sinusitus, what more can I do?

Question

I was given Bactrim, penicillin, and then Keflex, at separate times and it seemed to cleared it up, but it keeps coming back, I take benadryl, sudafed, claritin, singular, alka seltzer cold/flu medicine, robatussin, and have used hot steam, cool steam, heating pad, heat light, ocean squirts, saline, salt water, blow and blow, and it just wont go away, am I missing something? its been going on for 15 months and I am miserable.
also I have seen several doctors and as I say its all these they have had me do, I'm at a lose, thanks!

also its just in the left side of my nose and eye, the right is pretty much ok, thanks

Answer 1

Don't Despair Femma, There is always hope!

You've gone through most (if not all) treatment steps of Acute & Chronic Sinusitis already -- so hHave you heard of a Nasal Endoscopy? Maybe that's the next step for you?

A nasal endoscope is a special tube-like instrument equipped with tiny lights and cameras used to examine the interior of the nose and sinus drainage areas.

It allows your doctor to view the accessible areas of the sinus drainage pathways. Your nasal cavity may first be numbed using a local anesthetic (some cases do not require any anesthetic). A rigid or flexible endoscope is then placed in position to view the middle bone structure of the nasal cavity.

Have you had your nose broken? Are you a smoker? --Both are possible causes of your problems & add more problems to the situation.

The Endoscopy procedure is used to observe signs of obstruction as well as detect nasal polyps hidden from routine nasal examination. During the endoscopic examination, the doctor also looks for any structural abnormalities that would cause you to suffer from recurrent sinusitis.

You know this, as you've gone through it, but treatment for sinusitis depends on the severity. For the benefit of others reading this take a look at these two examples:

Acute sinusitis. If you have a simple sinus infection, your health care provider may recommend treatment with decongestants like Sudafed and steam inhalations alone. Use of nonprescription decongestant nasal drops or sprays may also be effective in controlling symptoms. However, these medicines should not be used beyond their recommended use, usually only four to five days, or they may actually increase congestion. If antibiotics are administered, they are usually given for 10 to 14 days. You have to take the full dosage in order to clear the infection. With treatment, the symptoms usually disappear and antibiotics are no longer required.

Chronic sinusitis. Warm moist air may alleviate sinus congestion. A vaporizer or inhaling steam from a pan of boiling water (removed from heat) may also help. Warm compresses are useful to relieve pain in the nose and sinuses. Saline nose drops are also safe for home use. Use of nonprescription decongestant nasal drops or sprays might be effective in controlling symptoms, however, they should not be used beyond their recommended use. Antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I'd recommend seeing an allergist. You may have a severe allergy that requires treatment.

You could be allergic to a plant or a food (like wheat or corn) that causes flu like symptoms. I'm highly allergic to wheat and had to completely give it up as I'd get rashes (hives) and also cold symptoms like a headache and stuffed nose that wouldn't stop and required nasal sprays continiously. I was miserable. I'm on Zyrtec now and have stopped eating wheat and now I can breath and feel fantastic!

Start with an allergist and find out what's causing it. I recommend an Ear Nose Throat specialist that is trained in allergy so they can make sure you don't have a nasal passage problem.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Have you heard of mangosteen juice? Most people in the US haven't, but it has powerful antioxidants called xanthones that are not found in any fruits that we know of. These xanthones are also powerful antihistamines! I have not needed to take any Claritan or OTC medicines since I started drinking the juice and I've heard a testimonial of a man who suffered for 20 years with sinusitis, had 2 operations, was on 3 differents meds and has not had any problems since he starting on the juice. Let me know it you need some - not all products are the same and I have a great one!

Answer 4

Have you ever heard of a Netipot? They can be found at Natural Food/supply stores. You use a packet of salt with warm water and it's like a small teapot. Seriously, I know it sounds weird but it really can help with sinus issues. My husband was in a car accident which resulted in crushed sinus passages and he loves it. Oprah did a show all about them. You could do research on the net and see what you can learn. You've tried everything else why not spend $20 and give this a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Good luck!

Answer 5

Find out what you are allergic to. It is about avoidance of allergens. I also have sinusitis and it has been going on for months. They go away and back for few days. I am allergic to mold and when there is lots of humidity it comes back, also the dry air in winter affects my sinuses. I use saline water spray everyday. Flonase helps too. I also take quercetin with pineapple caps. Taking Xilitol or chewing altoids peppermint that has xilitol helps me. Eliminate sugar from your diet. You need to strengthen your inmune system.

Answer 6

Switching from mucus generating dairy products and red meat to soy milk and white meat will help. Fish is better than chicken.

All medicines only give temporary relief but don't really overcome the problem of overactive mucus glands and nasal sprays can actually damage your sinuses. All these other treatments (hot steam, etc) that you have tried are OK for temporary relief only.

Answer 7

Try this...it did great for my mom, but it took some time.

Get a small glass of water, add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. Then add, 1/4 Teaspoon of baking soda and stir until the bubbles/foam goes away. Drink.

Do it at morning and at night for two weeks.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Have you tried Neti Pot? It's pretty funny-- but really effective.
I also got a lot of relief from acupuncture, but some people really are scared of that. I think it's great.

Answer 10

Amoxycillin worked for me...try to find a new doctor, this could be a bigger problem then the doctors you have seen think.