Posted by Margi (207.148.130.152) on November 16, 1999 at 11:37:16:
In Reply to: Ain't it funny that....... posted by Linda Howell on November 16, 1999 at 02:23:32:
I forget who explained it but the application of cold tricks the brain into sending signals to the area where the ice/cold air is being applied to warm the area being chilled, thus taking the focus off the pain for however long it takes to accomplish the task. I guess this would apply as well to the application of heat - still putting the area through a trauma of sorts that makes the brain react and deal with the event.
We all know ice reduces swelling and it makes sense that inhaling cold air would reduce the sinus swelling and stuffiness.
Mike (my husband) immediately heads for cold air and oxygen to find relief. That's why Kip's idea of chilling the O2 makes so much sense. Maybe he will post it again for us?
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Margi