This book has the latest, best information on overcoming sinus problems, presented by a leading doctor in the field. It contains complete lifestyle advice including nutrition, exercise, and alternative approaches, in addition to medical treatments. It is written by a renowned authority at Harvard Medical School and covers the latest, best, medical practices as well as what we know about alternative approaches and a recommended lifestyles program. It features step-by-step instructions on effective home remedies and how to tell if surgery is necessary (Dr. Metson believes it rarely is). It includes the truth about myths and misconceptions as well as what we really know about the relationship between fungi and sinus problems, a controversial area of research.

The Harvard Guide to Healing Your Sinuses is a valuable resource, which is written in easy-to-understand language that details various sinus conditions, including ones that might seem like sinusitis but are not, and numerous strategies for treating them. In addition, discussions of treatments include helpful thoughts on various methods of sinus surgery, how to prepare for surgery if needed, and what to expect.

I appreciate how, on pages 162-163, Dr. Metson and Mr. Mardon cite empty nose syndrome (ENS) as a "troubling phenomenon," which results from an overly aggressive surgery of the turbinates (inner nasal mucus-producing tissue that performs many critical functions). The description of ENS is accurate, and I am grateful it is noted as a complication of surgery, as not all sinus self-help books acknowledge ENS.

When discussing treatments, The Harvard Guide to Healing Your Sinuses mentions zicam, which is the oral spray form of zinc. The authors note while zinc has been shown to reduce the duration of a cold, particularly when used at the onset of symptoms, it must be sprayed into the nose every four hours for one to two weeks to be effective. A word of caution, though, which also should be highlighted, is that spraying high concentrations of zicam in the nose can lead to burning and destruction of olfactory epithelium, the nerve cells responsible for smell. Consequently, some users of zicam have permanently lost their sense of smell.

This book definitely has much useful information on sinusitis from a highly reputable source. It is a great reference book for sinus sufferers.

Chris Martin, author of Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become An Empty Nose Victim!

This isn't the worst book on sinus infections I've ever encountered. However, it does not hold a candle to Sinus Survival (Ivker), and in fact, when compared, seems wholly inadequate. Don't waste your health here.

This book is well organized and describes sinus problems from minor to major. Several tables summarize treatment, medications, symtoms, etc. Although fairly technical (that's a good thing) the authors didn't 'talk down' to the layman. I found it very helpful and insightful. The book describes many self-treatments in a very orderly fashion.

The information is coherent and well organized. Yes, it is possible one can glean much of the information from other sites on the Internet. However, doing so would take twice as long as reading the book and one can never tell when they are receiving advice from a real doctor or a quack. Everything in this book is backed by a Clinical Professor at Harvard. Not only does that offer peace of mind, it also gives you an upper hand when trying to get the correct medication from your doctor. "I read in this book by Ralph B Metson from Harvard..." goes a lot farther than "I read on an Internet site somewhere..." I wish I could have read this book years ago.

Of note:
The recommended salt usage for nasal wash is a bit high. Some prefer it that high, I recommend doing Internet research and trying less salt at first, ESPECIALLY if you notice a stinging sensation. Never, ever try to force water through a clogged nose!!

The explanation of Zicam in the book is not quite correct. Zicam is *marketed* as homeopathy, but it is not really homeopathic; it actually contains Zinc. Homeopathy is just water.

Also, I was told Atrovent (in that form) was taken off the market.

This is a good book if you know nothing at all about your sinus condition. However, I had already gathered much of this information from good websites. There were a couple of interesting things that I wasn't aware of, but the bottom line is, how is this going to help me? Is it going to give me new ideas so I can get better? Unfortunately, it didn't. If you've already tried nasal irrigations, decongestants, steroid sprays, antihistamines, possible allergy shots and antibiotics, then you know all you can know about treating sinusitis without surgery. If you are facing surgery, then maybe the chapters on what to expect will be useful.