Frequent, recurrent sinus/respiratory infections.

[bcspamary]

Hello. I've been sick for 5 weeks now, with at least 3 different infections, all that start in the sinuses & rest in the lungs. I was tested for cystic fibrosis & it came back negative, I have a sinus CAT scan coming up in the next 2 weeks & am meeting with an immunologist within the next 2 weeks. The problem is, I'm still sick & just keep getting more infections on top of the existing ones. I've gone through 5 rounds of antiobiotics & am on prednasone but obviously, nothing seems to be working. I'm grateful for my upcoming immunologist visit and sinus CAT scan, but something has to give between now & then.

[bsmsl]

Hi,

I suggest that you request some mucus samples being taken (through bronchoscopy and sinus irrigation by an ENT) and tested to identify exactly what micro-organisms you are fighting and then taking a targeted antibiotic.  That worked wonders for me.  I am still in the process as the first one was a great educated guess, but then two family members got sick and shared.

Also, you should probably have your pneumoncocal titers tested.  This check how well your immune system in working.  They draw a baseline blood sample to check levels, give you a pneumonia vaccine and then re-check anti-body levels about 4 weeks later.  The test checks that your immune system reponds well to vaccine and manufactures antibodies apropriately.

I hope that helps and that you feel better soon.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum. It is a problem in few patients who suffer from recurrent rhinosinusitis . Such cases should be carefully evaluated and systematic intervention to prevent further recurrences. As your root cause is known and is important take it out.

Firstly you should know the causes of recurrences in your case and you are already on standard mode of treatment i.e. available in present day. The common causes are-
-Discontinuation or reduction of medications
-Acute viral upper respiratory tract infections or fungal colonization
-Heavy exposure to allergens (change in place may help)
-Exposure to noxious inhalants (change in place may help)
-Worsening of inflammation secondary to bacterial infection or fungal colonization.
It is important to rule out mentioned causes and steps should be taken to avoid further exposure.

You should also be evaluated for presence of concomitant asthma for which medical therapy improves the outcome. I suggest you to consult ENT specialist for reanalysis of your case. Take care and regards.