Progress so far dealing with chronic sinusitis

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Hello,

So for about two years now I have dealt with this chronic sinusitis and it has been hell to say the least. Thought I would update with what has worked for me so far through a lot of trail and error. Maybe it could help.

For a good 14 months, my main symptoms were throat mucus and the constant need to cough up. It was always thick, hard to shift and never ending. I had chest pains, breathing trouble and constant infections. I had massively excessive post nasal drip 24/7, sinus congestion, headaches, fatigue (extremely fatigued), sore eyes, etc etc etc. I developed depression and anxiety as a result. Day to day life was hell.

First off, no amount of antihistamines worked. They actually just made my sinuses more dry and mucus thicker. Stopped them all. I have had 3 courses of antibiotics (2 of them 6 weeks+). Steroids twice, nasal sprays and nothing made a difference. Allergy testing done, nothing stood out. Food elimination diet, nothing a major result wise. CT scan done, fine other than a cyst in my left sinus which is getting removed next week.

I actually started getting a little better when I stopped taking everything allergy related. No antihistamines or nasal sprays at all.

To cope with the symptoms using a netipot twice a day offered the most relief by far. Stay away from decongestants no matter how badly you think you need them. Try and inhale stream as often as possible or vapour rub.

Sleep was a major issue due to the post nasal drip and congestion. I used a humidifier with ulbas oil in and breathe easy strips on my nose. Don't take sleeping pills as they make the congestion worse. Drink your weight in water literally to help shift things.

Now interestly I started taking anxiety medication Sertraline after I started getting panic attacks that were breathing related due to this throat mucus (that's a different story but wasn't pleasant) and I got really ill with stomach pains and nausea. I got a prescription for omperazole and honestly within 3 days my throat mucus disappeared. I was amazed. I have previously tried zantac, Rennie's, Gaviscon for indigestion which done nothing but omperazole completely stopped my 14 month problem out of flook. I stopped the Sertraline and continued the omperazole.

I spoke to the ENT who said silent reflux might have been the cause and the fact that omperazole has worked, proves it really. At this point I literally had to say it's not allergy related for him to take me seriously and move on.

I had literally no indication of any reflux though or any symptoms at all but an endoscope shown my throat was red from irritation. Took 2 seconds to diagnose after 14 months of messing about with allergy medicine!

Now I get no side effects from omperazole and a month on, nothing at all symptom wise so I am carrying on with them.

My sinuses are still painful though and fatigue is still there. I am hoping that's due to the cyst but I have also started taking tumeric which is a natural antiinflammatory. It's made a bit of a difference as I can breathe again through one nostril!

Hoping after the operation I am finally back on track and can put this behind me!

Hope this helps someone, sorry for the waffle.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    Hey thomas, 

    So glad to hear about your progress! I've had similar success cutting down on meds. I too had found they were causing too many other issues and really not doing much for relief. I know I have a horrible digestive tract from all the meds and anxiety. I'll look into the silent reflux, as well. I'd heard other mentioning it. Have you made any dietary changes? I cut gluten and dairy about two years ago. It did help a bit. 

    I'm seeing my ENT this Thursday for an appointment. It's been about a month now of pretty severe symptoms. On a 16-day corticosteroid taper, but it hasn't seemed to have done much. The weather has been really up and down here and isn't doing me any favors either. 

    Certainly hope you're continuing to get relief. Keep us updated! 

     

  • Posted

    I am so happy to hear you're on the path of healing now!

    Silent reflux is definitely taking a part in my allergies. It's a never ending cycle for me. They aren't sure which came first... The chicken or the egg. However, my allergist does need me on some histamine blockers since I have a few sever outdoors allergies. Other than that it's mostly just the acid. Crazy.

  • Posted

    Hi Thomas, 

    I have exactly SAME problem. I have a cust in my right maxilar sinus and getting it removed in September! I am also doing sinusplasty (opening up the sinuses for better airflow) Please keep us posted here, I really hope removing the cyst will help you! 

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