sinus or allergies?

[mama_02]

For 15 or more years, I've alwayas had what I believe to be sinus infections.  Right now I am suffering from clear constant/drip runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, pain and pressure in my face and ears.  My throat, nose, ears and eyes are also itchy.  my nose is completely plugged.   i don't have a fever now and never get them.

Anyway, when I feel like this (usually about 4 x's a year) I go to an urgent care.  the doctor tells me i have a full blown sinus infection and gives me antibiotics.   The last time I had this,  I was put on two different anti-biotics and neither of them worked.  I went back to the doctor who prescribed yet another antibiotic.   I need to add that I was also seeing an ENT at the time.   I did a CAT scan or MRI and the ENT said it wasn't a sinus infection and that I wasn't even a sufferer of sinus infections.   My symptoms lasted about 4 wks before I finally felt normal again.  I continued to see the ENT who tested me for allergies (dogs, grass, dust mold, etc........).  I came out w/mod to severe allergies.  They started me on an allergy serum at least 4-5 months ago (supposed to desensitize me to allergens).

So, for my question.  I feel like I have the typical diagnosable sinus infection.  However, after being told about my MRI scan is this probably just allergies or maybe a real sinus infection?  I am ready to rip my head off.  Nothing over the counter helps.  I've been taking zyrtec, benadryl, and ibuprophen for the pain.  

Lastly, my Husband, went to an urgent care about 5 days ago and was told he had a sinus infection.  My symptoms started a day or two later.    

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I think it would be best for you to continue with the steam inhalation and saline nasal drops.

You should consult your doctor about steroid nasal sprays and whether they would help in your case. It would be advisable to try them in consultation with your doctor.

You should try to avoid the substances you have documented allergies to.

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

Regards.

[mama_02]

Also,
you had asked me what I was allergic to.  I don't remember everything, but it was mainly grass, some trees, dogs, some molds.  etc..   Grass was severe.  I live in Tempe, AZ and it's pretty windy here right now.

[mama_02]

I've taken both loratadine and Cetrizine.   While they have helped me before, they haven't done anything for the severe symptoms I'm having right now.  

I woke up in the middle of the night and thought it was over.  I could breath through my nose and it was completely dry.  Then, as soon as I sat up the post nasal drip (or whatever you call it) just ran out my nose and then my nose completely closed/stuffed up again and I was unable to go back to sleep.  I don't have any itchiness today which leaves me confused as to whether it's sinuses.

Do you treat the rhinitis w/antibiotics?  How long should I go through this before I see a doctor?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

From your description this looks more likely to be allergic reactions. To what substances did you test positive during the allergy testing?

You should avoid substances to which you have  documented allergies to. Take oral antihistamine medications like loratadine and see if it helps with your symptoms.

You could be having associated rhinitis which would present in this way and not show up on the CT or MRI - you should take some steam inhalation, saline nasal drops and oral antihistamine medications like loratadine or cetrizine and see if it helps with your symptoms.

If your symptoms still persist it would be best to consult a doctor and get a proper clinical evaluation done .

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

Regards.