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Constant nasal congestion

Posted , 4 users are following.

pete44247
pete44247

Hi, I've been suffering from sinusitis symptoms for about two years with varying degrees of severity. Ranging from completely blocked nose and headaches to spasmodic episodes. GP has prescribed various antibiotics and steroids which give maybe a couple of days relief but return just the same. I've noticed my headache and tiredness are becoming increasingly worse. I don't think my GP is particularly thorough. I wonder if anyone else has the same symptoms and if so any advice ? Thanks

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • tyler2016
    tyler2016 pete44247

    Posted

    Hi pete, 

    I'm so sorry you've been dealing with that. Fatigue/tiredness is one of the most prevalent sinusitis symptoms, particularly when headaches can hit at any time. Have you tried using a neti pot? I know they can be weird and uncomfortable, but they're great for clearing things out and can help in a pinch to relieve headaches.

    I'd recommend seeing an ENT and seeing if you can request a sinus culture. They'll send it to a lab and see what grows out. Doctors are finding that the majority of sinusitis is caused by fungus and not bacteria. This is why antibiotics don't seem to help. Steroids will help temporarily to bring down some of the inflammation, but over time they suppress your immune system and will likely make the infection worse without proper treatment to go along with them. 

    They'll be able to tell you if it's bacteria or fungus and then can give you the proper medication. Because there is the chance you've simply been on the wrong antibiotic if it is bacteria. CT scan is another option to get an idea how things are looking structurally, but they can be a bit expensive. 

    I definitely recommend staying on top of it and letting your doctors know how debilitating the symptoms can be. In my experience, it's taken time for doctors to take me seriously when it comes to the severity of my sinusitis. 

    I hope you can get relief soon! 

    Tyler 

    • pete44247
      pete44247 tyler2016

      Posted

      Hi Tyler,

      Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm seeing my GP to be referred to an ENT specialist, all your advice sounds spot on. I didn't know about the potential fungus issue, and this would ring true as antibiotics don't help, steroids did, but for no more than a week. I'm in the UK so thankfully our NHS will cover the cost of scans, albeit with a waiting list for treatment.

      I think I've tried everything from the pharmacist to clear the congestion, apart from the neti pot, so that's next on the list.

      Thanks again,

      Pete.

  • thomas96833
    thomas96833 pete44247

    Posted

    Hello, peter

    ?I have been dealing with this for around 2 years as well so I know what you are going through. The fatigue is the worst for me and keeps bringing on bouts of depression and anxiety. 

    ?Similarly antibiotics do not help. The only relief I have found is a neti pot and taking turmeric pills which have natural anti-inflammatory ability. No antihistamines help or nasal sprays seem to make any difference. I have also learnt to stay away from decongestants no matter how badly you feel as they just bring on worse rebound congestion.

    ?You have to be pushy with the ENT's though, I found I got throbbed off the first few times which is frustrating especially given the 3 month odd waiting list. It took 2 years to work out my nasal congestion wasn't even sinus related, I started taking omeprazole and within 1 week my problem was completely gone! That was by flook as well as I was prescribed omeprazole to deal with a side effect from anti-depressants. - Didn't last long on Sertraline...

    ?Just avoid caffeine and drink you're weight in water. 

     

    • pete44247
      pete44247 thomas96833

      Posted

      Hi Thomas,

      Thanks for your note.

      I'm pleased they found a solution for you. I've been referred now so fingers crossed it will all get sorted, I'll take your advice on being persistent. I'm on Esomeprozole so that won't help me but good advise about caffeine, I didn't know that was a possible trigger.

      Regards,

      Pete

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