Why the increases in upper respiratory problems?

The incidence of ear infections has roughly tripled in the last 25 years. Sinus infections and allergies also have increased. Asthma, triggered by chronic sinus infections and allergies, has paralleled the increases of otitis. These increases began in the early 1970s when antihistamines, decongestants, and combinations thereof, became available without prescription and were heavily advertised in the growing media of television. These drugs are designed to block the immune system's attempts to wash pollutants and irritants from the nasopharynx. The alternative is helping the immune system with this washing. I have used such a technique in my off ice for the past three years. Its rationale is discussed as well as my own experience. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.