Recurrent sinusitis

I just had my 5th sinus infection this year.I'm not sure what to do, I have gotten 2 different opinions. My nurse practioner wrote an order for a CAT scan to check out my sinuses. I went to a doctor and this one wants a blood test to check my IgA levels. I got a 2nd opinion because a cat scan would be expensive with my insurance. My questions is- if someone keeps getting sinus infections, what is the 1st course of action to be taken? I do have allergies and get allergy shots. Also, why would someone keep getting sinus infections? This has only been a problem in the past few years.

[tomsant]

Hi,
The best person to see is an ENT specialist, who can examine you and come to the right conclusions. He can decide if it is your immunity, or nasal polyps (due to allergy) blocking the sinus openings into the nose and paving way to recurrent sinusitis
Best,
Thomas Antony

[Amanda0922]

I agree, seeing an ENT would be best. I have seen so many doctors in the past 4 years regarding chronic sinusitis. Regular doctors just don't seem to know how to treat you.

[AshleyLynn]

I agree as well that an ENT would be the best person to diagnose your concerns, but they too are going to order a CT scan if they are any sort of decent ENT. Especially if you are experiencing that many sinus infections.

The two things that need to happen in order to clear up sinus infections are:
1. Appropriate antibiotics to clear the infection at hand, and
2. Proper drainage of the sinuses.

If either of these are compromised, you will keep experiencing sinus infections. You may end up needing sinus surgery in order to create proper drainage pathways if for some reason yours are blocked and not able to drain appropriately. Getting your immune system checked as well is another very good step. You're actually on the correct path of treatment!

Best of luck!

Ashley

[amy85]

Thanks everyone, I am looking forward to figuring out the cause to this!