Sinus trouble - nothing helps!

[kenichi]

I have had recurrent sinus infections since I was about 13 yrs old.  (15 yrs now)  As a teen I was constantly seeing the doctor and in each instance was diagnosed with "upper acute pharyngitis"  They'd give me guanifesen, augmentin or the like.  My sinuses would do well for a short time, but invariably, the condition would return.  At the time I was a smoker, so my doctor strongly suggested I quit.  I no longer smoke (about a year or so now) and the situation has not changed.  I have constant sinus pressure, cannot breathe through my nose very often, and have aching teeth.  I've been to dentists and found nothing in that regard.  Just now my doctor gave me keflex, and when that didn't work for the sinus infection, he gave me augmentin XR.  All that did was hurt my stomach.  I've been put on so many antibiotics that my stomach gets torn up and I end up with diarrhea each time.  I'm worried that I'll become immune to all these antiobiotics.  Any ideas?  I've even been given allegra and that seemed to do no good, but maybe I didn't take it long enough.

[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 constant pressure in the area of the sinuses, a stuffy nose, achy teeth, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat and thick, yellow to green nasal drainage.

The most common cause of sinusitis is an infection, especially when the mucus is green.  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 for 2 weeks or longer.  Common problems that can occur with antibiotics are stomach upset and diarrhea.  Bacteria can become resistant to a particular antibiotic, especially when that antibiotic is used repeatedly.  When this happens you will need to be treated with a different antibiotic to clear the bacteria.  Even after the antibiotic clears the infection, it is possible for the inflammation to linger.  However, inflammation of the sinuses can also be due to an allergy or chronic exposure to an irritant, such as pollution or smoke.

Drainage from the nose and sinuses that drips down the back of the throat is known as postnasal drip.  This can fester sinusitis.  An antihistamine like AllegraŽ (fexofenadine) can dry up the postnasal drip.  However, it may make the mucus thicker and more difficult for you to blow out of your nose.  A decongestant like SudafedŽ (pseudoephedrine) can decrease the swelling and thin the postnasal drip so it drains easier.  Check with your doctor to see if Allegra-DŽ (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine), a combination antihistamine-decongestant, would help you more.  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 and sinus inflammation.  This may prevent the postnasal drip and clear the inflammation.  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.

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 symptoms to reoccur.  A decongestant like SudafedŽ (pseudoephedrine) may help to clear this blockage.

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

Congratulations on quitting smoking!  Keep up the good work.

[starion]

Have you been evaluated for allergies (preferably by a certified allergist)?  Have you been evaluated for GERD (gastric reflux)?  Both of these can make sinuses & digestive problems worse.  I would strongly recommend you go to an allergist for a complete evaluation and treatment.  If you have allergies, perhaps a trial of several different meds will be needed before you & your doc can figure out which works best for you.  Allergy shots may also be worth considering.
Aloha,
Starion

[priebe]

I have had a severe, chronic production of mucus in my sinus cavities for 3 1/2 years.  The only way of clearing is to snort and swollow the mucus.  The sinuses are not infected.  The color is either a light yellow, or a heavy white coating clings to my throat as it drains if I'm sleeping.  This is white and stringy.  None comes through the nose, even if blowing.  I first tested for allergies,and tried every medication the Dr could think of.  Then I had 2 surgeries, one to straighten a deviated septum, the other to hopefully peovide a drainage down the back of the sinus cavity.  No change.  Then I tried 3 different prescribed medications, some natural and some medical, for treatment of candida, about a 3 month treatment, with the Dr running out of ideas.  Nasal washes do nothing.  It is difficult to function in the world, as I usually have to snort every 5 seconds.  I do use emu oil, which seems to block the ourpour for maube 10 minutes, and gives me the ability to try to control the snotting long enough to have a conversation or go to a movie, but eventually I must excuse myself, and find a place to get the backup down.  Could the problem be in some other part of my body, something that would create this condition.  I simply don't know what else to try.  Any ideas would be appreciated

[buzz637]

A related discussion, sinus was started.