An exaggerated reaction by our immune system is refered as Allergy. The reaction happens in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. These substances are usually seen by the body as harmless. However no response occurs in non- allergic people.
Asthma is refers as the swelling and narrowing of the airways in our body. In technical terms it is called a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This results in breathing problems.
An inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages is refered as Sinus infection or sinusitis. The infection may causes a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. The sinus infection may also cause a cough, a fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Allergy, Sinus and Asthma: Finger Pulse Oximeter

Finger Pulse Oximeter OLED Display MD300C2


Finger Pulse Oximeter OLED Display MD300C2   Finger Pulse Oximeter OLED Display MD300C2

Product Description
This FDA approved model is intended for noninvasive measuring of the oxygen saturation in the arterial hemoglobin. Appropriate for adult and pediatric environments. This model can be used in clinics, hospitals, emergency medical services, home care, and aviation applications. Featuring a two color OLED display, measuring 58 x 32 x 34 mm and weighing a mere 50 grams (including batteries) this is the perfect finger pulse oximeter. Heart Rate: 30-254 bpm ±2 bpm. SPO2: 35%-99%

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #2726 in Health and Beauty
  • Size: MD300C2
  • Brand: Choice Med
  • Model: MD300C2
  • Number of items: 1
  • Dimensions: 1.34" h x 1.26" w x 2.28" l, .11 pounds

Features

  • Two color OLED display; Adjustable brightness
  • Displays SpO2, PR, SPO2 Waveform (Pleth or Line)
  • Six display modes makes display readable from any direction
  • Uses 2 AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries

Customer Reviews

Appears like a very good item5
This looks and feels exactly like what they use at the doctor's office. The display is very convenient and very clear. It is very easy to use. Put your finger in (after cleaning with an alcohol pad, otherwise results could be wrong) and press the button.

It shows the pulse and the oxygen simultaneously. If you make movements that should increase or decrease either oxygen or pulse, it reflects it in real time and seems to make sense.

The only problem is that once you start using it, unless you have other means to test your pulse and oxygen, you wont know if its accurate. I recommend you take it to the doctor and when they do the checkup compare this to what the nurse uses to make sure numbers are the same.
Disappointed.1
After reading the reviews, I believed that this was a good choice for home use. I was sorely disappointed. The oxygen saturation reading was 9-10 points lower than the one at the clinic...so we were never above 91, and the heart rate reading was all over the map. We thought perhaps we moved our finger, our finger was cold, the pulse oximeter was cold....every reason/excuse we could think of. After taking it to the clinic, we realized it was just totally inaccurate.
Generally pleased with Oximeter.4
I bought this device because I have bouts of atrial fibrillation (the heart beats fast, irregularly -- and inefficiently). In the past I have occasionally had a feeling of insufficient oxygen when sleeping above 8000 ft, and in flight in airplane cabins. Since I am aware that conscious monitoring on one's breathing can interfere with the automatic process, I wanted to be able to get a measurement to confirm or deny a physical cause for my distress.

I have not yet had a chance to take the device to altitude, but I have used it to monitor at sea level, both while experiencing regular heartbeat and atrial fibrillation (afib). It has performed well. In particular, the graphical display of the blood pulse is very useful in getting a decent reading in adverse conditions. When in afib or when hands are chilled, there is little blood circulation through the fingertips, and the graph helps in getting a good "signal". It also helps in assessing the reliability of the pulse reading -- some devices have major problems in deciding on a pulse rate for an irregular heartbeat. One can eyeball the number of blood flow peaks in the display and get a rough idea of what pulse rate should be showing.

My principal disappointment is that it cannot make measurements while moving about. This is not the fault of the device, but is just due to its inability to distinguish blood pulses due to heartbeat from blood pulses due to muscle motion. It can take 10-15 seconds after motion stops for the device to hone in on the underlying pulse signal.

Another nit-pick is that the graphical display is only right-side-up when the oximeter is on a finger of the right hand. There are other display modes that reorient the digital display to be viewed from any angle, but these modes show the signal as a pulsing ribbon, not a graph.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System

Healthcare: SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System


SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System   SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System




  Product Description
The SinuPulse Elite was developed and engineered in Switzerland to be the best, most advanced sinus and nasal irrigation system in the world complete with state-of-the-art electronics and Intellipulse technology. Featuring a patented SinuMist function it is the only irrigator capable of delivering both a gentle pulsating mist spray for soothing relief and a more thorough pulsating rinse to cleanse the sinuses and massage the nasal cilia to their normal, healthy state. With the pulsating atomizer spray and pulsating cleansing rinse it really is like having two units in one! The SinuPulse Elite is a soothing drug free device to relieve symptoms caused by sinus infections, sinusitis, allergies and the common cold including: post nasal drip, cough, congestion, sinus headaches, and irritated nasal passages. Recommended by leading health care professionals pulsating irrigation is supported by published medical reports. The SinuPulse Elite advanced features include: state-of-the-art Micro Touch power button, electronic LED display, fully adjustable pressure and pause control on handle, hypo allergenic design, calibrated pulse rate, quiet operation, measurement scale, hi-capacity water tank with hygienic cover, soft color coded nasal tips for family members, and sinus treatment information. "I recommend the SinuPulse Elite from Health Solutions Medical Products. Our team has been using their sinus irrigation products as part of our regular healthcare regimen. We have found the products help our players that suffer from allergies and sinus problems." Gary Vitti, 6X NBA World Champion Head Athletic Trainer of the Los Angeles Lakers. Bonus Offer: Now includes 2 Throat Irrigator Tips with Tongue Cleaner attachment for enhanced breath control.
 

Product Details

  • Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 6 inches ; 2 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
  • ASIN: B001CWT4JI
  • UPC: 892773001137
  • Item model number: SP100

Product Features

  •  The only nasal irrigation system that features a patented pulsating dual spray rinse operation for a moisturizing pulsating mist spray and a pulsating cleansing rinse
  •  Clog free leak resistant design with LED display and 24 oz high capacity water tank for a longer enhanced nasal irrigation experience
  •  EZ touch button on the handle for fully adjustable pressure control at the touch of your finger
  •  30 Day supply of SinuAir formulated powdered saline solution
  •  2 year full warranty, FDA registered, UL, and CE approved
Customer Reviews
*****Amazing relief!!, January 29, 2008
This review is from: SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System (Health and Beauty)
I've also used a neti pot, but this is far superior. I have severe allergies, year round, and a friend recommended the neti pot which my doctor had never mentioned. It worked so well, right off the bat, that I purchased this, and I'm amazed. It takes only a few minutes, and I use it once in the morning and once before bed just as part of my normal routine. The thing is terrific, and I get instant relief PLUS the nighttime usage has really helped that early morning stuffiness. I can't get over the change. If you suffer allergies or other sinus issues, this could really, really improve your comfort level. I still have to take my meds, but at least now I can stay on top of problem, and I give full credit to the SinuPulse. It sounds like I'm one of their employees, but I'm not, just a regular person with allergies. And I'm breathing!! YAY!

***** I Wish I Had Tried the SinuPulse Sooner!, August 4, 2009
This review is from: SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System (Health and Beauty)
I am a registered nurse for 24 years and have suffered with chronic sinusitis for 15+ years. I have tried everything from making changes in my environment to nasal irrigation. My allergist, ENT, and general practitioner have all suggested I irrigate my sinuses twice a day. They say it's like washing your face. It makes sense.
I have done this off and on for years using a bulb syringe, a neti pot, and then the plastic squeeze bottle. I felt like the daily irrigation was doing nothing and I was still getting sinus infections. Plus, I kept getting fluid in my ears. So I resorted to just using the irrigation when I did get a sinus infection.
I happened to be talking to another nurse and she suggested I try a pulsating irrigator. I had seen the Grossan irrigator before, but thought, "What could it possibly do for me that the others do not?" I also thought, "I am willing to try anything." So I went to order it online and that is when I saw the SinuPulse. At this time, I didn't know which product to try since they cost the same and seemed to do the same thing.
I called and spoke with a service rep at Health Solutions. I was impressed that he took so much of his time to talk to me. He explained to me what the SinuPulse did. He emphasized how the SinuPulse sends a gentle but leveraged pulsating saline rinse into the nasal passages and lower sinuses. This pulsating action is more effective at removing debris because it can penetrate and get into more areas of the sinuses than a simple nasal wash product like a neti pot or bottle. It also helps to break down biofilm, massage the mucosa, and helps restore the function of the cilia. (The cilia are the microscopic hairs which naturally move debris from the sinus passages.)
I think the SinuPulse is well designed. The unit has no latex or rubber which is great for me since I am sensitive to these materials. The plastic is antimicrobial. The unit holds about 1 liter of solution. In addition to the nasal irrigation tip, there is an atomizer. I do not see this feature on the grossan product. By using this tip, you can administer a fine spray of saline into the sinus cavities. This is much more effective than using a saline spray bottle to keep your nose moist. You can also use it to administer medications or other rinses much more effectively than a simple spray. (I would consult with your physician about what solutions you can use with the atomizer.) When I have a sinus infection, I will use Pulmicort Respules, a steroid used for asthmatics in a nebulizer. (They inhale it.)
Besides the nasal irrigation tips, there are two for the throat. I didn't think I would use them. But I did and it helped tremendously. I sometimes get a nagging cough even though my sinuses feel clear. I guess there is still a fine layer of post nasal drip even after you irrigate the sinuses. It also has the atomizer tip to administer a fine mist your throat as needed.
When I first got the SinuPulse I had just finished a course of antibiotics for a sinus infection. But as usual, the sinus infection was not completely gone. I figured I would be on yet another course of antibiotics soon. Instead I tried the SinuPulse and within a week, the sinus infection was completely gone.
The other nice feature is the adjustable pressure. There is a knob to adjust the strength of the water pressure. With the sinus infection, my ears were starting to feel full. So I just irrigated my sinuses on the lowest setting. My ears did not get worse, in fact they cleared up since I was able to still irrigate my sinuses. In the past I would not irrigate my sinuses because it would just make my ears worse.
I am still amazed at how much clearer my sinus passages are after using the SinuPulse. I cannot believe how much better I feel. When I had the sinus infection, I used over a liter twice a day to irrigate my sinuses. Now I am in maintenance mode and use just 500cc twice a day.
I still use medication. One medication I use is Astelin, a nasal spray. Now when I use it after irrigating, the medication does not drip back out of my nose like usual. I'm guessing my sinus passages are clearer and the medication is covering more surface area.
I have been lazy and skipped irrigating my sinuses, but I find myself needing to irrigate my sinuses. Like most everyone, it is a hassle to irrigate your sinuses no matter what you use. But for the first time, I feel like this product is working, so I am using it.
I have noticed I have used less decongestants and expectorants too. I just haven't needed them. Knock on wood, I have not had a sinus related headache since I started using it. I tend to get many headaches along with the sinusitis.
You do need to get a system down and when you do, it only takes minutes and is very easy to use. It is not messy like the neti pot or squeeze bottle. With those, I would always get water everywhere including the mirror.
The true test will be how I do over time. I usually get a sinus infection about every 2-3 months. So, I'll have to see how I do especially with the cold and flu season approaching. At least now, I feel like I have some control over my situation and do not feel like I will have to suffer so much from sinus infections!
When I think of what one sinus infection costs, the SinuPulse is nothing. I have down time because I feel so awful. Then I end up spending money for at least one or two doctor visits, antibiotics, and sometimes a CT scan.
However, the rep at Health Solutions, told me to try the saccharin test. To do this, you place a little powder sweetener (like Sweet N Low) just inside your nose up against the septum and time how long it takes for you to taste the sweetener in the back of your throat. The first time I tried it, I never tasted it even after two tries and over one hour. Although, I did have a sinus infection still. I repeated the test about a week after the infection was gone and could taste the sweetener at 22 minutes.
I did look on the internet for information about the saccharin test. It is an easy way to test the "mucociliary" function in the nasal and sinus cavities. I plan to use this test to monitor my progress with the SinuPulse.

Some reviews I have read about the other irrigator claimed it can wear out early from the exposure to saline. The SinuPulse comes with a two year warranty. So I was not worried about investing in this product.
The SinuPulse comes with a certificate of medical necessity that can be completed by any physician for possible insurance reimbursement. Apparently many insurance companies will cover some of the cost and reimburse.
I highly recommend the SinuPulse to anyone who suffers from sinus problems. I think children could use it too as long as they are supervised.

Health Solutions SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System (Europe) 
     

 
Health Solutions SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System (Europe)

Pulseox 300c Pulse Oximeter, White

Healthcare: Pulseox 300c Pulse Oximeter, White

Pulseox 300c Pulse Oximeter, WhitePulseox 300c Pulse Oximeter, White             

 

Product Features

  • Uses interference resistance against ambient light
  • Easy to read display
  • Provides a three parameter reading
  • Simple and easy to operate
  • Made of durable plastic
  • Easy
  • Easy to read
  • Plastic
  • Simple

Product Details
  • Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.5 x 2 inches ; 1 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
  • ASIN: B0012QU09W
  • UPC: 897429002001
  • Item model number: 300C
  • Batteries: 2 AAA batteries required.

Customer Reviews


****Excellent for the Price 14, 2008
This review is from: Pulseox 300c Pulse Oximeter, White (Health and Beauty)
I'm a RRT(respiratory therapist) and I purchased this pulse ox several months ago. I use it daily and have found it to be very accurate. It is lightweight, easy to read in dark or bright rooms, and works well on pts with poor circulation. The only complaints I have is that it is slower and more sensitive to motion than $400 handheld models. I have also noticed the lettering for SPO2 an HR has already started to wear off. I would recommend this product to RTs, PTs, and RNs who want an affordable pulse ox.
 
*****A Real Life-Saver!, February 19, 2008
This review is from: Pulseox 300c Pulse Oximeter, White (Health and Beauty)
Recently, my mother was put on oxygen. She was told to keep a close eye on her oxygen level, and to keep track of what it ran so sh could inform her doctor. We called several medical supply places locally, but all of them wanted over $300 for an Oximeter. My mother is on a fixed income, so we were beginning to loose hope when I decided to look here on Amazon. I was worried because a lot of the Oximeters were still so expensive. Then I found this one. It was less expensive then the rest, but seemed to still have all the bells and whistles as the more expensive ones.

Since getting This meter, my mother and I have beenoverjoyed. Now she can be more independant, and is able to see when her oxygen is too low. It's really a wonderful product. I'm glad I ordred it. The oeration is simple, and the screen is large enough that even I can read it, despite my vision problems.
Overall, it's a wonderful product. I couldn't ask for more!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010