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Instead of zinc-based nasal decongestants try saltwater or teas
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The Federal Drug Administration today advised consumers to refrain from using the decongestant nasal gel Zicam immediately as they are pulling it off the market. (See http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31388177/from/ET/) The reason for this move is due to reports, since 1999, of approximately 130 people who have lost their ability to smell--a condition known as anosmia--after using Zicam nasal gel swabs and related products such as their zinc gluconate lozenges. The manufacturer, Matrixx Initiatives, however, disputes the government's claim, despite the numerous lawsuits against them based on the alleged damages. The FDA is asking this company to turn over their files of complaints from customers, as well as to provide the regulators with more information regarding their products' safety. This investigation may take a long time due to the disagreement between the two sides as well as the lawsuits involved.
To go into some further detail about the controversy over zinc in nasal decongestion, here is some information from the Harvard Health Letter of February, 1997, by Peta Gillyat (seehttp://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1585/is_v22/ai_19136296/). According to Dr. David Kennedy who was quoted in that article, some physicians prescribe zinc supplements to boost the function of olfactory (sense of smell) receptors. If allopathic doctors have been endorsing the use of zinc to improve their patients' ability to smell, this can lead one to wonder about the claims of it causing the exact opposite condition. The Harvard Health Letter goes on to state that those who suffer from zinc deficiency may have a resulting loss of their senses of smell and taste. Does this sound like the mineral in question is harmful? Of course, there is a vast difference between administering a substance to correct a deficiency and an overdose, much in the same way there is a difference between giving a glass of water to someone suffering from dehydration and drowning the person. This discrepancy suggests that more insight is needed into the issue of the amount and use of zinc for nasal problems.
To refer to an opposing view, in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Feb.-Mar. 2005, by Alan R. Gaby, information on clinical trials of zinc nasal products indicates first, that there is effectiveness in treating colds by these means without reported loss of smell. However, the article quotes results of research from the 1930s in Toronto, Ontario, where zinc ions were found to be toxic to nasal epithelium. (See http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_259-260/ai_n12417465/?tag=content;col1). The children who were being treated with intranasal zinc in that study were permanently afflicted with anosmia. Lozenges, according to further studies mentioned in the article, did not have any harmful effects on the olfactory sense.
Until the dust has all settled in this case, it is wise to set aside any zinc nasal products from any manufacturer, citing the old adage, "When in doubt, don't." In the event of plugged-up sinuses and nasal passages, irrigating the nostrils with a mild solution of salt and warm water is safe and effective. Steam is another tried-and-true method of clearing up congestion, whether in a shower, from a humidifier, or good ol' traditional chicken soup. Herbal teas, not only for their steam but innate qualities, are highly beneficial; some especially good blends are of sage, rosehips, and balsam fir. Cayenne or other hot peppers will also get the nose unclogged and running till it's cleared out. In any case, there are always safe alternatives to over-the-counter decongestants that can be found easily and inexpensively.
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