A child’s sense of smell is restored

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Contact:  Dr. Chris Butler, D.C.   (303) 221.3900

(12-25-2009, Greenwood Village, CO). A recent article published in The Journal of Pediatrics, Maternal and Family Health reports the case study of an 11-year old female patient who had been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and who had lost her sense of smell for one year. 

            The child’s mother indicated that her daughter had been undergoing “escalating medical and pharmaceutical recommendations” and that she wanted to explore more conservative options for helping the youngster.  The girl’s symptoms included a persistent stuffy nose with concomitant difficulty in breathing and a lack of smell, even when her sinuses felt clear.

            “Loss of olfaction, or the sense of smell, is a common occurrence with the condition known as sinusitis,” said Centennial-based Dr. Christopher Butler, D.C.  “The inflammation associated with sinusitis and the build-up of mucus in the nasal cavity restricts the functioning of our olfactory cells.”

            In the case of this 11-year old, the mother wanted to try chiropractic care as a way to avoid using the drug regimen usually prescribed.  The examining chiropractor found the existence of cervical and sacral subluxations in the child’s spine.

            “A subluxation is a misalignment of the spine that disturbs normal nervous system function,” said Dr. Butler.  “Many chiropractors, including myself, have technology that allows them to conduct non-invasive thermal and Surface Electromyography (sEMG) tests to assist in locating where such conditions exist.”

            The patient underwent chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments.  After the first adjustment, olfaction returned for six hours, as reported by the mother.  After the second adjustment, this improvement lasted for 12 hours.

Two weeks after beginning chiropractic care, the patient was seen by her medical doctor, who noted a marked change for the better in the physical appearance of her sinuses.  Chiropractic care was continued, and elimination of the subluxations and full restoration of the child’s sense of smell was obtained after just three months.  The patient and her parents decided to end all medications, and elected to continue chiropractic care on a periodic basis to monitor subluxations and obtain adjustments as necessary.  The child’s restoration of her olfactory senses has continued without interruption for more than four years.

            “This is just one case study,” explained Dr. Butler, and more studies are needed before any absolute conclusions can be drawn. But it is an important step in helping patients to understand the options that are available to them in their health care.” 

Editor’s note:
Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Butler, whose office is located in Centennial, CO, (telephone 303-221-3900).