I am always having problems with sinus infections. Normally end up going to the Doctor, getting some prescriptions and it solves the problem for then. Doesn't seem to long thereafter, and I have the same problem. Anyone out there with similar problems and how do you keep from re-occurring sinus infections? One Doctor told me it looks like I broke my nose when I was a kid and the one nasal passage narrowed. I told him I never had a broken nose as I would surely remember it. I think he just wanted to do some surgery. Anyway, all you medicine men/witch doctors out there, lets hear some possible cures.

 

Take some eye of Gnoot & wings of a bat,
Dance in a circle till your feet are flat.
Put it in a bag and walk around the room,
And this will end your nasal days of doom.

 

I tried that, but still ended up with a sinus infection. Now those dang flat feet need fixin. That will be another thread.

 

How are your tonsils?

I have had the perpetual sinus infection myself <> Mainly affects left ear drainage.

My tonsils were rotten for years and finally got them lasered out just before I turned 45.

Tonsils
Allergies
Absessed teeth

can all cause sinus problems.

 

Hello scionti 94,

Though not an ears, nose, and throat MD experience many people with both inflammation of the sinus,(sinusitis) as well as sinus infections which can cause upper tooth pain. Sometimes the symtoms are obvious, pain along the cheek bone, referred to the eye, up the temple, towards the ear with multiple sensitive teeth in the upper posterior. There is often obvious discharge of mucous, drainage at the back of the throat, or there may be no drainage whatsoever. Usually if the drainage is clear it is a cold or upper respiratory virus, antibiotics do nothing to a virus, sometimes can prevent secondary infection by bacteria, if yellowish or greenish discharge then is probably bacterial infection and antibiotics will help. Some of the steps you can take to reduce sinus infection are to treat nasal congestion promptly, if drainage of the mucous secretions are reduced or blocked then inflamation and infection is more likely. If indeed you have a narrowed or blocked area that slows or prevents drainage it could contribute to your problems. I would advise physical exam by an ENT before considering surgery. Also avoid contact with people having colds, or upper respiratory viruses. If you smoke that is probably a contributory factor, even exposure to second hand smoke. If you have allergies it is advisable to avoid the allergens which trigger your symptoms. I am not certain where you live but in the arrid west dryness of the air can also contribute, a humidifier might help. Acute sinus problems come on suddenly, then clear up, sometimes with treatment, sometimes without treatment. Chronic or long term sinus problems persist over time and are more difficult to treat. Some people have relief with saline, (salt) irrigation. Antibiotics, decongestants, and surgery to correct deviated septums, broken nose, etc. are all treatments. Obviously I cannot examine, nor diagnose your specific condition, but thought I would take the time to offer what information I could from my experience.

Scott

 

Boulderdentist: Thank you for your suggested causes and possible treatment. I live in central Florida and suspect the stimuli to be airborne allergens or pollens. With our sub-tropical climate, pollens or other spores are always present in the air. I do not smoke, however I am outdoors quite a significant part of each day. I use the saline solution I purchase over the counter at the nearby drugstore and try to avoid strong odors, etc. that may trigger the sinus condition. This is not always possible. I live on a conservation area with miles of woods and swamp behind my home. That is also probably part of the problem. Anti-biotics are effective in treating the bacterial infection that is creates the colored discharge. The problem does fall into the chronic category, therefore your recommending that I visit with an ENT will probably be my next step of action. Your input is appreciated.

 

I too suffered from several sinus infections a year until I went and had a deviated septum repaired and also had my sinus cavities opened up so that they could drain properly. The operation was not very painful but it was somewhat discomforting for about a week or so because of the healing process. I had the operation about 15 years ago and I've had maybe two or three sinus infections since.

 

Thank You Bruker,

Your satisfaction and success is an endorsement of the recommendation of Boulderdentist. I feel that my next step is to schedule an appointment with an ENT and proceed from there. Appreciate you sharing your first hand experience and its success.

 

I had similar problems, and was diagnosed with deviated septum. My Dad swears he never wacked me on the nose (although I likely deserved it), but it appeared to be something from childhood.

Anyhow, I had the surgery to repair the septum in 2003, and they also cut back some of the turbicular thingies in the sinus. I didn't have the nasal cavity packed with gauze (I've heard lots of guy's horror stories from years ago about that particular sensation). They sprayed an antiseptic foam in there, so while it was uncomfortable it wasn't lights-out pain. They used little orthoscopic tools rather than a laser or hammer & chisels. After about 2 months I was fully recovered, and the years of sinus pain and infections were over. I think the only bad part was the gross gunk that came out my nose for a few weeks. I'm in high western desert so I still need to run a humidifier, but otherwise my nose is maintenance-free.

 

Appreciate the information Spikedog. Glad that your procedure was successful. Not looking forward to going through the procedure, but recognize that it must be done to improve my total quality of life. Thanks again.

 

scionti 94,
go see a good ENT doctor and have him do a CAT scan to see what is happening in your sinus passages, I good friend of mine suffered perssitant sinus inffections off and on for over a year, his doctor found that the infection had started to eat a hole thru his skull. All is well now after his surgery to improve drainage.

 

Thanks Crash687 !!

Will be making an appointment with a reputable ENT. Will have a CAT scan or MRI done of the sinus passage area. Don't want my wife to see your post, because she has always told me sometimes she thinks I have a hole in my head. Don't want to give her any more ammunition to make her point. Appreciate your post. It sounds almost like a concensus as to what needs to be done.

 

Whenever I've had a sinus issue (only had a few), I rinse with a saline solution (I'd rather not use antibiotics unless absolutely necessary). Have you tried webmd.com? http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/aa17807.asp
The site has some very informative information. Good luck.

Chris

 

i had the same problem chronic sinussitis. later found out it was the aparment i rented the air ducts and the bathroom were filled with mold. if you renting maybe some thing to look in to if your not maybe have air ducts in you house cleaned may not be mold but it may help ya out.

 

i have constant sinus problems too .i'm gonna get a sinus irrigator. do a search for grossman sinus irrigator and you will find a website that will send u a catalog. they have this thing that washes out your nose with a saline solution its supost to work wonders for sinnusites and things like that.it gets out all the nasty stuff in you sinuses so you can breath again.