Targeting the nasopharynx in the prevention and treatment of the common cold (and other respiratory ailments too!). Host: Dr. Peter McCullough (McCullough Report). Guest: Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, FCCP (12/10/24, podcast 58 min)
Anyone who wants to prevent or treat colds, COVID, and other respiratory infections without needing a doctor’s intervention should check out this podcast!
ED NOTE
We are not doctors and we are not offering medical advice. We’re just doing our best to distill this podcast for quick understanding and practical tips.Below is edited content from the show notes:
What Happens During Common Head Colds?
Viral particles stick to hair cells within the nasal cavity and gain a foothold.
Particles invade mucosal cells and replicate to amplify their attack on the body.
Inflammation in lymphoid tissue of the soft palate, tonsils, and adenoids causes the initial sore throat, which is a signal that the virus has been in the nose for days.
Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, FCCP, has researched intranasal chlorpheniramine, xylitol, sorbitol, saline, and many more ingredients, with testing in both animal and human studies. He invented a more effective nasal spray pump, uses a xylitol-based nasal spray twice a day (even more often on travel days), and has had zero colds this year.
How Nasal Sprays and Gargles Work
Dr. Ferrer explains how the nose and mouth are central therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of viral upper respiratory tract infections.
Nasal sprays and gargles (including saline preparations) prevent virions from attaching to hair cells and kill pathogens. They also encourage good bacteria in the microbiome of nasal passages and the throat to better defend against pathogenic viruses.
So instead of reaching for oral supplements or cold remedies first, Dr. Ferrar recommends nasal sprays and gargles to prevent the vast number of common colds encountered every year. These same techniques also can help prevent (and treat) early COVID and other respiratory symptoms including sinus infections.
Bonus: Learn why animals such as dogs rarely get respiratory infections; why you should avoid steroid sprays such as Flonase and nasal decongestants such as Afrin; how to properly blow your nose; and which techniques work best for using nasal sprays and gargles.
Takeaway Tips:
Don’t wait to prevent or treat upper respiratory infections!
To prevent or reduce upper respiratory infections, use the recommended nasal sprays and gargles once or twice daily (more often when traveling, in large crowds, or in small spaces with others who may be sick).
At the first tingle of a sore throat, treat with the recommended nasal sprays and gargles.
Dr. McCullough uses Xlear xylitol based nasal spray: xlear.com
Dr. McCullough also recommends Snoot! Spray - Snoot Nasal Cleanser - the Drug-free Neti-Pot and Saline Alternative (uses Chlorine Dioxide, available many places): snootspray.com
ED NOTE
We like Neilmed nasal care saline irrigation products (no financial conflicts of interest; just longtime happy customers): neilmed.com/usaAbout Dr. Ferrer
Dr. Ferrer is a pulmonologist trained in Cuba and the US, founder of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Cough Clinic, Interstitial Lung Disease, and president of Intensive Care Experts / Aventura Pulmonary Institute. An authority on respiratory ailments, Dr. Ferrer has over 20 years of experience and has authored three books.
References:
Dr. Gustavo Ferrer: gustavoferrermd.com
Intranasal Chlorpheniramine Helps Prevents Long COVID Progression, Reduces Symptom Severity:
