Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 04, 2025 7 hours, 5 minutes ago
Medical News: A Novel Approach to Addressing Persistent Long COVID Symptoms
Long COVID remains a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide, with symptoms persisting months or even years after an initial COVID-19 infection. A team of researchers from the University of Marburg and the University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg in Germany has introduced an innovative treatment method known as Oronasal Drainage (OND), which aims to relieve symptoms by targeting the mucosal tissues of the oral and nasal cavities. This
Medical News report highlights the potential of OND and its impact on a case study.
Oronasal Drainage (OND): Procedure for a Long COVID patient. OND in the oral cavity targeting ostia on the right palatine gland. Adhesion between tongue secretions and the swab shown by the black arrow. OND on the nasal mucosa, focusing on the epipharyngeal mucosa.
Understanding Oronasal Drainage and Its Mechanism
Oronasal Drainage Therapy is a novel approach designed to alleviate symptoms of Long COVID by targeting the mucosal tissues in the oral and nasal cavities. This therapy is based on the understanding that these mucosal sites serve as reservoirs for lingering viral particles and inflammatory secretions that may contribute to prolonged symptoms. The treatment involves applying a 0.5% zinc chloride (ZnCl2) solution to specific areas within the oronasal cavity, stimulating drainage and the natural expulsion of inflammatory fluids. Unlike Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT), which mechanically removes mucus, Oronasal Drainage Therapy follows a gentler approach, using a spiral excretion technique to align with the body’s natural fluid flow. This method minimizes discomfort, avoids bleeding, and enhances the clearance of persistent viral residues that could be triggering ongoing immune responses.
The execution of Oronasal Drainage Therapy follows a structured and systematic process. The patient typically undergoes multiple therapy sessions, lasting around 15 - 20 minutes each, spread over several days. The procedure begins with the application of a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort and prevent gag reflexes. A sterile cotton swab soaked in ZnCl2 solution is then used to target mucosal sites, specifically the tonsillar crypts, pharyngeal tissues, and nasal mucosa. The practitioner employs controlled, spiral movements to encourage secretion drainage while ensuring minimal irritation. The expelled secretions, which may contain inflammatory residues and viral remnants, are either wiped away or expectorated into a designated container. The therapy is carefully monitored for side effects, with patients often experiencing mild flu-like symptoms during the initial phase, which subsides as the treatment progresses. This innovative method has demonstrated potential in improving systemic circulation, respiratory function, and cognitive clarity in Long COVID patients.
Case Study Demonstrates Promising Results
A 57-year-old female patient suffering from severe Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) underwent OND treatment. The therapy was administered multiple times per day over a
five-day period. Before treatment, the patient reported experiencing persistent fatigue, breathlessness, cardiovascular issues, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Following the intervention, the patient exhibited remarkable systemic improvements, including enhanced blood circulation in the hands, reduced dyspnea, and notable recovery in cognitive functions.
The Physiological, Biochemical, and Mechanical Aspects of OND
OND integrates multiple therapeutic approaches to target lingering viral particles and inflammatory residues within the nasal and oral mucosa. The treatment follows a structured approach:
-Physiological Mechanism: Stimulation of mucosal lymphoid tissue, which may help clear viral remnants and inflammatory markers.
-Biochemical Action: Zinc chloride solution is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in the reduction of chronic inflammation.
-Fluid Mechanical Component: The gentle excretion of mucosal secretions is designed to follow natural flow patterns, ensuring effective removal of harmful substances without causing irritation.
Clinical Observations and Limitations
The patient undergoing OND treatment reported a temporary flu-like sensation, including mild fever, sneezing, and watery eyes, peaking on the second day before subsiding. Additionally, a slight metallic taste was observed, alongside the transient reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) on the lower lip, which resolved within a few days. Despite these minor side effects, the overall impact of OND was overwhelmingly positive.
While the findings from this single case study are encouraging, the researchers emphasize the need for larger clinical trials to validate the efficacy of OND in a broader patient population. Further investigations will assess the long-term benefits and potential variations in treatment protocols.
Conclusion
The introduction of Oronasal Drainage (OND) represents a groundbreaking development in the management of Long COVID symptoms. By targeting the nasal and oral mucosa with a non-invasive, structured approach, OND has demonstrated significant potential in alleviating symptoms and improving patients' quality of life. While further studies are necessary to establish its broader applicability, the initial findings suggest that OND could offer a viable therapeutic option for individuals struggling with persistent post-COVID conditions.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Viruses.
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/210
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/must-read-covid-19-treatments-researchers-now-focusing-on-nasal-spray-therapeutics-to-target-the-coronavirus-in-the-nose-to-prevent-covid-19
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/vagus-nerve-stimulation-as-a-new-hope-for-long-covid-relief
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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