Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2007
Review Meta AnalysisNasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
The use of nasal irrigation for the treatment of nose and sinus complaints has its foundations in yogic and homeopathic traditions. There has been increasing use of saline irrigation, douches, sprays and rinsing as an adjunct to the medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Treatment strategies often include the use of topical saline from once to more than four times a day. Considerable patient effort is often involved. Any additional benefit has been difficult to discern from other treatments. ⋯ Saline irrigations are well tolerated. Although minor side effects are common, the beneficial effect of saline appears to outweigh these drawbacks for the majority of patients. The use of topical saline could be included as a treatment adjunct for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2007
Review Meta AnalysisOrthodontic treatment for prominent upper front teeth in children.
Prominent upper front teeth are an important and potentially harmful type of orthodontic problem. This condition develops when the child's permanent teeth erupt and children are often referred to an orthodontist for treatment with dental braces to reduce the prominence of the teeth. If a child is referred at a young age, the orthodontist is faced with the dilemma of whether to treat the patient early or to wait until the child is older and provide treatment in early adolescence. When treatment is provided during adolescence the orthodontist may provide treatment with various orthodontic braces, but there is currently little evidence of the relative effectiveness of the different braces that can be used. ⋯ The evidence suggests that providing early orthodontic treatment for children with prominent upper front teeth is no more effective than providing one course of orthodontic treatment when the child is in early adolescence.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2007
Review Meta AnalysisTopical treatments for fungal infections of the skin and nails of the foot.
Fungal infections of the feet normally occur in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). The skin between the toes is a frequent site of infection which can cause pain and itchiness. Fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis) can affect the entire nail plate. ⋯ Placebo-controlled trials of allylamines and azoles for athlete's foot consistently produce much higher percentages of cure than placebo. Allylamines cure slightly more infections than azoles and are now available OTC. Further research into the effectiveness of antifungal agents for nail infections is required.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2007
Review Meta AnalysisInterventions to reduce harm from continued tobacco use.
It may be reasonable to try to reduce the harm from continued smoking amongst smokers unable or unwilling to quit. Possible approaches to reduce the exposure to toxins from smoking include reducing the amount of tobacco used, and using less toxic products. The interventions evaluated in controlled trials have predominantly attempted to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence about long-term benefit to give firm support the use of interventions intended to help smokers reduce but not quit tobacco use. Some people who do not wish to quit can be helped to cut down the number of cigarettes smoked and reduce their carbon monoxide levels by using nicotine gum or nicotine inhaler. Because the long-term health benefit of a reduction in smoking rate is unclear this application of NRT is more appropriately used as a precursor to quitting.
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Esophageal cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs are sometimes used as an adjunct to radiotherapy or chemotherapy for this type of cancer. ⋯ The included studies were of low quality. The results suggest Zhenxiang capsules or Huachansu injection may not improve short-term therapy effects or one-year survival rate when used as adjunct treatment to chemo- or radiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer. The quality of life may be improved by Huachansu injection. The results suggest that more high-quality trials on Huachansu injection and other Chinese herbal medicines are needed in the future.