sinusitus - how long should it last?

[landofdan]

i was told i have sinusitus and poly's about 1 month ago, prior to this i was getting headaches (temples, back of head and forehead) and swollen throat (i think due to nasal drip?).

i also get slight nose bleeds some mornings and a feeling my 2 front teeth are being pushed out and go extremely sensitive. (although this has stopped now).

and after reading this website, i also have a aching pain in my shoulder blade that could be related.

i fact i feel even worse now!

i was given steroids to take for 6 weeks, and now on nose drops for 6 weeks and then nasal spray/puffs for another 6 weeks.

so in total ive been having headaches for 3 months now and got another 2 months of medication to take.

when "should" the headaches start to stop or get better. as i dont fancy another 2 months of headaches andthen fid out that they dont stop.

im finding it hard to function at work at the moment cos of the discomfort in my head.

im thinking that the steroids are to tackle the sinusitus and the drops and nasal spray are for the poly'ps.

but i have finished my course of steroids and still the headaches are there?

any thoughts on what i should do? my doctors are useless - i told them i think i have sinusitus they laughed it off and after 2 months i finally got to see someone in ear, nose and throat they confirmed that i did actually have sinusitus.

[landofdan]

went to the doctors today, and had a good old whinge in there,

anyway i've been assured that its not a brain tumour. i feel a little better now.

so got some anti-biotics (amoxicillin) so got to take them for 10 days.

if they dont clear it up then i got to back in 2-3 weeks.

thanks again for all your help - it really does help to talk about things.

[caregiver222]

By the way, a brain tumor is highly unlikely. These sinus infections can be a bear to get rid of. There are specialists who treat sinusitis. If you are unhappy with your treatment try to find one. Easier said than done. You have my sympathies.

[caregiver222]

Well maggiepie, there is a kernal of truth in what you say. Any use of steroids depresses the immune system. Period. Whether of not that shortfall is outweighed by the benefits is a risk/benefit decision. As far as I am concerned anyone in this world can do what they want, including praying to Zeus, using crystals, or taking coffee enema. Feel free to take as much prednisone as you like, as often as you like. I am aware of the protocol for administering steroids. I just disagree with it. But, I always urge everyone to completely trust your physician and do whatever he says. Always.

[landofdan]

thanks for your help,

im going to the doctors on weednesday so will hopefully get somethng else to try and get rid of the headaches. i have got a nasal wash bottle and powder solution in a pack so will keep using that as often as possible.

just getting headaches all the time gets me really down and makes me think ive got a big brain tumour or something really bad.

[maggiemag]

I didn't know you were a physician!

Steroids are probably the MOST potent anti-inflammatory that exists.  Sinusitis is an inflammation.  Sometimes the infection persists and antibiotics are not enough.  Steroids are then ordered.  LONG TERM usage of steroids does depress the immune system.  Short term steroids are a miracle drug in many cases, especially stubborn cases.  In combination with other meds, like antibiotics, and nasal sprays and washes, it will gradually go away.

[caregiver222]

Basically the steroids will make the sinusitis worse. Do not pass go. Do not collect two hundred dollars. Steroids depress and elinimate the immune system. When the immune system is eliminated the little buggies in the sinus cavities have a party. I am curious as to what halucinagenic drug the person was on who prescribed steroids? Get off them NOW. That being said, sinus infections tend to be persistant ane often incredibly difficult to remove. The buggies get settled in crevices protected by biofilms so antibiotics can't get near them. The sensitivity of your teeth suggests (i don't really know) a bacterial infection above the gumline. The standard treatment for sinus infections is irrigation with saline several times a day. If you are strapped for cash you can make your own from distilled water and table salt and use a bulb syringe. The spray aerosols are more covenient and easier to use. Often antibiotics are necessary to get rid of the sinusitis and often the period you have to be on them far exceeds the seven day norm. But you need antibiotics, which must be prescibed by your physician PLUS irrigation several times a day. The infections could be due to mold or a virus, but the overwhelming majority are due to persistant bacterial infections. Keep the moisture level up in your apartment. You may have to purchase a humidifier.