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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Sinusitis / March 2006Is this sinusitis?
For the last few years I've had problems with stuffy nose, usually one nostril at a time. At times my ear gets blocked....holding my nose and blowing gently relieves it momentarily. Also, at times my head feels so blocked and tight, that I have periods of dizziness and then nausea. I've been seen by an ENT several times. He does not believe that I've ever had an infection, but has seen my nose blocked and post nasal drip. I had a CT sinus scan. There wasn't enough on the scan to think about surgery. I've tried prescription anti-inflammatory medications, and they have helped, but could not use them for longer than two weeks. I also have a prescription for Rhinocort Aqua, which does help, but not for any length of time. I've found that Non-drying Sudafed does give me some relief as well. It has gotten worse these last months. While lying on my side, I can feel the stuffy nostril drain into the clear nostril to make that one stuffy. Consequently, my sleep has been disrupted. I am very uncomfortable every day with no let up unless I use the above medications and that lasts only a few hours. I don't believe that I have allergies, as both nostrils are never blocked at the same time. Am I correct to believe that with allergy, they both would be? Is this considered to be sinusitis? Is there anything else it could be? Is there any advice for me? Thank you. Nahanton I get the same symptoms as you but no infections either. Especially that tight head feeling which can be unbearable. My MD had me useing Nasacort (nasal spray) and Clarinex at night ( I get too drowsy during the day to use if). I have allergies and a post nasal drip- have to use saline rinses morning and night for them. I use Claritin (chewable) for my allergies. The winter time is the worst time of year for me. shirleyann It sounds to me like you have sinusitis/rhinitis without an infection. >From your description (and that's all i have to go by), it seems like your ENT just said he/she didn't see any indication of an infection, and that the inflammation involved didn't warrent surgery. sinusitis -- inflammation of sinus tissue rhinitis - inflammation of nasal mucosa Both can occur without a bacterial or viral infection. >>>I don't believe that I have allergies, as both nostrils are never blocked at the same time. That is not a valid indicator. You could very well have an allergy, or be suffering from non-allergic rhinitis. Be VERY careful about jumping into surgery, especially if an ENT is not wholeheartedly advising it. If *I* were in your shoes (and i'm not a doc, just a fellow sufferer), I would inquire about one of the antihistimine based medications, such as Astelin spray, and/or AllegraD. The AllegraD contains an antihistimine plus a pseudoephedrine decongestant that will reduce inflammation. Since you're having luck with sudafed already, that may be the route to go (just remember to ask your doctor if you should stop taking OTC sudafed when adding other meds). You could also try a different corticosteroid spray. Most people have better results with the Rhinocort than you're reporting. Maybe one of the others is a better fit for you. Good Luck! Tyler Thank you and everyone who answered. I've been feeling *really* bad today. My right nostril is blocked as well as my right ear and I'm unsteady walking for fear of falling. I've taken Non-Drying Sinus Sudafed, Mucinex and Rhinocort. The only relief I feel is when I'm reclining on my back. (thank goodness for laptops) :) I'm supposed to go in for surgery to remove a cataract on Wednesday. I guess I'll have to call the doctor and tell him the problems that I've been having. I'm concerned that he won't want to do the surgery because of it. I do have an appointment with the head of ENT at a top hospital in Boston, but have to wait until April to see him. Until then... :( Nahanton > It sounds to me like you have sinusitis/rhinitis without an infection. >> From your description (and that's all i have to go by), it seems like [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > > Tyler Have you ever tried irrigations? Those may be of benefit. You might also considering elevating your bed. Just put some boards under the headboard posts. That way, you can sleep in a semi-reclining position. Or, have you ever tried sleeping in the recliner? Also, make sure you're applying the rhinocort as directed in the instuctions. If the medicine isn't getting to the right areas, it won't be as effective at reducing inflammation. Tyler >For the last few years I've had problems with stuffy nose, usually one >nostril at a time. At times my ear gets blocked....holding my nose and [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >Is this considered to be sinusitis? Is there anything else it could >be? Is there any advice for me? Your turbinates are swollen, that;'s all. This is usually die to allergies They swell up alternately on each side (first one, then the other,.....) in everone about 5 or 6 times a day. That part is normal. Your problem is that they are swollen. I agree, probably allergy related. Step #1: Get allergy tested for all indoor and outdoor allergies. Step #2: Remove all obvious allergens from the house, i.e. down pillows or comforters, cats, dogs, etc. Step #3: Dry out the basement and install a strong ozone generating air purifier in the basement. Lets get rid of any mold spores in the basement. Hire someone to come in an inspect for mold and do as good of cleaning as possible. Step #4: Has someone come in and clean all furnace duct work. Step #5: Start a comprehensive indoor allergen program. HEPA filter vacuum, change bedding often (including the pillow), make sure you are not using soaps or detergents that you are allergic to, etc. Then the medications or irrigations will have a chance at helping. You also may need immunosupressive therapy (allergy shots). It usually takes one year of increases for the full benefit of the allergy shots to start having a good effect. Given the severity of your symptoms, I'm thinking you are living with some serious allergen and removing it will provide the greatest relief. Thanks for this. It got me thinking. I live in apartment building (condo). I had some improvements made and after that I had a cleaning company come in and do a thorough cleaning of everything. (ceilings, walls, inside cabinets, draperies, etc.) I have been using down pillows for years though. I'm going to put them away for a while. Didn't think of that. Guess I'll have to consider allergy now. I've never had any problems with sinus OR allergy. I didn't think it could be an allergy because it's only one nostril at a time. Thanks for your trouble. :) > I agree, probably allergy related. > Step #1: Get allergy tested for all indoor and outdoor allergies. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Given the severity of your symptoms, I'm thinking you are living with > some serious allergen and removing it will provide the greatest relief. |
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