Step into any drug store and you are likely to find a wide variety of over-the-counter ear and nose treatments. There are sprays, medications and cleansers of all kinds.
Just because they are available without a prescription doesn't mean they are a great choice, though.
Drs. Joseph Vigneri and Cope Norcross, of Wyoming Otolaryngology in Casper, recently shared their thoughts on what works and what doesn't.
Before making your next purchase, read what they had to say:
Do: Saline nasal rinses
Saline nasal rinses are salt-based solutions used to treat sinus congestion, colds and allergies.
"This is one of the few (at-home treatments) that has benefits with little risk," Norcross said.
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The saline solution can be squeezed through a bottle, poured from a pot or squirted from a pressurized can. Which delivery method you use is a matter of preference, as they are all safe.
Use with caution: Oxymetazoline hydrochloride nasal spray
Over-the-counter nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline hydrochloride, such as Afrin, help relieve nasal congestion due to colds and allergies.
"It's very effective, but you have to stop after three or four days," Norcross said.
Using this type of nasal spray more frequently or longer than recommended can cause rebound congestion and dependence.
Do: Follow the instructions on the package closely.
Don't: Ear candling
Ear candles are hollow candles that are placed in the ear and burned. The heat from the flame is supposed to draw wax out of the ear and into the hollow candle. There is no evidence that it works, and it may cause harm.
"It can lead to infection and scarring," Vigneri said.
Instead: Before going to bed, put a couple drops of hydrogen peroxide in each ear with an eye dropper and massage your ears. Follow it with two or three drops of mineral oil or cooking oil, such as olive oil. Rinse your ears in the shower the next morning.
Don't: Obsessive ear cleaning
Chances are, you don't need to clean your ears nearly as often as you think.
"Some wax is necessary in the ear canals for lubrication and protecting the skin," Vigneri said.
Avoid sticking anything in your ears to clean them, even Q-tips. (They don't work and can damage the ear.)
Instead: Follow the instructions above to clean your ears. If you have trouble hearing or feel ear pressure, see a doctor.
Carol Seavey is special sections editor at the Casper Star-Tribune. Contact her at 307-266-0544 or carol.seavey@trib.com. Follow her on twitter at Carol_Seavey.
