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Sinus Infection - Agggh!

Loves Vintage

Loves Vintage

Ideal_Rock
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Joined
Nov 19, 2007
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4,568
I've had a sinus infection since June. I'd never had one before. I've had quite a few dr's visits (started at the minute clinic, antibiotics, then steroid spray, then regular physician, more antibiotics and spray, then ENT, MORE antibiotics, then a refill of the antibiotics, more steroid spray, follow-up visit, new steroid spray), and I am still congested!! I guess I should go back to the ENT? I really thought I was better somewhere in between regular physician and 1st ENT visit, but it never fully resolves itself, and then gets worse again.

Anyone fellow sufferers with some good advice for me?
 
One thing about steroid sprays, they can be a godsend, but you've got to use them every day and don't stop if you feel better. If money is an issue, ask for generic.
And who is giving you all those antibiotics? They do not work for sinus infections. Do a Google search. You'll be amazed.
 
texaskj|1352772792|3304926 said:
One thing about steroid sprays, they can be a godsend, but you've got to use them every day and don't stop if you feel better. If money is an issue, ask for generic.
And who is giving you all those antibiotics? They do not work for sinus infections. Do a Google search. You'll be amazed.
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Yes, I did stop using the steroid spray after I felt better! The ENT asked me why I stopped, and told me, after-the-fact, that I should not have stopped using it before finishing it. OK. Won't this time.

Uhm, the physician's assistant at the minute clinic, my primary care physician and the specialist all prescribed the antibiotics. I suppose each of these medical professionals, after examining me and hearing about my symptoms, determined it is a bacterial infection, which is why they prescribed the antibiotics.
 
I went through a couple of years in the late 90s with infection after infection. My doctor even threatened surgery. (Like I was getting sick on purpose.) She always put me on 10 days of antibiotics. They made me sick to my stomach and knocked out my birth control pills. I was fed up and didn't go see her one time when I knew I had one and lo and behold, I got better without them in the same amount of time.

http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/uri/sinus-infection.html
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/14/health/antibiotics-not-helpful-sinus-infections/
 
Hi LV, sorry to hear of your chronic sinus problems. I used to get them in winter, and it's pretty comfortable so can relate. Have you tried steam inhalation? I would heat up a medium bowl of water, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in, then put a towel over my head and breath in the steam. It really helps when I suffer from blocked nose and stuffy head. I also take OTC antihistamine tablets daily (based on my doctor's recommendation), which reduces the runny nose (which is often the precurser to sinuisitis for me).
 
DH and I both have sinus/ENT issues. We both had way too many antibiotics for them when we were younger, so we typically avoid them now.

DH uses a neti pot and swears by it.

I use probiotics and herbal blends from the acupuncturist.
 
i have had sinus infections for decades....used to take antibiotics every 6 weeks....also had prescription antihistamines and sprays.

for many years now i have solely relied upon my neti pot, hot steams with essential oils, herbs to prevent and herbs to deal with onset symptoms and others to deal with ongoing symptoms. acupuncture is used in all instances as well and depending on my schedule.

my symptoms are under better control now than they ever were using antibiotics and/or sprays [which give me nose bleeds].
 
Hi LV, I hope you feel better soon! I get sinus infections often and they're awful. Here's what I do:

- Get on antibiotics within the first few days, if possible. Sudafed if nothing else. Delsym or Robitussin helps, too, if you have a cough. I know not everyone is a fan of antibiotics for a variety of reasons, but I find that they help.
- Drink lots of water.
- Use a neti pot and saline rinse. It's kind of gross to do and it can burn your throat a little, but it helps to get the stuff out. I do this religiously when I'm sick, and even if it might not make me FEEL tons better, I know it helps to get as much out as I can.
- Sleep and/or rest as often as possible.
- Take lots of really hot showers and/or boil a pot of water, throw a towel over your head, and breathe in the steam.
 
If you've had chronic sinus issues without resolution using normal antibiotics and/or time, consider broaching the possibility that it is a fungal infection with your doctor. It seems that unless it's an itchy patch of skin or a white nail, GPs overlook fungi as a source of illness, favoring bacteria every time.
 
Even better than a neti pot is a squeeze bottle sinus rinse. It gives you the ability to use as much pressure as you need. Yes, it is gross. Yes, it took a bit to get used to the sensation. But it is worth it!! I resisted using one for years but was forced to after sinus surgery. You know what? Now I wonder if I could have avoided surgery had I done it beforehand.

Your ENT can even prescribe anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medications to mix into the sinus rinse. Those are much more effective than oral medications.
 
Just wanted to say that I know how awful sinus infections are and I feel for you! I hope you heal soon.
 
EricaR|1352808530|3305136 said:
Even better than a neti pot is a squeeze bottle sinus rinse. It gives you the ability to use as much pressure as you need. Yes, it is gross. Yes, it took a bit to get used to the sensation. But it is worth it!! I resisted using one for years but was forced to after sinus surgery. You know what? Now I wonder if I could have avoided surgery had I done it beforehand.

Your ENT can even prescribe anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medications to mix into the sinus rinse. Those are much more effective than oral medications.
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I use Simply Saline to rinse my sinuses a couple of times a week and use their saline spray once in the morning and once before bedtime and I have not had any problems. When my sinuses get really clogged not only do my ears hurt, but my uppervteeth hurt as well and nothing will make the pain go away until I can unstuff my sinuses.
 
Anytime I've had a sinus infection the only way Ive gotten better was with antibiotics.
 
I get sinus infections regularly. Went through years of repeated antibiotics, ENT visits, etc. Surgery was recommended. I've now found relief by using two things found at your drugstore. First, start musinex immediately to thin the mucus. Second, use the squeeze bottle neti pot twice every day. Use two of the included packets packets each time. I always feel better within a few days. Good luck!
 
I also want to chime in about the squeeze bottle sinus rinse. I use it everyday on the advise of my ENT and I have avoided sinus surgery. It also helps with allergies. I used to get 5-6 infections every year that would require antibiotics to go away and more that I fought through myself. I don't usually go to the doctor unless I can't shake the infection on my own. Since using the sinus rinse for 4 years, I think I have had antibiotics twice.

Good luck and I hope you feel better!!! It's not any fun to go so long without feeling better.
 
I hope you feel better soon LV; I had had 2 of them and they are no fun. healing vibes
 
purplesparklies|1352822207|3305363 said:
I get sinus infections regularly. Went through years of repeated antibiotics, ENT visits, etc. Surgery was recommended. I've now found relief by using two things found at your drugstore. First, start musinex immediately to thin the mucus. Second, use the squeeze bottle neti pot twice every day. Use two of the included packets packets each time. I always feel better within a few days. Good luck!
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This absolutely!!!

Not all sinus infections are bacterial, but I find most doctors are quite antibiotic-prescribing-happy! If you take mucinex or sudafed at the first sign of pressure/discomfort in the sinuses, this will help dry you up so that the bacteria or fungus dont have a nice dark and wet medium to grow in. Saline is also awesome when it comes to "cleaning" you out and soothes the inflamed tissue.

And lots of tea with lemon and honey!
 
I agree with a lot of the other suggestions--steam, squeeze saline bottle or netipot, and mucinex (or generic guaifenisen). I get close to sinus infections several times a year but never fall over the cliff. I also take sudafed when congested and zyrtex, claritin or a generic pretty regularly. You mentioned a nasal steroid. I use a generic flonase all the time--I use it as a preventative measure rather than treatment for infected sinuses.

I have read about balloon sinuplasty for infected sinuses-- kind of like how they clear out arteries? Sounds much less barbaric than surgery.

http://www.balloonsinuplasty.com/
 
Thank you everyone who has posted for your input. I'm running a little short on time atm, so cannot do individual replies, but I did want to comment on two things.

1. Re: over-prescription of antibiotics. At my first visit, I went to a minute clinic at CVS. There was something obviously wrong with me, and had been for like a month at that point. I was exhausted, so I finally went, on my way into work. They had a leaflet in their waiting area advising people of the symptoms of sinus infections, viral vs. bacterial. They did not have a lot of leaflets out, so it's not like I had to go through a bunch of them to find the one that applied to me. The leaflet very clearly stated no antibiotics for viral cases. It struck me that people must go there A LOT begging for antibiotics when they might not be appropriate. I was left with the impression, especially after talking to the PA, that they spend a lot of time explaining to their patients why antibiotics won't help them. I was surprised that she even prescribed antibiotics for me, but I think the length of the illness has something to do with determining whether an infection is bacterial vs. viral. I am not a doctor. This is my very basic understanding. Anyway, she was going to give me the Z-pak (pack?), which I did not want (thrush anyone?) so she prescribed some other antibiotic. Didn't seem to help. When I went to my GP, he was surprised that she prescribed that particular drug, so he prescribed the one that he said is commonly prescribed for bacterial sinus infections. It helped TREMENDOUSLY. I could go into details, but I will spare you all of that! Tremendously, but not completely. Then the ENT prescribed that same drug and told me to refill it if I felt like it was helping, and so I did. Ok, now, I feel like I went into too much information on the antibiotics, but I feel a bit defensive about my use of them and feel the need to explain.

2. Mucinex. There are so many different types of mucinex. I find it very confusing, but just wanted to share that my ENT said that it is not a good idea to use it when you are already very congested. It removes moisture from the mucus and causes the mucus to remain stuck. The PA did prescribe Mucinex. I took A LOT of it, and I do think it made things worse (because I was already congested when I started taking it.)

3. Neti pot. Do you use regular tap water? I will look into this.

4. Nasal spray. I think I've actually used 3 different steroid sprays. I have a call into the dr about these. Not sure that they are helping.

Thank you again everyone.
 
Yeah, I've heard that about mucinex. I always use the maximum strength and I only take that for a couple of days, just to thin the mucus enough that it can be flushed out. It works well for me. Before I discovered this regimen I was enduring sinus infections approx. once a month that would go on and on. I've not had to go the the Dr. to treat a sinus infection since I started this a year and a half ago. Major change!
 
Yes, I use regular tap water. Very important to make sure it's warm enough to dissolve the crystals but not too warm. Twirl the bottle for a few seconds after dumping in the crystals to help them dissolve. Lean way over the sink, have tissues handy, and squeeze just enough to get a flow going. Do not squeeze too hard thinking you will blast it through. Major headache! :-( Do each side. Use tissues to blow your nose when done.
 
I had chronic sinus disease, over 18 months of antibiotics and steroids before I finally got a CT. It showed that I have developed sinus poylps. I'm now permanently on Nasonex to control the polyps and use the neilmed sinus rinse system everyday in the shower with 2 salt packs. I also take sudafed and advil if I'm feeling particularily stuffy. Since my nose is usually pretty dry from the meds I also use an old fashioned boiling humidifier in winter-the cool most ones are no good for sinus sufferers. I have not had a sinus infection since I started this program over 8 months ago. Get a CT scan so you know what you're dealing with.

I use tap water for my neilmed but I really should use boiled water and I do sterilize the bottle in the microwave. Sinus problems suck, good luck!
 
No tap water in the sinus rinse!!! You can end up inducing nasties into your skull that way! I just keep a jug of distiller water ($1.05/gallon and lasts probably 15 rinses). You also only ever want to use one packet of the mix for every 8 oz of water. If you have too much in there you can cause further irritation to the sinus cavities. (My ENT is also the head ENT professor at a big medical school and just finished doing a study about that.)

Mucinex needs to be taken with water. Lots of it. I down about 1/2-3/4 of a liter after each pill.

I've also had great luck with prescription nasal atrovent. My pulmonary doc gave me some about six months ago and it is great!! It basically convinces the cells in your nose to quit producing so much snot.
 
Oh ditto Erica on never using tap water for neti... I know it is rare but a few people have died recently from using neti with tap water. Feel like I've read more than my fair share lately of those cases in the news. It is like pouring bacteria near the blood rich vessels and etc right up close to your brain. DH usually uses distilled warmed in the microwave with special neti salt. They sell it in Whole Foods and pretty much anywhere! Good luck!!!
 
Yikes. Will switch to distiller water! I think the directions for my squeeze bottle recommend two packets. Off to check.....
 
distilled water in the neti and lots of water (more than you ever thought you could drink at one time!) with the mucinex. I was and opera singer for years and mucinex (or the generic) was a life saver, but you have to drink a lot of water...and then some more in order to keep things hydrated and moving.
 
Whatever you do, don't accidentally use the sinus rinse sans-saline! Squirting straight water up your nasal cavity is the absolute pits! :errrr:
 
I don't even heat up my sinus rinse water anymore. Too lazy. I just tough it up!

Really, the trick for me being able to kick the worst of the sinus infections I had was getting some antibiotic stuff from my ENT that he had me mix into the rinse. I've had some nasty, stubborn ones that would not go away and that cleared it right up.
 
I use warm tap water (not heated up, just use the hot water knob on the sink) for the saline rinse. There's a brand called Ocean that sells a saline spray. It's an orange and white bottle (canister?) and it comes with an orange spray nozzle. That one works well. I also use the neti pot that comes with saline packets. My doctor just gave me a few bottles and saline solutions to try but I haven't needed them yet.
 
Asscherhalo_lover|1352843458|3305687 said:
I had chronic sinus disease, over 18 months of antibiotics and steroids before I finally got a CT. It showed that I have developed sinus poylps. I'm now permanently on Nasonex to control the polyps and use the neilmed sinus rinse system everyday in the shower with 2 salt packs. I also take sudafed and advil if I'm feeling particularily stuffy. Since my nose is usually pretty dry from the meds I also use an old fashioned boiling humidifier in winter-the cool most ones are no good for sinus sufferers. I have not had a sinus infection since I started this program over 8 months ago. Get a CT scan so you know what you're dealing with.

I use tap water for my neilmed but I really should use boiled water and I do sterilize the bottle in the microwave. Sinus problems suck, good luck!
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Asscherhalo_lover - Yikes! Sorry to hear you went through so much before the diagnosis. May I ask - did they ever talk about surgically removing the polyps? The ENT discussed this possibility at our first visit. He also prescribed prednisone at that time, hoping that would help shrink polyps if there were any. I asked about it at my last visit, and he said he didn't see any polyps. :confused: He did talk abut a CT scan at the first visit, so not sure why he was satisfied that there were no polyps with just a visual exam. But, I am not a doctor. Basically, this is all only on the left side, and sometimes it feels clear, sometimes it feel blocked. I'm totally thinking it could still be polyps. ENT never called me back, so I'm going to schedule another visit so I can sit in his waiting room for 2 hrs again. Are all specialists this way?

Thanks everyone for advice on neti pot.
 
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