Never-ever ending sinusitis symptoms

[cb137]

If anyone has any insight on my issue, it would be incredibly appreciated.  First let me explain that I have allergies, but that they're kept under control by antihistamines and nasal steroids, and really never bother me, aside from the fact that I'm often a bit congested (but rarely itchy or sneezy).  

Anyway, this leads to sinus infections 3-5 times a year for me, which is worrisome, as I hate resorting to antibiotics (which I never do until I've been experiencing symptoms for at least 2 weeks).  

Alright, so here's the present issue: Almost 3 months ago I got bad sinusitis.  I had headaches, yellow/green mucus, fatigue, and ear aches. I just let in linger for about 4 weeks, hoping it would go away on its own, but it didn't (contrary to what the media says these days).  Finally I got put on Biaxin for two weeks, which helped, but didn't take care of the painful ear aches and headaches.  I've been to two ENTs since then, and neither found any trace of ear infection or blocked eustachian tubes.  They said it was just congestion of the sinuses.  Well, I've taken decongestants, taken 5 days of oral steroids, constantly take nasal steroids, constantly take antihistamines, flush my sinuses with a salt water/baking soda mixture twice a day, and drink plenty of water.  Despite all this, the "congestion" remains.  Again, let me remind you, what the ENTs called "congestion," for me is simply headaches that are localized around, and sometimes in, both of my ears.  It is painful and has been going on for 3 months. What is the deal???  The only other thing I can think of doing is going to get an MRI to see if there's some problem the doctors haven't seen...

[TheNoseKnows]

Oops, forgot to mention that I definitely think that you should consider asking your ENT for a  cat scan.  Hopefully your insurance covers cat scans as they are expensive. It was only after a second one that my ent discovered another opening to one of my sinuses which caused all the mucous to recirculation impeding drainage.  She was able to surgically turn the 2 openings into one which helped me out.

My chronic rhinosinusitus is unfortunately 24/7 365 for the past 6 years.  Keeping things clean and clear as much as you can with rinses, surgeries, etc.  Eating well and getting LOTS of rest is about all that works for me.  Someday a pharmaceutical company may find an antibiotic that will kill a. Pseudomonas but it will have to be a money maker for the company...

[TheNoseKnows]

Antihistamines make my sinus congestion worse as they dry the mucous membranes.  Mucinex works well for me thins the mucous and that helps drainage.  I use 1200 MG dose twice a day.  The dollar store near me carries a generic of Musinex that helps save on costs.  It is 600 MG tabs so you have to double up.

[TheNoseKnows]

Antihistamines make my sinus congestion worse as they dry the mucous membranes.  Mucinex works well for me thins the mucous and that helps drainage.  I use 1200 MG dose twice a day.  The dollar store near me carries a generic of Musinex that helps save on costs.  It is 600 MG tabs so you have to double up.

[friggy]

Yeah, dig. Thanks, elltkeen. There's a possibility that you have a fungal infection, which is very common in seemingly incurable sinusitis, according to the Mayo Clinic.  The lead doctor in the study, Dr. Jens Ponikau, patented the idea of a nasal anti-fungal spray, but he's still working on it.

In the meantime, the Sinus Flush worked against a 5 year problem similar to yours, which included a fungus, and against every other sinus infection or cold i've had since, and I have a long Celtic head with godawful sinuses.

It would probably be a good idea to get an MRI to look for polyps, deviated septums, or other defects.

[elltkeen]

Friggy's sinus flush procedure may be of some assistance.  Other sinus flush procedures don't compare.

http://www.medhelp.org/user_profiles/show/166738

Good luck.