Re: Which Type Of Sinus Problem Do I Have?
Beth Kevles
Hi --
I'm willing to bet that the ENT prescribes a saline nasal rinse (OTC,
but probably one of those bottles that REALLY get the sinuses washed
out) and probably an antibiotic. It sounds an awful lot like an
infection.
--Beth Kevles
bethk...@aol.com
http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.
NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
like me to reply.
duh
knee...@yahoo.ca wrote:
> I was hoping some experts on this group could help me decipher what my
> sinus problem is. So in advance I would like to thank all people who
> respond to this post. Also I'll try and write my problem down in
> point form to make it easier to understand. So here goes nothing.
>
> 1. I have had my sinus problem for about 2 years. It seems to have
> gotten worse or maybe it's the fact I have no patience for it
> anymore. I have not seen an ENT about my problem though I will be as
> soon as I can get an appointment.
>
> 2. Well my problem goes like this. It seems to be some sort of
> clogging that can vary form one nostril to the next. Therefore it is
> rarely if ever bot nostrils clogged. The main time when it strikes is
> about a minute or two after I lie in bed therefore interfering with my
> sleep. Which on a side not I have enough problems with as it is.
>
> 3. Now keep in mind it is always one nostril where the air cannot pass
> through. Also it doesn't seem to have a preference of which side.
> One night it could be the left the next could be the right. If it
> just won't clear I will get up, go on the internet and it seems to be
> less annoying or clear gradually. But it can just as easily return
> when I go to lay back down.
>
> 4. As you can see this problem is getting to me mostly because it is
> interfering with my sleep. Otherwise I can deal with it any other
> time of the day. Although it still sucks the energy out of me having
> to breathe through one nostril.
>
> 5. Some things that help me are getting up and moving around. Chores
> around the house, walking etc. Also nothing helps get the gunk out
> better than a hot shower or some spicy food.
>
> 6. Also sometimes it feels like a dry nasal passage contributing to my
> problem. Other times it just feels like it is packed with gunk. It
> also feels like there may be some swelling in the infected side.
> It's hard to say though.
>
> 7. Also sometimes I will blow some bloody snot out. Especially
> noticeable when I blow some not snot in the shower. This is however
> not always the case as sometimes I will blow just normal disgusting
> snot
Is your (non bloodied) snot white, yellow, or green? White indicates
allergies, yellow infection, and green is a serious infection.
> So based on the information I gave you do any of you have an idea of
> what I might be dealing with here. Like on a scale of 1 to 10 how
> concerned should I be. I mean am I dealing with some type of
> sinusitis or allergies or something else. Once again really
> appreciate the help.
>
> P.S. Keep in mind this has been going on and off for about 2 years.
> Seems to be a little worse in the winter but once again hard to say.
> One more thing do any of you know of any other forums to talk about
> sinus problems besides this. Can't seem to find any.
It sounds like low-level food or airborne allergies to me. I *think*
infection may be ruled out by the dryness. Bleeding can be caused by
swelling in the sinuses.
I don't have this problem any more as long as I watch my diet. What I
used to do was sleep on my side with the open nostril up. This meant I
had to roll over often. Blankets tended to get thrown on the floor, and
of course I had to sleep alone. For symptomatic relief something like
benedryl D (decongestant is important) seemed to help. Avoid medications
mixed with analgesics unless you have a headache. In theory some
analgesics may worsen the bleeding, but they seemed to reduce swelling
and associated bleeding (almost always associated with a headache in my
case). Best to take only medications you need.
Now for some questions to help you diagnose the problem. You don't
necessarily have to answer them here (but feel free).
For starters try different kinds of pillows and pillow cases.
Change the laundry detergent you use to wash those pillow cases.
How old were you when this started?
Did you move or change your diet?
Did you change jobs?
Did you have an illness or were you vaccinated?
Did you get married or divorced (looking for some lifestyle change
brought on by the presence or absence of your partner)?
These questions may help you identify a cause for your new allergies.
You will save time and get better advice if you think them
over before you see your doctor. Whether they are food or airborne
allergies, the only real cure is avoidance.
In my experience the ENT specialists are good at identifying allergic
versus infectious sinus problems (dryness has something to do with
it). Even if you have an infection, it may be a complication of
chronic allergic rhinitis.
An allergy specialist can help you find out what triggers your
allergies, but the tests have only limited accuracy. In some cases
test results are useless. Test results should be confirmed by dietary
(or other) changes. The most difficult part is controlling your own
diet. Most people have no idea what they are eating. The thought
that they will never be able to order a pizza again is deeply
discouraging, but random food with random ingredients mixed
together by strangers is just impossible.
Avoid psychologists. They have no idea what they are
doing, and they will often label people antisocial or domineering for
even trying to control their own diet.
Avoid unsympathetic friends and relatives -- especially parents. They
like you the way you are: suffering. They will resent it if you do not
take their bad advice.