sinus --help--PLEASE

[NotUrsula]

Mucinex and Entex are the same drug: Guaifenesin. It is also the active ingredient in Robitussin formulations. If you don't have anything draining down the back of your throat or from your nose, then you need it, probably a pretty high dose of it. It will not make you sleepy, and of itself, it will not cause problems with blood pressure. (The versions that are mixed with pseudoephedrine can be problematic for people with hypertension.) Entex is the Rx version, the other versions are OTC.

It is classed as an expectorant, but the action is mucolytic. It draws moisture into mucous, thinning it out so that it can drain. You need to drink lots of fluids while taking it. Once the gunk starts draining at the back of your throat you may end up coughing rather a lot; the trickle sets off the cough reflex.

 

[arminnie]

I developed a severe sinus infection in 1999 that lasted six months with SEVEN different antibiotic regimens. My doctor told me that I really needed surgery.

The turbinates needed to be reduced in size, and he also opened up the "windows" - I have no idea what any of that means except that it worked. Surgery was nothing - outpatient with zero complications or pain afterwards.

I have not had one single sinus problem in the seven years since my surgery. It was so worth it.

 

[mamalle]

I think it all goes together. I was on constant antibiotics last year. took my very first dose of depomedrol injection and predisone. than got strep after the last hurricance in October. I swear I thought I was going to die. The surgery did open that opacified maxillary sinus up but I still have a huge hole in my deviated septum. He left some of the bullosa, in case he needs to go back in and plug that septum up. he said the actual sinus cavities look great and no crust whatsoever around the hole. I do get infections now and it does seem seasonal- but Im able to release all of that gunk and crust up. I know its a ongoing thing but at I thankful I caught it in time before it abscessed over... hope you can find something that works and gives you relief

 

[njcarita]

the fact that you have no nasal discharge may mean that you need more oral fluids and humidified air.....drink up baby....a cool mist humidifier will help to or a facial sauna like my daughter has......

I do have tons of post nasal drip--I guess that would be classified as nasal discharge_---Right.
I thought you meant a runny nose

 

[njcarita]

Just wanted to update thatI'm feeling better since this morning.

I had a long long talke with my gp asd explained all my symptons.

He feels that I should continue on the antibiotics for the next 3 days--Since I am better than whent his allstarted -- but if i start feeling worse to let him know

He wants me to start taking Claritin-- Cause the pressure , ear popping( forgot to menton this Before) , post nasal drip and since the pain goes away with advil sinus he feel that what I'm dealing with is just sinus pressure ---that can take quite a while to clear up and that it also may be aggravated by seasonal allergies.

So I'm off to buy claritin--
I'm also going to pick up the saline spray-- It can't hurt

Thanks for all the advice

 

[ntink]

Buy the generic Claritin, much cheaper, same ingredient.
From WebMD:
LORATADINE - ORAL
Pronunciation: (lor-AT-uh-deen)
Brand Name(s): Claritin

I hope you feel better soon. Please keep talking to your doctor until you feel that you are getting adequate relief/care. I basically had a 4 year headache that PCP wound up telling me was all in my head (no pun intended) and that I should see I psychologist. After that and talking to a friend in the healthcare field, I summoned up all my courage and asked him to do at CT scan of my sinus which revealed a large polyp. He was very apologetic but I have a new Dr. now and 10+ years after the surgery my sinus problems have been quite mild.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I would just add that it is ragweed season - a common allergy. Allergies can develop at any point in life, and if you've had an infection...

It might be a good idea to see an allergist before too long and get tested for allergies. Possibly, the entire thing could be due to an allergy, and not an infection at all. I've encountered numerous doctors that were resistant to the idea of allergies over the years. If the antbiotics aren't working, I'd try a second one, then see an alergist. Mind, if it's an allergy, it will clear up when the ragweed passes, but will likely flair up again next fall (and maybe the spring).

 

[becky7953]

I live with sinus headaches. I take allegraD daily. I totally know the pain you are in. I am glad you are feeling better.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I'd be careful -- I'm not familiar with Claritan, but there's a difference between antihistimines and decongestants. Our pediatrician treating my son (as a toddler) for repeat sinus stuff (boy, don't you wish they'd make a nasal aspirator for grown ups like they make for infants?) said to make sure to get a pure decongestant like sudafed -- Antihistimines dry your sinuses and can contribute to the sinus infection. For me, mucinex has been wonderful.

The irrigation is absolutely necessary -- I just snort hot water in the shower (I know...ewwww), and it works (and easy clean up..... )

Best wishes for feeling better.

 

[dkostel]

Had the same thing years back. Terrible for weeks, my dr played the antibiotic guessing game. I got sick of it, cut out all dairy and was better in 2 days. Dairy has a nasty way of messing with sinuses, and I am not lactose intollerant (in the usual ways).

 

[Ellen aka Snow White]

My ENT DRs told me to flush my sinus. I used to make a saline solution, warm water, pinch of salt, pinch of baking soda in a big bowl. Then I would sink my nose in this, suck in the water throught my nose and out throught my mouth.. sorry this is so gross... I had to do this for weeks it seemed like after each surgery!
However, I went to a local Whole Earth grocery store and found a Neti pot. It looks like something that Genie ( note the Disney influence...) would come out of. It is a small ceramic pot shaped like the Genie lamp. You fill it with saline water and then it fits into one nostril at a time and you gently "wash" them out. Much less gross... and it works! !

I can't believe more people haven't suggested this. Our local drug store (Wal-greens) sells the "neti" pot with little packs of mix to use. We now mix out own too. My youngest daughter suffered (YES past tense ) from sinus infections during the middle school year (The school had mold and she had allergy to mold) She would get really bad headaches and this was the one thing she WANTED us to do, because it relieves the pain. Our ENT suggested she rinse daily to help prevent getting infection, and it worked because whenever she quit, a few days later, she would be hurting. My oldest daughter would just think this was soooo GROSS, but once when she started a really bad cold, she tried it and now she doesn't hesitate to do it when she feels her head starting to get stopped up. That says a lot for a 17 year old girl.

 

[christygobar]

I can't believe more people haven't suggested this. Our local drug store (Wal-greens) sells the "neti" pot with little packs of mix to use. We now mix out own too. My youngest daughter suffered (YES past tense ) from sinus infections during the middle school year (The school had mold and she had allergy to mold) She would get really bad headaches and this was the one thing she WANTED us to do, because it relieves the pain. Our ENT suggested she rinse daily to help prevent getting infection, and it worked because whenever she quit, a few days later, she would be hurting. My oldest daughter would just think this was soooo GROSS, but once when she started a really bad cold, she tried it and now she doesn't hesitate to do it when she feels her head starting to get stopped up. That says a lot for a 17 year old girl.

It is definitely NOT the most pleasant thing in the world. hehe. I bought the Ayr brand of the neti pot/mix (although it wasn't shaped like a neti pot - just like a tall bottle with a straw down the middle to flush the fluids up) and it was GREAT. But I only started using it when I realized that I was using Simply Saline too much to not go broke.

I went through (NOT kidding you) 20 bottles of Simply Saline the week after my sinus surgery. Gross, huh?

I said Mucinex earlier, and I still recommend some sort of guaifenesin, but I was thinking this morning (after I originally posted) that you should ask your DR about a medicine called Liqui-Bid D. It is a decongestant and about 1200 mg of guaifenesin - double that of Mucinex (which used to be Prescription, now it's OTC). It's some darn good stuff. And I think it's pretty cheap because there is a generic version available (called WelBid D). My doctor kept me on unlimited refills when I was sick all the time. It's a miracle drug

Ok, I'll shut up now I do hope you feel better!

 

[momto1disneyfan]

After reading your thread, I first off tought you were talking about me (Only joking) I have been going there the same thing for the past year and half, off and on. The only thing that I find that really works is Advil cold and sinus. Also ask your doctor for an allergy nose spray (Nasonex is what I am on. i think that is what its called}. I find they both work together.

 

[SadieDog]

I too have suffered with chronic sinus infections. I have been on Flonase as a preventative for about 6 months. So far I have not had another infection, but I still have headaches and sinus pain. I have found the Neti Pot very benificial. I have to admit that it is NOT easy to get used to. I also add grapefruit seed extract to the salt water. Do not use antihistamines. Decongestents only. Saline moisture spray moistens your nasal passages and helps with my headaches. Drink plenty of fluids. It really helps. I have found that the best way to get your sinuses running is to breath in steam with apple cidar vinegar. It really gets your sinuses running. Also was told by 2 different Doctors that Zpack does not usually do well for sinus infections. I found this to be true for me since it worked the 1st time I used it, but the 2nd time it helped then quickly got worse again. I also have terrible top teeth pain with my sinus issues, fever and flu like symptoms. Which means I can barely keep food and drink down, feel like I'm on the verge of puking all the time and become very weak. My last sinus infection I become so weak and dehydrated that I was almost put into the hospital for IV fluids. Luckily the shot in the butt settled my stomach and allowed my body to take in food and drink. The kids will start school soon and the colds will be starting. Hopefully my Flonase will continue to work. Good luck to you and all you other sinus sufferers. I feel you pain.

 

[mtblujeans]

Was my post on this thread removed??

 

[njcarita]

I'd be careful -- I'm not familiar with Claritan, but there's a difference between antihistimines and decongestants. Our pediatrician treating my son (as a toddler) for repeat sinus stuff (boy, don't you wish they'd make a nasal aspirator for grown ups like they make for infants?) said to make sure to get a pure decongestant like sudafed -- Antihistimines dry your sinuses and can contribute to the sinus infection. For me, mucinex has been wonderful.

The irrigation is absolutely necessary -- I just snort hot water in the shower (I know...ewwww), and it works (and easy clean up..... )

Best wishes for feeling better.

I looked up claritin and it states its non drying--
but I also brought the Musinex since I seem to be having a adverse reaction to the decongestant in tylenol sinus (heart palpitations and insomnia---I've slept a total of 4 hours in the last 2 nights)

 

[njcarita]

Was my post on this thread removed??

I had also posted in the CB -- your post is over there.

 

[mamalle]

I hope you are feeling better. My PMD kept shoving Claritan on me last year and my ENT is like no! all it did was give me bloody noses due to the drying effect. Its helps for the time being but isnt the best thing for sinus infections..

 

[mtblujeans]

I had also posted in the CB -- your post is over there.

Oh, ok, I thought I was loosing it!! Thanks!

 

[njcarita]

I hope you are feeling better. My PMD kept shoving Claritan on me last year and my ENT is like no! all it did was give me bloody noses due to the drying effect. Its helps for the time being but isnt the best thing for sinus infections..

We'll I am feeling better -- the pressure is not as intense.

But I have been trying so many different things that you all suggested and I have spent my sleepless nights researching sinuses that I feel like I'm back at my old job researching a new illness( I usto be a scientst-prekids).

I love the hot showers and the hot microwaved washcloths

Who ever suggested the sudacare shower soothers__Bless you,blessyou,bless you ---I did not want to leave the shower .

I've taken my self off the tylenol sinus-- due to rapid heartbeats and insomnia.

Just plain tylenol has been fine for the pain.

I have 2 more doses of levaquin to take--
and I started the Claritan along with saline sprays.

I brought the Mucinex --but haven't tried it-- haven't looked it up to see if its okay to take with my blood pressure meds.


ALL I can say is thank you ALL for taking the time to reply to my pleasfor help and questions.