use of antibiotics.
– And what do you think of the possible benefits that could be obtained with administration of this plant extract-based product?
– It is extremely promising, above all because it is a natural product that has interesting properties. It could be very useful as an adjuvant therapy, improving the symptoms associated with rhinosinusitis.
“This new natural alternative may be very helpful in improving the symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis”
– Can we feel hopeful about the new strategies that are been assessed for addressing the health problems caused by rhinosinusitis?
– Yes, without a doubt. For instance, this symposium has analysed the possible benefits that could be brought by the use of a natural product containing plant extracts. The impression one is left with is that it is a tremendously promising product which may be very helpful in improving this disease’s symptoms.
– What evidence is available for this preparation?
– There is an extensive body of experience obtained with a large number of patients, particularly in certain East European countries. The results are very positive. The most important point to make is that it is a very safe product.
– Do you have any personal experience with this product?
– Yes, albeit very limited. Even so, it has helped me understand better how it acts and to see its positive effects for myself.
– So do you think that it is a useful addition to today’s therapeutic armamentarium for the management of rhinosinusitis?
– Yes. It is a medical product that will have virtually no contraindications, which is a significant benefit in itself. It is not a vasoconstrictor, it has no adrenergic effect. It’s worth trying it in certain sinonasal conditions, since its high efficacy brings a rapid and significant symptom relief.
P. Ortega and H. Massegur
57th National Congress of the Spanish
Society of OtorhinolaryngologyGranada, 1 October 2006