ENT infections: most effective dietary supplements

Otolaryngological infections (ENT) include common conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis and otitis. Mostly of viral origin, they remain benign in 80% of cases, with spontaneous recovery. During an infection, the immune system first responds through an innate reaction, mobilizing molecules such as interferons alpha and beta to limit viral spread. If necessary, an adaptive response takes over, activating specialized cells to overcome the infection.

Common ENT infections

rn• Rhinitis : Inflammation of the nasal mucosa, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to congestion and nasal discharge.rnrn• Sinusitis : Inflammation of the sinuses, frequently linked to poorly treated respiratory infections, manifesting as facial pain, fever and fatigue.rnrn• Pharyngitis : Painful inflammation of the throat, acute (often viral or bacterial) or chronic, often triggered by irritants.rnrn• Laryngitis : Inflammation of the larynx, acute (with a hoarse cough in children) or chronic.rnrn• Otitis : Inflammation of the ear, mainly seen in children, of viral or bacterial origin.

Prevention

For the prevention and natural treatment of ENT infections, various essential oils and trace elements can be used, offering specific actions to strengthen immune defenses or modify the body's susceptibility:rnrnEssential oils rnThanks to their antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, essential oils are an asset for soothing ENT symptoms. Oils rich in 1,8-cineole, such as Eucalyptus globulus, Niaouli and Ravintsara, thin secretions, decongest the airways and reduce mucosal inflammation. Those rich in thymol or carvacrol (Thyme, Savory, Oregano) provide bronchodilator and antiseptic effects, particularly beneficial in cases of sinusitis or infectious rhinitis.rnrnTrace elementsrnFor rhinitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis, copper, alone or in combination with manganese, exerts anti-infective and anti-inflammatory actions. In children prone to recurrent ear infections, zinc is recommended to strengthen immunity and prevent relapses. Selenium proves particularly useful in chronic sinusitis and rhinopharyngitis for its ability to modulate inflammation. rnrnFinally, local applications of copper or solutions based on colloidal silver can effectively contribute to the management of ENT symptoms.rnrn