Anyone have experience with sinus infections?

[vald1977]

I was in the dr.'s on Tuesday because I was severely congested and had swollen glands and tonsils. He put me on Amoxicillin and Allegra D. The congestion has gotten better but starting Tuesday night the whole left side of my face is hurting. I wanted to give the antibiotic 24 hours before calling the dr. back so I didn't call today. It got gradually worse throughout the day to the point now that I want to cry when I lie down to sleep. That ear is throbbing, my eye socket hurts, and touching anywhere on that side of my face is very tender.

Just wondering if this is sinus infection? I will definately be calling the dr. in the morning but does anyone know of anything I can do until then to help with the pain? I fear I am in for a very long night.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I'm always a fan of Tylenol or Tylenol PM. I hope you feel better soon!!!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I take my regular sinus meds (Advil cold and sinus) along with the antibiotics. Hope you're feeling better.

 

[NC Belle]

It sounds like one to me--- www.webmd.com is a good source of information and tips.

I have one right now-but, it is being controlled by Zithromax and Alavert. Its sounds like you need to go back and get looked over again with those symptoms.

I have tried a warm, wet washcloth in the past and other times a cold face mask (to reduce eye puffiness). I love long hot showers when I am so congested to help loosen things. Drink lots of water and watch the caffiene products. Chicken soup is great too.

I hope you feel better soon.

 

[vald1977]

Thanks everyone . Looking over webmd, I'd say that a sinus infection is the problem. Think my ear is also infected because it is killing me. I took some Advil Migraine (the only thing I have in the house), got myself a warm wash cloth, and I'm going to try to lie down. Think it will be back to the dr. for a different antibiotic tomorrow.

 

[NC Belle]

I hope you feel better---it helps a lot once you get some sleep.

 

[aunties]

I have suffered with them for years. I find that heat applied to my face works wonders! I actually have electric sinus masks that are awesome. If I am at work, you'll find me holding my cup of tea to my face. Have it checked out immediately. I ignored the first one I got and it took three months to clear it up!

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I had the same exact thing one week ago. I am still taking antibiotics and decongestants to keep the fluid draining from my ears. I agree that Tylenol PM really helps.

My dr. put me on the same meds you were prescribed and it took about 3 days of Amoxicillan before my ears and sinus pressure started to get better.

Hang in there!

 

[princessariel]

I've had several sinus infections due to allergies. My advice is to make sure you call your Dr. tomorrow. You may be having a reaction to the medication. I've had horrible reactions to certain antibiotics and also allergy meds.

 

[poohandwendy]

I had a tooth infection cause similar symptoms (if you cannot find the source, check into that).

But, I suspect it probably is your sinuses...been there, done that.

I think moist heat helps the best (warm wash cloth and a heating pad can give great relief)

Hope you are feeling better soon.

 

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by princessariel
I've had several sinus infections due to allergies.

Me too. I've had two since spring. And, these aren't the usual seasonal allergies, with sneezing, runny nose, but they're more coughing from post-nasal drip. Sinus headaches and a constant lump in my throat were also symptoms. I started taking OTC Claritin (generic) and, I can tell when another dose is needed, the lump starts coming back.

You may need another antibiotic. I was given a different one the 2nd time around.

 

[Nancy]

Been there lots of times...I have had earaches that reduce me to tears. I usually take prescription tylenol for pain. Heat works wonders. Make sure you call the doc right away. i also use a saline spray to help keep the nasal passages moist because all thos emeds to dry up the sinuses dry up everything.

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

I get sinus infections often as a result of my allergies. Since sinuses are pretty much all over your face (around your eyes and nose), when they get infected, your whole head can throb. I even had a relative get a root canal, then found out her toothache was due to sinus pressure.

A good way to tell if you have an infection is to see if the...ahem...fluid draining from your sinuses is clear or yellowish/greenish. If it's clear, it may not be an infection - just severe congestion. If it's yellowish or greenish in color, call your doctor.

 

[onecoolmama]

Feel Better

 

[philaround]

I was diagnosed with a sinus infection in early February. Three doctors, three courses of medication, two CAT scans, 1 X-Ray, 1 MRI, and five months later I sill have it. At the end of July I get to stay overnight in the hospital and get my sinuses suctioned out. They will culture what they get out to rty to figure out exactly what is causing the constant congestion.

 

[jel0511]

I'm the queen of sinus infections! I now take a nasal steroid mixed with an antihistimine spray to keep my sinuses open. I'll get a sinus infection in January and it will take three doses of antibiotics to get rid of it. Also, it does usually take 3 - 4 days for an antibiotic to kick in with a sinus infection, they are one of the hardest infections to treat. So, be prepared for your Dr to say that it will take a few more days to get relief.

 

[helenabear]

Another sinus sufferer here. I had a sinus infection so bad once, it reduced me to tears as well. My whole left side of my face & ear hurt. The decongestants worked wonders on me (script ones, but I found Sudafed 12 hour works almost as good) and pain killers were the key for me. I also use warm wet rags on my ear if it hurts to help with the pain.

I definitely feel for you and I hope you are feeling better soon!!!!

 

[vald1977]

Originally posted by philaround
I was diagnosed with a sinus infection in early February. Three doctors, three courses of medication, two CAT scans, 1 X-Ray, 1 MRI, and five months later I sill have it. At the end of July I get to stay overnight in the hospital and get my sinuses suctioned out. They will culture what they get out to rty to figure out exactly what is causing the constant congestion.

Philaround,
I hope they are able to get to the bottom of it for you and get you some relief. That must be awful.

Thanks everyone for the advice and well wishes . I feel a lot better today so I will see how I feel when the dr.'s office opens in an hour if I need to go back in. Maybe I just didn't give the antibiotic enough time to kick in. I'll definately be making a trip to the store for some Tylenol PM though. Sounds like it's good stuff to have on hand !

 

[HoneyPooh]

A warm wet washcloth works well for me. It hurts at first because the skin on my face is so sensitive but after a moment it helps. My sister gets sinus infections so bad she has to have surgery to "scrape" her sinuses all the way up to a few centimeters from her brain . Sounds painful and dangerous to me! She's having the surgery in the fall and is actually in so much pain right now that she is looking forward to it! Shes 12 years older than me so I hope I don't have anything like that to look forward to in 12 years.

 

[CheshireVal]

Another chronic sinusitus sufferer here. I get 2-3 sinus infections a year and it takes about 2 months to get rid of each one. SO painful!

I'm on antibiotics right now for one actually. I've found that prednisone (a steroid) helps with the pressure in the face when I have a really painful infection. My doctor always prescribes it for me when I come in with the symptoms. I usually go through a ton of antibiotics too.

It could be that the antibiotic you're on just isn't working and you need another one.

Anyway, good luck with it! Hope you feel better soon!