Sinus infection and ear infection??

I have similar symptoms...GP/NHS have been pretty useless and just prescribed nasal allergy sprays...antibiotics offered me temporary relief only. I only made any progress when I visited a private GP...got a proper 30 minute appointment and a good assessment....she spotted I had a post nasal drip down the back of my throat and suggested that I might have an ongoing sinus related issue. Pretty much whenever I get a cold it takes me many weeks to fully recover. I followed up with a private CT scan which has diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis. I was lucky I could pay for a private consultant...still waiting for the NHS specialist referral...8 months after I originally saw my GP and lots of trial and error treatment!

I could pretty much live with most of the symptoms except the dizziness which was unbearable...Going to see the NHS specialist at the end of Jan but I suspect will be a waste of my time. I also get sensitivity from my top teeth which I've read is related to their proximity to the sinuses. Will update you if I get fixed...I'm also getting desperate for this to be fixed and have been looking at treatment options abroad.

I share your pain (both metaphorically and literally). From about 28 onwards I started getting little 'colds' more and more frequently. By the age of 36 they were happening every month. Following a CT scan 18 months ago I was diagnosed with moderate chronic sinusitis. The consultant ENT also explained that I had very deviated septum, enlarged turbinates and a hole in one of my sinus walls, all of which prevented proper drainage of mucus etc and made me prone to infections.

The ENT told me that the best long term solution was FESS surgery to correct the septum, reduce turbinates and repair frontal and maxillary sinuses. I decided to use nasal rinses and a steriodal spray for a year rather than immediately get the surgery, which actually worked pretty well.

HOWEVER, about 6 months ago I moved from Sydney (low pollution) to Hong Kong (very polluted). Very shortly after arriving I started feeling pretty rubbish. Tired most of the time, slightly enlarged glands, neck pain, headache and most frustratingly my left ear was often blocked and I felt dizzy and nauseous all the time. For  a while I couldn't figure out what was wrong as my blood tests were fine and the Dr's weren't particularly interested in exploring beyond this.  After a while it became apparent that the pollution was really impacting my sinuses as my symptoms would always get worse when i was outside and stopped when I left HK (only to return immediately on my return).

Like you I'm sick of ranting to people about it and have decided to get the surgery asap and also leave HK as soon as my contract is up. I will let you know how things work out. But would suggest you ask for a CT scan and a referral to a specialist.

Yea...I live in London which really isn't helping at all. Aside from the pollution HK is a nice place but I imagine the humidity can't be doing you any favours. I'm also looking at surgery...I had an operation when I was bout 15 but things have never been right and I too seem to get colds which last weeks/months. Think I've also had enough and just want to get it sorted out...I love the way they say the problem is "minor"...that's what the specialist said to me too. I said to him if it's "minor" then surely it's a very quick and simple fix (that being part of my definition of minor!)

I'm also currently on the steroid drops that you stuff up your nose twice a day....but have a bad cold again so I've had to stop the drops.

It's good to hear I'm not the only one out there with this problem....not that I want you to suffer but I feel better that I'm not alone with this.