Battling the Sinus Infection from Hell

[brittmk0922]

Alright, so I have been battling the same darn sinus infection off and on for MONTHS. Everytime I get rid of it, the thing comes back again. This year has been by FAR the worst for it, and a lot of friends are complaining about a similar situation.

Dr says that its due to my allergies, that's what's starting it. I usually get really bad allergies mid to late fall, but then the snow comes and it goes away.... this year, not only no snow but mild temperatures means it never stopped.

I take allergy meds, and sleep at night with a humidifier that makes a HUGE difference, but any other suggestions to atleast help make it through the work day without the discomfort and sinus headache?

[al320]

have you seen an allergist?

this is my worst time of year for allergies, and it's all sinuses. i take a decongestant (the behind the counter, pseudoephedrine kind) which helps a lot. my allergist has said that if it gets really bad there are nasal sprays and other allergy meds i can try, but so far it hasnt been awful.

feel better!

[Susie]

I had a miserable sinus infection in October/November, also probably lingering from allergies. In addition to 17 days worth of antibiotics, this stuff:

(http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Advil-Allergy-&-Congestion-Relief-Coated-Tablets?skuId=914148&WT.mc_id=Shopping_Google_PLA)

saved my working life. No other med did as much to help me think clearly and get shit done when I needed to.

My PA suggested finding something with that combination of antihistimine/decongestants, the ibuprofin was just a bonus. It was a win.

[sadlebred]

Is your doctor sure it's bacterial and not viral? I'd ask him to do a culture on it (aka test for bacteria). Antibiotics don't work against viruses.

I'd also suggest getting a second opinion with an Asthma and Allergist and an ENT.

Signed,
Sadle
Who also battles sinus issues

[brittmk0922]

Thanks ladies. I will go back to the Dr and ask more questions because this is getting rediculous. I feel HORRIBLE at work right now, it always gets really bad near the end of the day.

[spindle92]

Obviously not an immediate solution but have you looked into surgery?
I use to suffer from HORRIBLE sinus infections like clock work. I had sinus surgery about 10 years ago and I can count on 1 hand the # of infections I have had since then.

[mmp]

Run, don't walk, and get a Saltaire Sinus Rinse. It has a plunger on the side and really gets the solution up there.

I mix my own, per my ENT:

Distilled water
Neilmed sinus rinse packets. I put in four packets.
A squirt of hydrogen peroxide
A squirt (capful) of apple cider vinegar.
If your brave, a drop or two of oil of oregano in place of the apple cider vinegar. It's like pepper, but works.

Use it as you right when you get in the shower. The extra saline will shrink back your sinuses, the other stuff will kill bacteria and viruses. By the time you get out of the shower you will blow your nose like nobody's business.

I suffer from allergies and this has been the best for me. I use it after I cut the lawn/rake leaves, too. Otherwise, I would be on omnicef five times a year for infections.
Good luck!

[scorpio72]

I got lots of sinus infections until I started using Flonase. I use it every day and it seems to shrink the swelling in my sinuses. If I feel a cold coming on I'll also start taking All Day Sudafed. It's got 300mg of pseudoepherine.

I still get sinus infections occasionally but the Flonase/Sudafed combination seems to help.

[niknik]

Flonase, it is changing my life.

[IIOY]

Please see an ENT. They see these things all the time and will be in the best position to help. You shouldn't have to suffer like this!

FWIW, I have been down this path before and I can appreciate how miserable it is. You have all of my sympathy. Feel better soon!

[swagger]

My husband has had these problems for the last year as well. His ENT suggested nasal sinusplasty (which sounds scary) but it supposedly works wonders. He'll have it Saturday morning, so I'll try to remember to report back, if you're interested.

[brittmk0922]

Dec 20, 2012 11:02:12 GMT -5 swagger said:

My husband has had these problems for the last year as well. His ENT suggested nasal sinusplasty (which sounds scary) but it supposedly works wonders. He'll have it Saturday morning, so I'll try to remember to report back, if you're interested.

I'd definitely like to hear an update

[orangeblossom]

I have this humidifier at my desk. www.amazon.com/Sunpentown-SU-1051W-Travel-Size-Personal-Humidifier/dp/B00125JGNE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1356304121&sr=8-2&keywords=personal+humidifier

It helps a lot. I also use a sinus rinse bottle and that tends to help.

[brittmk0922]

Dec 23, 2012 18:09:35 GMT -5 orangeblossom said:

I have this humidifier at my desk. www.amazon.com/Sunpentown-SU-1051W-Travel-Size-Personal-Humidifier/dp/B00125JGNE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1356304121&sr=8-2&keywords=personal+humidifier

It helps a lot. I also use a sinus rinse bottle and that tends to help.

I need to order that!