Maximum Healing From Empty Nose Syndrome

[onagus]

Hello Dr. Grossan,

I read that a form of topical vitamin A has been known to encourage the re-growth of damaged cilia. I was wondering is this something that I can purchase readily or will I need a prescription? Will I need to visit an ENT to obtain a prescription?

I've suffered with damaged tissue for over four years since I had an operation. I am at a point where I'm so exhausted all the time and I can't seem to hold onto a job. I would really appreciate your input.

Thank you.

[entconsult]

I don't have any info on Vitamin A to regrow cilia. It is supposed to be good for the skin. I wonder if taking high dose - 20 000 units of A would help? That is a pretty high dose.

[onagus]

I saw this link to a study authored by a Peter Hwang
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121607531/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Also, I found a video of a talk given by this physician.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlU7I5APMko
At 46:15 and forward, he talks about the healing of scarred cilia tissue using retinoic acid topically.

[leogeo]

Nice Find. He mentions applying retonic A on a HEALING sinus after surgery. But one that is already healed with scar tissue could be a different story? But certanily worth a try!
_________________
I am not a qualified medical professional. These are my personal views only.

[leogeo]

[onagus]

I am curious to know if I can use Retinol cream instead of the topical Retonoic Acid used in these lab studies. Retinol (Vitamin A) Cream is used as a skin care product and is sold in places like Walgreens. I don't know if it is safe to use internally (I am assuming that sinus membranes are considered as an internal surface).

Anybody know if there is a difference?

[leogeo]

Onagus I think you may be on to something

vitamin a and retin a are different. Retin A is vitamin A acid which called tretinoin the active ingredient . Read the following abstract http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/113308502/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

It is used to treat a mucosal condition called lichen Planus and with Lichen Planus you have scaring. Read the following article. But what I gather from the above article the retin a has to be altered. I am not sure

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/lichen-planus-information-on-lichen-planus-402779.html

Finally on the board it was shown to improve vaginal mucosal atropy and improve cilia function on healing mucosa in rabbits.

I think this needs looking into more in depth. But if it can be altered to be less irratating to the mucosa and heal the cilia and used for vaginal mucosa atrophy. Retin A needs to be investigated further
_________________
I am not a qualified medical professional. These are my personal views only.

[onagus]

Thanks Leo Geo. I am going to ask my doctor if he can prescribe this Retin A gel for me, even though he is not an ENT. If that fails, I'll consult with Peter Hwang, the doctor who authored the studies on the Retin A and ciliogenesis.

Also, I'm wondering if the mucosal damage I've sustained is a result of the surgery, or perhaps it has something to do with the number of bottles of Flonase I've inhaled over the years. These nasal sprays, though they often helped with congestion, seemed to make my nasal passages burn with dryness. I have read various studies online showing that the preservative benzalkonium chloride, found in these prescribed nasal sprays, have been proven to cause mucosa cillial damage in lab tests.

I've been officially diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and turbinate hypertrophy within the last year. I must say out loud that my sinus problems have been much worse since my sinus surgery and the following years of Flonase use.

What are everyone's thoughts on this?

Cheers.