This might seem counter intuitive, but if pulsatile tinnitus is caused by ETD / inflammation, wouldn't an anti inflammatory such as a small dose of ibuprofen actually help? Used in conjunction with a steroid nasal spray. In reducing inflammation?
What do people think? Or are all NSAIDS a definite no no?
Note....
I've suffered inflammatory, mainly joint, conditions for decades. I did use ibuprofen minimally as possible to manage the associated pain to keep on working etc. Things got better a couple years ago and I didnt use any for a long time. Now I've gone down with pulsatile tinnitus and ETD problems and just wonder if the inflammation has now moved to my ears. It started in one ear but has now started in the other. Sounds like the kind of thing inflammation does.
http://www.medicaldaily.com/miracle-tree-6-health-benefits-willow-bark-get-you-chomping-bit-330070
The bark of
white willow contains salicin, which is a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). In combination with the herb's powerful
anti-inflammatory plant compounds (called flavonoids), salicin is thought to be responsible for the pain-relieving and
anti-inflammatory effects of the herb.
"2. REDUCES HEADACHES
The consumption of white willow bark may help reduce the tension from headache-related pain. It contains the chemical salicin similar to acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin. The
University of Maryland Medical Center states feeling the effects of willow bark may take longer to experience, but the effects can last longer compared to aspirin.
3. EASES LOWER BACK PAIN
Willow bark supplements could be a natural remedy for lower back pain, neck, and muscle aches. Brennecke believes its fine to take white willow bark to help relieve some of that pain. "The components of white willow bark inhibit cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for the formation of prostaglandins, which is an inflammatory mediator. By stopping the formation of prostaglandins, white willow bark acts as an anti-inflammatory agent," he said.
A 2001
study published in the journal
Rheumatology found in a group of nearly 200 people with low back pain, those who received willow bark showed a significant improvement in pain compared to those who received a placebo. Moreover, those who received higher doses of the herb, specifically 240 mg salicin, experienced more significant pain relief than those who received a low dose of 120 mg salicin.
4. REDUCES ARTHRITIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN
Willow bark can be an effective treatment for reducing arthritis and osteoarthritis-related pain by decreasing the swelling. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase and therefore, prostaglandins, according to Brennecke, it will reduce inflammation, thereby lessening the crippling pain. It's suspected white willow bark extract may regularly suppress the progression and onset of the disease. A 2004
study published in the
Journal of Rheumatology found people with osteoarthritis who took willow bark extract providing 240mg of salicin reduced their pain by 14 percent compared to two percent in the placebo in a two-week randomized controlled trial.
5. PREVENTS HEART ATTACKS
The
American Heart Association acknowledges a daily low-dose of aspirin a day can prevent heart attacks and stroke. The tablet has been linked to reducing the risk of internal clotting, which is related to these two health conditions. Since the effects of aspirin and willow bark have been comparable, it is believed willow bark extract may reap similar benefits.
"White Willow bark contains salicylates," which means it has the same effect on the heart as aspirin does, according to Brennecke. Although drinking white willow bark tea can thin the blood like aspirin — making it less likely to clot — it's important to know how much salicylates you get in each cup and monitor that amount.
6. SOOTHES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Typically, menstrual cramps are usually the result of inflammation of the uterine lining and the contractions triggered by prostaglandins. Willow bark is believed to regulate the production of prostaglandins and reduce inflammation, which helps soothes not only cramps but PMS symptoms. According to the
University of Maryland Medical Center, professional herbalists recommend willow bark for menstrual cramps although there are no scientific studies to show it works.
Brennecke disagreed and stated, "Ibuprofen is a better choice when it comes to PMS and menstrual cramps." However, "It would be fine to drink white willow bark tea while PMS and menstrual cramps are occurring, but if taken while menstruating, [it] could increase the bleeding." He advised pain killers are a better option because it doesn't thin the blood nearly as much as salicylic acid does.
Willow bark is considered to be a safer and natural alternative for those who can't stomach the side effects of aspirin."
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