29th December 2004
Inquirer,
repeated use of steroids, either systemic (Prednisone) or in spray form (Nasocort, Rhinocort, Flonase) can cause problems. Prednisone lowers the immune system and makes you prone to infection. The sprays can leave you open to fungal infections of the sinuses, which can be very serious.
I don't use any of this stuff, although I did before sinus surgery in March of this year.
Your doctors need to determine why the tissue is chronically swollen. This could be from a dust allergy, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Might also be some fungus. I recommend getting a culture done before doing anything. This is an endoscopic procedure, and only takes a few minutes.
Next, I would start an irrigation routine using a machine. Yes, I know the solution doesn't get to every part of the sinuses (especially the frontal and Spenoid), but it helps clear allergins from the nose, clears away bacteria, and promotes cilia function. If I have an active infection, I put 3ml of hydrogen peroxide in the mix, along with Zyletol and Alkalol. It works beautifully -better than any medication.
You should also start using Sinofresh twice a day.
Treatment options for you include IV antibiotic therapy. I recommend doing this with something like Augmentin or even Vancomycin, if the infection is stubborn. I don't recommend floroquinolones like Cipro, Avelox, or Levaquin, since they have extremely dangerous side-effects.
If you can't get rid of the infection, and surgery looks inevitable, you may want to look into image-guided surgery, a new method using computers, that enhances the probability of success.
There are things you can do. But you need to break the cycle of going back to the same methods that just don't work.
If you are in Illinois, you may want to contact the Center for Advanced Care at Illinois Masonic Hospital. One of the best sinus surgeons in the country works there, and he treats difficult cases.
repeated use of steroids, either systemic (Prednisone) or in spray form (Nasocort, Rhinocort, Flonase) can cause problems. Prednisone lowers the immune system and makes you prone to infection. The sprays can leave you open to fungal infections of the sinuses, which can be very serious.
I don't use any of this stuff, although I did before sinus surgery in March of this year.
Your doctors need to determine why the tissue is chronically swollen. This could be from a dust allergy, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Might also be some fungus. I recommend getting a culture done before doing anything. This is an endoscopic procedure, and only takes a few minutes.
Next, I would start an irrigation routine using a machine. Yes, I know the solution doesn't get to every part of the sinuses (especially the frontal and Spenoid), but it helps clear allergins from the nose, clears away bacteria, and promotes cilia function. If I have an active infection, I put 3ml of hydrogen peroxide in the mix, along with Zyletol and Alkalol. It works beautifully -better than any medication.
You should also start using Sinofresh twice a day.
Treatment options for you include IV antibiotic therapy. I recommend doing this with something like Augmentin or even Vancomycin, if the infection is stubborn. I don't recommend floroquinolones like Cipro, Avelox, or Levaquin, since they have extremely dangerous side-effects.
If you can't get rid of the infection, and surgery looks inevitable, you may want to look into image-guided surgery, a new method using computers, that enhances the probability of success.
There are things you can do. But you need to break the cycle of going back to the same methods that just don't work.
If you are in Illinois, you may want to contact the Center for Advanced Care at Illinois Masonic Hospital. One of the best sinus surgeons in the country works there, and he treats difficult cases.