Sinus Blockage

The New-Test Forum - Sinuses

FromTo
I am 19 years old and maybe ever since around middle school, I've always felt like I haven't been able to breath normally. When I was younger, I felt like I was running out of air and would get lightheaded and dizzy. For about the last two years, I've noticed that the right side of my nose is generally blocked from normal air flow all the time, at times, impossible to breath through. I've tried everything; sinus relief pills, allergy medications, perscription allergy meds -- nothing seems to really help my problem. The ability to not breath normally has really affected my life for the worse. At times when I feel I'm not getting enough air, I'll go through a panic attack; my hands start to go numb, I feel like I can't breath and feel like passing out. It's gotten so bad I feel I can't go places publically or travel because I don't want it to happen outside of my home. My question is, is it possible that the only thing suitable for my condition is some kind of nasal airway surgery? If so, what kind? I feel if I felt the right side of my nose working as easily as the left side, the panic attacks would go away. Please respond with any advice you have to offer, I really feel as if I'm not exaggerating my condition because it's been adversely affecting me for so long.tylerthurs
8/15/2006
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ask the way to treat allergy

annie wong
8/16/2006
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Boy have I been there. Most likely what's going on is that you have a deviated septum. I have the exact same problem, anxiety, one side of nose blocked and all that you mention. The only thing that will work long term is to have the septum repaired surgically. Not a big deal. Caused by a blow to the nose usually. DO NOT do what I did. I could not deal with the sensation of the blockage, so like you, I began having panic attacks. I started using an over the counter nasal spray like Afrin to open up that side of my nose. These types of sprays have a rebound effect if used for more than a few days. Which means, it will make your nose plug up worse than before and you will be forced to continue to use the spray to stay open. Unfortunately what happens next is eventual fluid build up in your inner ears, vasomotor rhinitis (the sinus tissue becomes over sensitive to every irritant and becomes congested and painful), sinusitis, dizziness and massive headaches. Every thing you don't want especially if you suffer from panic attacks. See an ENT and get diagnosed. Flonase will open you up, it's safer. It takes a few days to a week to start working. And get some therapy for your anxiety. Learning how to breath properly will really help.

JDanMan
8/21/2006
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Another thing about your anxiety. You are far too young to go through life with this problem. I have had exactly what you describe and there is help. The main reason for the anxiety is the way we think about things. You will need to get help from an expert on this, but I can tell you that your way of thinking then causes you, without your realizing it, to start taking tiny shallow breaths of air. After a while, breathing like this exhausts your body of carbon dioxide. The dizzines, tingling, tension in the back of your head and neck, chest tightness and feelings of dying are the physical reactions to the lack of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream. You're hyperventilating. Even if you did pass out, your body would start breathing normally on it's own. It won't kill you. To stop it in it's tracks, when this happens, and I know it's hard at first, take a deep breath and hold it to the count of twenty. Exhale slowly while counting to five and repeat. Start this as soon as you feel it coming on. For me, things started looking blurry and the color of things got sort of washed out. Sunshine looked really weird. This is when I knew I was going to have an attack. Lack of sleep will make this problem worse and life problems as well. Know this and when you start to experience stress, pay close attention to your breathing. Which is something you should always do until this phase starts to pass. It does get better. You can overcome it. and hey, what is there to be so worried about anyway? It's just life. Enjoy it my friend. Remember this also. If you start feeling like your not getting enough air, look at your fingernails, if they are not really blue, your getting plenty of air. I used to go to the emergency room, and they would laugh when they showed me that I was getting 98% oxygen all on my own and that there was nothing to freak out about. Chill out and tell yourself your fine. It takes alot to knock the life out of someone. Anxiety won't do it. Hope this helps.

JDanMan
8/21/2006
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Tags: d,breath, nose, anxiety, attack, normal, panic,
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