Fed up!

I have been sick for 2 months!  The first month I had bronchitis twice and This past month I've had sinus problems with a chronic sore throat.  My Doctor keeps putting me on antibiotics such as z-pack along with Singulair 10 and R-Tanna tablets.  None of this is working.  I'm pretty sure that my problems are initially caused by my allergies(I do not have asthma), but I'm wondering if there might be another problem elsewhere.  For the past month my symptoms have been: Sore throat, Cough, Brown nasal mucus with a very small amount of blood, and the feeling of fullness in my ears(popping etc.).  However, I have a lot of energy, and if it weren't for those symptomes, I'd pretty much feel better than I have in a long time. What else could be wrong, and why can't I get over it?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What is your age? Have you had allergic reactions in the past? Are you allergic to any specific substances?

Has a chest xray and CT scan of the sinuses been done in your case? What does your doctor tell you about your symptoms?

You should get a culture and sensitivity examination of your sputum and a chest xray done for sure.

Try warm saline garles, steam inhalation, saline nasal drops and see if it helps to osme extent with your symptoms. Do you have symptoms of GERD or reflux?

If the symptoms still persist , it would be best to reconsult with your doctor and get the relevant investigations done.

Let us know if you have any otehrd oubts and post us about how you are doing.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[anonymous_543]

To answer your question, I'm 27, and I'm allergic to many things.  Such as dust, pollens, ragweed, hay, palo verde trees, molds, etc..  I'm also allergic to cat saliva and many foods.

I used to take allergy shots, for most of my allergies because I live in one of Arizona's main farming communities.  However, I went off them years ago and haven't had many problems since.

My doctor gave me an asthma test a month ago and it came out negative.  She didn't see the need for any x-rays.  Instead she put me on Singulair and R-Tanna as I had mentioned before.  She said my symptoms are allergy related, but that was only after I mentioned that I had allergies.

The coughing up of brown mucus, ear popping and sore throat never went away.  I've never had those symptoms with allergies before.  Usually I get itchy eyes or a clogged nose.  However, my eyes are fine and I can breath through my nose just fine.

As for GERD or Acid Reflux, I haven't noticed any symptoms.

I will keep you posted .

[PlateletGal]

Have you ever tried homeopathic remedies for your allergies ? I've actually eliminated a couple of my allergies just from using the homeopathy drops alone. There is also sublingual therapy and it is safer than the allergy injections. The philosophy behind sublingual allergy immunotherapy is similar to that of allergen immunotherapy or “allergy shots”. The drops are gradually helping you build an immunity to allergens.

As far as fighting off sinus infections and URI's... check out my post on Dr. Choi's blog. I have found ways to get rid of the infection without taking antibiotics.

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/3418

[anonymous_543]

Yes actually.  I have a degree in Holistic Health, and I specialized in Asian Healing Arts.  I've been taking Yang Rong Wan for the past three weeks to help streangthen my body after it's prolonged sicknesses and have noticed a change in the force and amount of coughing that I have.  Also, my energy has returned allowing me to go about my day as I did before I got sick.  Unfortunatey I don't live in an area that believes in Holistic Health.  I have considered traveling to San Diego to go to consult a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a side note, I am not allergic to anything in the herbs that I take.  I'm very careful about that.  As for holistic remodies for allergies, I'm not doing anything herbal or any other techniques I was taught, because I'm not exactly sure my allergies are the culprit. Like I said, my symptoms are not following the ones I usually get with allergies. I haven't had a real problem with my allergies for over 10 years and living in a farming community that saying a lot.  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You should take some antiallergic medications like loratadine and cetrizine. Try some steam inhalation and saline nasal drops and see if it helps with your symptoms.

You should get a culture and sensitivity examination of your sputum and a chest xray done for sure.

You should also talk to your doctor about steroid nasal sprays and antibiotic medications.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any doubts.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[PlateletGal]

Congratulations on your degree in Holistic medicine ! I've been interested in holistic medicine ever since I tried it and actually worked for me !

As far as whether or not it may be allergies, I can't answer that one. But like you, I also live in Arizona and know the pollen count has been sky high for weeks.

[anonymous_543]

Thank you PlateletGal.  I went to school to become a massage therapist, but unfortunately I recieved an injury in my wrist and had to quit the profession.

Also, thank you BhumikaMD.  I'm going to the doctor today, hopefully I can get this resolved.  I will ask her about some of the things you suggested and I will tell you all what she says.  Of course, my throat is on it's best behavior today.  So I'm not sure if she's even going to believe anything is wrong.  Hopefully it looks worse than it feels.  I always seem to get to feeling better the day I see the doctor and then the symptoms return.

[anonymous_543]

An update.  The doctor put me on a stronger medication for the sinus infection and also one for Acid Reflux.  She suggested I take it although she didn't believe that it was the cause of my sore throat.  She said it was better safe than sorry.  Also, she gave me another prescription of R-Tanna and referred me to an allergist here in town.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What medications did your doctor prescribe? Have any investigations been done?

How are you doing now? Is there any symptomatic improvement?

Have you scheduled an appointment with your allergy specialist?

You should review with your doctor to see if a change or continuation of medication is required.

Let us know about what the allergy specialist advises.

Regards.