sinusitis

I've been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.  I've recently been to an allergist, and have been through the allergy tests and a CT scan of my sinuses.  My doctor says that something is causing the sinusitis and this is what we are trying to pinpoint.  I have very few allergies - one reaction to red cedar and some to cat dander - (don't have a cat!).  The next thing is eliminating possible allergies to medications, which I am currently on.  I'm almost totally off of Effexor XR, which I had been taking for about a year.  I am also on 2 blood pressures meds. and a cholesterol.
I still am having problems with plugged ears, feeling lightheaded and nauseated, and the tight funny feeling in my bronchials and upper chest.  My question is will it take a long time for my bronchials to feel better or do I have something else, possibly more serious, I should have checked out.  'The allergist doesn't seem concerned about my chest and bronchial ailments, but I am.  I will be going on a 12 day trip to Italy in October, and I'm beginning to feel like maybe I'm not going to be able to go.  One day I feel not too bad and the next I feel awful.  I've been feeling like this since early July, so I am getting pretty sick of it!  Let me know what you think.  ThanX!  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Chronic sinusitis is there when it is present for more than 30 days.It can be caused by repeated allergies also. First of all, the diagnosis of sinusitis or sinus infection has to be confirmed. This can be done through transillumination (passing light through the sinuses) or Sinus X-rays or CAT scan of sinuses.

Treatment of chronic sinusitis involves Oral antibiotics (usually 10 to 14 days). They are to be taken on prescription. You can use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant combined with an anti-inflammatory analgesic (pain reliever) like Ibuprofen. However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5-7 days at a time.Inhale steam and use corticosteroid nasal sprays. Severe cases may require oral steroids and sinus drainage.Pls talk to your doctor about this option.

One thing more that I would like to mention is that cat allergen, the allergy causing material from cats, is not cat hair, but rather a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles, which when inhaled into the nose or lungs can produce allergic symptoms.They remain suspended in the air and adhere to carpet,upholstery etc and pose as constant allergens.Pls make sure to vacuum
regularly and  try to remove heavy drapes and carpets from your house.

Did you get a CT thorax done to rule out other pulmonary causes.If not,pls consult a respiratory diseases specialist and get them ruled out.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted on how you are doing.