ear and sinus problems

[jkfuller]

I have been seeing an ENT because of reoccuring sinus infections.  Lately I have been having (more than usual) a lot of ear conjestion, sinus pain, and severe headaches and dizziness especially in the morning.  I recently had a sinus catscan that turned up clear.  I called my ENT yesterday to make an appointment and he REFUSED me.  He said that I should see my regular doctor because I "must just be having migraines" because my catscan was clear.  Well, Ive been seeing my regular doctor and he sent me to the ENT.  So now I just don't know what to do.  Is it possible that my problems are coming from my ears, which were not in the catscan?  And is the catscan done to look for infection?  I don't want to be walking around with an infection in my head.  I have already had too many cortizon shots this year to get another one, but that is something that always helps my ears quite a bit.  But that fluid just comes right back.  Is there a particular medicine that I should be taking?  I also have a lot of sinus drainage.  So much that I have to take asaphex for my stomach.  I am taking that along with mucinex all the time, as my ENT previously told me to do.  But it just does not help my ears.  It makes my sinuses drain more.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but your symptoms are suggestive of chronic sinusitis. The sinuses are air-filled spaces lined with mucous membranes surrounding the forehead, cheeks and eyes. Healthy sinuses allow mucus to drain and air to circulate throughout the nasal passages. When sinuses become inflamed, these areas get blocked and mucus cannot drain. This lack of proper sinus drainage can lead to infection,headache,dizziness etc. Worse pain in the morning because mucus has been collecting and draining all night.

Treatment involves avoidance of the allergen(molds in your case). Avoid indigestible, spicy, foods and meats. Eat simply of wholesome food. Obtain needed out-of-door exercise, sunbaths, and swimming. It can also be treated using an antihistamine nasal spray.Corticosteroid sprays are also helpful but their ling term use can cause  side effects.Better to use saline nasal sprays. The golden rule for chronic stuffy nose is steam inhalation. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the build up of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water, helps to ease your symptoms of catarrh.

If the symptoms persist then sinus surgery is the last treatment.

Hope this information helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries