The Nose Knows Sound And Smell

FDA's announcement today that it is recalling Zicam nasal gels and swabs containing zinc because they may lead to permanent loss of smell is leaving some folks sniffling, especially singers.

Professional vocalists know better than anyone that getting a cold could mean losing a gig, so they are often "willing to resort to anything" to minimize the impact of a stuffy nose, says Kyle Burke, 46, a Washington, D.C. tenor who performs solos and in ensembles around town.

Burke and others like him perform up to four times a week during peak music season, September through May, often while holding down day jobs. So, many swear by nasal products like Zicam to stave off symptoms that could turn that sweet Irish tenor into a bellowing bullfrog.

 

Burke says he tried zinc products once and they made him feel "toxic," but he knows others who will likely mourn the loss. He prefers to rely on a simple saline sinus rinse once a day.

"It's cut my colds by 9/10ths," Burke says.

Science Desk Intern Gwyneth Dickey, who moonlights as a soprano for hire at D.C.-area churches, swears by a regular nasal flush via the neti-pot to keep her sniffles at bay.

Stay tuned for more on the Zicam recall (just the nasal gels and swabs, not zinc lozenges) later today from NPR's Joe Shapiro.

Meanwhile, what cold-reducing remedies do you use and do you have any safety concerns about them?