sinusitis

[vstressed1]

good afternoon, Please help for the last 3 weeks I have had Sinusitis, this has been diagnosed by my doctor

4 weeks ago I had a flu virus, I have read that often you can have sinus problems after another virus

A week after the flu I travelled abrad by plane, this can also effect your sinuses

My sinus symptoms have been strange, usualy i have a blocked nose, but this time I have had a congested ears head and cheeks, even my jaw aches, But I havent had a blocked nose, I have had a sore throat and head ache what I think is post nasal drip.

Does this sound normal, and any advise how I can helo get over it many thanks

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, yes, viral infection will eventually clear on its own. Sinus infection can be asociated with sore throat. 4 Weeks is long time, get the throat swab for culture.  Do regular warm salt water gargling. Take care and regards.

[vstressed1]

good morning Dr, thank you for taking time to offer your opinion

I have visited my local health walk in centre, and they have stated that  they think that it is viral and not bacterial, if that is the case, will this eventually clear on its own?

secondly, apart from my sinuses being congested, my worse symptom is my sore throat, Is it common to have a sinus infection lasting for 4 weeks, and is a sore throat normal

thank you in advance for your help

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, your symptoms are suggestive of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) which is a symptomatic inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It is commonly due to viral infection associated with the common cold. Otherwise it can be complicated by bacterial infection.

Firstly you need to undergo thorough physical examination; the blind swab or Endoscopic or sinus aspirate can be cultured to rule out secondary bacterial infection. Plain sinus films and sinus CT may show sinus fluid levels if present.

Blocked ear suggests Eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to spread of infection and probably has involved jaw region (parotitis).

Usual treatment lining consists of following steps and mentioned drugs should only be taken after consultation from physician.
- Analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and acetaminophen are recommended for inflammation relief.
- Mechanical irrigation with buffered, hypertonic saline nasal spay.
- Topical glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) or nasal spray.
- Topical decongestants, such as oxymetazoline for short term only.
- Antihistamines will cause a drying effect and helps to relieve symptoms.
- Antibiotics if bacterial infection suspected.

I suggest you to consult ENT specialist for further evaluation. Take care and regards.

[vstressed1]

hello maryanne,
it is stange, because my throat is ful of mucas, I think it is actually post nasal drip, but my nose isnt actually blocked at all

Is it common to have a sinus infection without having an actualy blocked or runny nose?

my docotr said that is was probably viral, but I cant seem to get rid of it

[maryanne592]

It sounds like a infection,when you blow your nose does it come out light green color? If so than that is what you have..And you can get some meds for it..Please let me know in how you make out..