Chronic sinus congestion after quitting smoking

[Rohai]

I am a 28 yr old male with no history of allergies or ear infections. I had been smoking cigarettes liberally for about 10 years and quit smoking completely as of January, 2009.

About 6-7 months ago I developed (as if overnight) extreme sinus congestion. Usually my nose is completely blocked up around the clock, especially in the morning. Blowing my nose tends to do nothing, except for the rare occasion that while standing in a hot shower I can get a bit of gunk out now and then. I also have had extremely red chapped lips ALL the time. My family physician did blood tests to test for vitamin deficiencies and found nothing out the ordinary.

I saw an allergist about 4 months ago, they did all the standard allergy tests and didn't find anything. The doctors suggested that perhaps it was seasonal allergies and placed me on Clarinex, Nasonex and Astepro - none of which have had any sort of effect. I purchased a Neilmed Netipot, but my sinuses are so blocked that I can't use the product, as the nasal rinse wont travel through my nasal passages.

The ONLY medication that I have taken that helps is Neo synephrine nasal spray. Within minutes of using that stuff I get instant relief and can actually breathe through my nose (still can't blow anything out). However, it says on the label that you're not supposed to use it for more than 3 days.

I'm not sure of where to look for answers next. I've always read about people have quit smoking and felt so much healthier, and I feel like since I've quit smoking I've simply opened another door of health concerns. Has anyone else experienced something like this? I've never had any sort of health issues that have onset so quickly and persisted for so long!

[gags7997]

I have recently quit smoking myself 3 months ago and for the last 4 weeks my sinuses have gone into overdrive. I mean I am going through nearly a box of 120 tissues per day. Out of the 4 weeks I have had to use tissues every single day and only about 7 of the days were alright after the morning nose runs. Half of the time has been non stop drips from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep. Fortunately it has not bothered me when I go to sleep, it seems to stop and my sinuses stay dry until I wake up and then it continues. Sometimes it affects my bronchial tubes making it wheezy to breathe but once the lungs “dry” out I am back to normal except the sinuses. My nose has been red raw for the 4 weeks, but I can deal with it. I just thank God I don’t smoke anymore, and I pray that my body heals fully. I have noticed that it is aggravated by diet and dehydration. I also notice that hot showers clear up the symptoms very well as well as foods that are excellent expectorants and blood stimulants such as ginger, cinnamon, spices, etc. I also quit caffeine with my quitting smoking.  I am going to try a water fast for 10-21 days to speed up the healing process.

[jjulian123]

I quit smoking about 7 months ago, cold turkey, and my sinuses have been stopped up ever since. It is horrible, it affects my vision, and I can't even drink ice cold water or alcohol because of the vision thing. I have been to an ENT had catscans on my sinus cavities but they are clear. Been to the allergist and had the prick test on my back and arm, not allergic to anything, Nothing seems to work (nasal spray, clairatin, netti pot, etc.) I think the only option left is to have surgery and remove my nasal passage and replace it with tubes (I think that's how it works).

[Hughes80]

I smoked for about 10  years as well and quit about 4 months ago.  I don't have congestion but sinus pain.  The doctors says its inflamed but don't know why.  They think its because of that.  I had allegery tests, negative.  They did blood and CT scan, all good!  They prescribed flownaze which works a bit but I think waiting it out is hopefully the key.  I assume its from the quitting since nothing else is going on.

[vickey89]

Im the same way, i quit in september, and been sick ever since, sinus problems, and never had a sinus problem in my whole life, til i quit smoking, after 10 years, cold turkey as well. But had tubes in my ears when i was little til the age of 14, i started smoking at the age of 12, i quit when i was 22, and am now 23.. sometimes i wish i didnt quit smoking..

[renovater]

P S... I smoked for 51 years

[renovater]

I quit Jan 2 2012. I also am suffering with a terrible cough and congestion. I read that this happens when you quit smoking, can last for a few months. Hope not, it's brutal. seems I felt better smoking.