Chronic nasal infection - what is it?

[Magguls]

Hi, I was hopeing someone would be able to help me with my problem. For about the last 10 months, I've had a persistant problem in that there is some sort of infection my nasal passages. When I blow my nose (especially in the morning after I wake up), there are frequently orange "masses" (I have no clue what they really are) that are quite...odorous. I can feel afterwards some pain in my nose and the smell remains in my head for a couple of minutes. Avelox cleared the problem up for about 2 months. It waxes and wanes, and I can't tell what triggers it. I'm at college and thanks to my insurance, have to get referrals before I can go to a local doctor. Thanks!

[National Jewish]

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities.  This can interfere with normal sinus drainage and cause increased mucus production.  Symptoms can include a headache or pain in the area of the affected sinus, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat, laryngitis, and thick, yellow to green nasal drainage.

The most common cause of sinusitis is an infection, especially when the mucus is green or odorous.  However, inflammation of the sinuses could also be due to an allergy or chronic exposure to an irritant, such as pollution or smoke.  Sinus infections can be difficult to treat since they respond slowly.  When a bacterial infection is the cause you may need to take an antibiotic, like Avelox® (moxifloxacin) that you took, for 2 weeks or longer.

Drainage from the nose and sinuses that drips down the back of the throat it is known as postnasal drip.  This can fester sinusitis.  A nasal wash helps remove mucus and bacteria from the nose and sinuses.  This can temporarily reduce the postnasal drip and lessen infections.  A prescription nasal steroid spray decreases nasal swelling and mucus production.  This may prevent the postnasal drip and infections.  To get the most out of a nasal steroid spray use it after doing a nasal wash.  A nasal steroid spray does not provide immediate relief of symptoms.  It may require several weeks of routine use to become effective.  Please read our Nasal Wash MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/nasal.html for more information about this technique.  Share this information with your doctor to see if you would benefit from this daily treatment.

An antihistamine may cause the drainage to dry up and not be a problem.  However, it may make the mucus thicker and more difficult for you to blow out of your nose.  A trial of a small dose might give you the answer to this.

If the openings to any one or all of your sinuses are blocked, your symptoms will continue until that blockage is cleared.  You may have short-term symptom relief, but the symptoms return because the problem persists.  An ENT would be the type of specialist to identify if there is a blockage causing your persistent problem.  A decongestant may help to clear this blockage.

You will need to be seen by a doctor to determine why your symptoms are continuing and what treatment would be best for you.  Please read our Sinusitis MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/sinus.html for further information.

[starion]

Hi!  Have you ever been evaluated for allergies?  Folks who have allergies tend to have more frequent sinus infections due to the "soup" constantly brewing which infections LOVE to breed in.  I would suggest you ask to see a doctor and ask the doctor to help you clear any current infection you have, as well as evaluation for allergies.  The student health center might also be able to help you.
Good luck!
Starion

[Maria1966]

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