Last month, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) warned about the possibility of losing sense of smell in association with Zicam nasal spray use.

Zicam products have been available for several years to treat the common cold. The nasal preparations contain zinc and are marketed as a cold remedies for topical use that may relieve and shorten the duration of symptoms of the common cold. Recommendations were to initiate use within the first 48 hours of cold symptoms (runny nose, nasal congestion etc.).

Three of the nineteen Zicam products are being withdrawn by the company. Other Zicam products (oral remedies) were not targeted.

The three Zicam cold remedies being withdrawn are: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Kid Size.

There have been more than 100 cases of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) reported to the FDA and several more hundred reports of decreased sense of smell fielded by Zicam makers.

Zicam is/was not an FDA approved medication. It is unrelated to prescribed nasal sprays commonly used for allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.

If you have already used Zicam and have not had any side effects you are probably not at risk. Consult your doctor if you have previously used Zicam (especially on several occasions) and think you have a decreased or loss of your sense of smell. You may be able to get a refund or more information from the makers of Zicam (Matrixx Initiatives Inc.) by contacting Zicam at 1-877-942-2626 or visiting: http://www.zicam.com/products/ataglance.

Here is the FDA statement (plus info on how to dispose of Zicam you may still have): (Click Here)

Final Word:

In my setting (practice of Allergy and Immunology) the loss of smell signals the possibility of nasal polyps, a benign growth of highly inflamed nasal-sinus tissue. The point is, there are other possible causes of anosmia or decreased sense of smell (severe colds which cause marked intranasal swelling, sever sinus infections and severe allergic rhinitis). Adequate treatment of many of these disorders may bring back the sense of smell. So again, consult your doctor if you are concerned about your nasal health, and the medicines currently being used.

Several years ago researchers discovered NO is emitted in increasing amounts based on the level of inflammation in the lung tissue. A low level of inflammation is associated with low a level of NO. In cases of severe asthma, high levels of inflammation occur. They found that high levels of NO are exhaled in these circumstances.

Several months ago my practice acquired two FeNO devices (FeNO= Fractional Expired Nitric Oxide) in order to assist in the management of our asthma patients. This device requires a certain level of skill in controlled breathing but is not difficult for most adults and children to do. The results are obtained immediately after the breathing exercise is completed.

FeNO has helped us to further identify our patients that may require more medication for control of inflammation in the lungs. On the other hand, FeNO allows us to more confidently step down on controller medications when patients have results that show minimal signs of inflammation. There are some patients with allergy or sinus problems that cough frequently but do not wheeze. Often their PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) is normal. FeNO allows us to further identify whether the recurring cough represents a form of asthma (Cough Variant Asthma) or perhaps another problem (Postnasal Drip, GERD, Sinus Infection etc.).

Although FeNO will not answer all our questions when it comes to monitoring and managing asthma, it is a welcomed addition to our play-book.

Here is a link to more information about FeNO:

Click Here!

If you are a patient in our practice (Associated Allergists and Asthma Specialists Ltd.) and have asthma, ask about FeNO and whether it may be helpful in your situation. Currently it is available in our Orland Park and Highland Park offices.