Chili Peppers Helpful to Sinus Problems?

Heat in Chili Peppers Can Ease Sinus Problems, Research Shows

Research Scientists Report Heat in Chili Peppers
Can Ease Sinus Problems

A new study conducted at the University of Cincinnati allergy researchers found that a nasal spray containingan ingredient derived from hot chili peppers (Capsicum annum) may help people "clear up" certain types

of sinus inflammation.

The study, which appears in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma &

Immunology, compares the use of the Capsicum annum nasal spray

to a placebo nasalspray in 44 subjects with a significant component

of nonallergic rhinitis (nasalcongestion, sinus pain, sinus pressure)

for a period of two weeks.

Capsicum annum contains capsaicin, which is the main component of

chili peppers and produces a hot sensation. Capsaicin is also the active

ingredient in several topical medications used for temporary pain relief.

It is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is

available over the counter. The study showed that participants who used

a nasal spray with Capsicum reported a faster onset of action or relief,

on average within a minute of using the spray, than the control group.

Non-allergic rhinitis is an upper respiratory
condition not caused by allergies but instead
caused by environmental factors such as weather, household chemicals or perfumes;

However, there are some people who have no triggers or don't know what triggers are causing the inflammation, the researchers explained.

The study was funded by Dynova Laboratories. conducted in the division of immunology,
allergy and rheumatology at the UC College
of Medicine.

Story Source: University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center.

Journal Reference: "A randomized, double-blind, parallel trial comparing

capsaicin nasal spray with placebo in subjects with a significant component

of nonallergic rhinitis." Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2011;

University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center (2011, August 25).

"Heat in chili peppers can ease sinus problems, research shows

This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional for medical and nutritional consultation.