Horrible 24-7 Sinus Pressure / Congestion but no classic allergy symptoms

[24-7SinusPressure]

I'm a 26 year old male and since October 2006 have been experiencing 24-7 sinus pressure in the upper corners of my nose (always one side at a time), but NO allergy symptoms (i.e. no running nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy nose/eyes/throat, etc).

The pressure is so bad that it presses back onto my brain, causing terrible lightheadedness, forgetfullness, and general mental impairment.  I must emphasize that this pressure is ALWAYS there--I am becoming severly depressed and feel like I have run out of options.

CT scan came back perfectly normal.  I have tried Rhinocort, Nasarel and Flonase for many weeks with no improvement, and have tried Astelin nasal spray and Allegra with no effect.

I doubt this is allergies, as I have never in my life had allergies, and also because this sinus pressure is CONSTANTLY there regardless of whether I am possibly in the presence of allergens.

The only things that help are Afrin spray (works for about 20 hours, but has awful rebound congestion) and heavy exercise (the pressure clears up almost completely while my heart is beating fast).

I am going back to my third ENT in a couple weeks.

Anyone else out there have similar symptoms?

[Sinuswoes1]

I have the same pressure as well, but only in my left sinus. I too have been to ENT,Allergist and have tried most of the mentioned medicines above. I have made an appointment to see a Sinus specialist in hopes that he/she can assist me in finding relief

[canuck46]

Well, I think I'm having some of the same problems. I have a feeling of congestion in my jaw, it moves up my face. I have sliht back and neck pain. Nausea. It moves from side to side, and some days I feel fine. I've had blood work, CT, Ekg, all came back normal.

[24-7SinusPressure]

Original poster here with an update.

I've figured out a few things since I last posted.

1:  I can make the sinus pressure switch sides by laying down on the ground/couch/bed.  For instance, if I am feeling pressure on the left side of my nose/head, then I lay down on my right side.  After staying in this position for a while, breathing deeply / regularly for a few minutes (sometimes it just takes 30 seconds), the left side will clear up and the pressure will move to the right.

2.  I have floaters which appeared the same time the sinus symptoms started.  Mainly in the left eye.  The ear ringing, muscle tension, and sinus pressure are also predominantly on the left side of my head.

3.  I have a strong feeling this is all jaw /bad bite related.  I have had braces for the past 9 months.  When I first met with my orthodontist, he noticed that my jaw muscle on the left side of my face (the side where the sinus pressure resides 75% of the time) was larger than the one on the left.  This could be due to lopsides jaw clenching, which in turn is the result of a bad bite.  I'll be getting my braces off within the next few weeks, then a bite or clench guard.  I'm hoping this will help.  I'll let you all know.

[Carol761]

The symptoms you are describing are the symptoms of electro senstivity and not allergies.  It is a fully recognized disability in some countries but many US doctors know very little about it.

I had tingling headaches and bad ear ringing for months (the same ear I used on my cell phone).  I had bouts of nausea, acid reflux, sleep problems, and a heavy foggy headed feeling. My eyes would occasionally go blurry.  I felt anxious although nothing was so stressful.  I had pains in my facial bones.

It took me a long time to realize that I was reacting very strongly to radiation from cell phones (and antennae towers), DECT phones (powerful cordless phones) and wifi systems -- all radiate a lot of radiation and my body just couldn't take it anymore.  I literally turned them all off in order to feel better.

I learned that I was so sensitive that I was reacting to most electronics that cast an electromagnetic field.  The following sites were helpful in just understanding www.electrosensitivity.org   www.weepinitiative.org  and I joined health.groups.yahoo.com/group/emfrefugee/   where I founds hundreds of people around the world suffering from exactly the same symptoms.

I'd be interested to hear if this advice helps.

Carol761

[KH2885]

I am having similar problems but is anyone having ear problems along with the 24x7 congestion? I have had these cold like symptoms for almost a year now. No matter how much I blow my nose it does not stop. (What comes out is not normal) My ears are also plugged 24x7 but about once a month one ear (sometimes both) will pop and allow me to here. After about 15min my ears will plug up again. Does anyone no what causes this?

[xl_dean_lx]

I read many of the stories here in awe. I too have been experiencing very similar symptoms as many of you here. Mine basically include tension type headaches, pressure throughout my head, visual floaters/disturbances, slight dizziness but not as if Im going to fall, and somewhat of a cloudy brain fog like sensation.

Someone recommended that I try some non-medicated saline nasal spray which does seem to relive some of the pressure. After visiting my family doctor, she suggested that I try a Neti Pot for nasal irrigation. This too has helped relieve the pressure slightly but not 100%.

I usually experience seasonal allergies but with your typical symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, but never anything like Im experiencing now. If this is sinus related, none of the other allergy like symptoms are present. I dont have the runny nose or mucus. My face isnt sore which is typical with sinus infections.

Im wondering if its possible to experience sinus headaches and have sinus problems without the other allergy like symptoms? I have an appointment with an ENT in a few weeks. I'll keep everyone updated.