I don't know much about some of the non-sinus things you mention but there are a couple of basic allergy/sinus things you can do that make a big difference for a lot of people. The first one is to irrigate your sinuses with saline (salt water) using either a Sinus Rinse bottle (available at most drug stores) or Neti Pot (health food stores). It's a little weird at first but you'll get used to it in a day or two. The saline (which can be tap water or distilled water mixed with salt/baking soda - you can buy pre-mixed packets at the drug store) will simply rinse any mucous out of your sinuses, help keep them clear and help with the congestion. I'm really surprised that the doctor who operated on you hasn't mentioned this because most ENTs seem to be using this as part of their treatment for patients with chronic sinusitis.
Second, have you tried a steroid nasal spray like Rhinocort AQ, Flonase, etc? They have a lot fewer side effects than oral steroids and also help a lot with congestion and swelling (from allergies, etc.) in your sinuses - I've had great success with Rhinocort AQ (some of the sprays contain a preservative called Benzalkonium Chloride that can be irritating - Rhinocort AQ does not).
You mention that you're allergic to grass, mold, trees, and dust - just wondering if you're doing anything to treat the allergies. It's hard to avoid these kinds of allergens so lots of people have to resort to allergy shots to desensitize their body - antihistamines (claritin, etc.) can also help.
One of the biggest challenges for managing chronic sinusitis is treating the underlying cause - it could be your allergies so getting those under control would be a great place to start - it will help cut down the swelling and irritation in your sinuses and literally clear your head.
My treatment:
1) 2-4 x daily rinsing with Pretz nasal Ph balanced Saline spray (OTC but pharmacies sometimes have to be asked to order it). Standard saline washes can make things worse for those with sensitive nasal membranes.
2) Morning and night - Ponaris nasal oil (helps protect and insulate dry and irritated sinus membranes). (OTC but pharmacies sometimes have to be asked to order it)
Also I did Nasonex which has the highest rating and largest allergy fighting subset of Flonase, Nasecort, Afrin, Rhinocort.. and the after taste and odor is not unpleasant.
Zyrtec and two rounds of allergy shots for two different states.
This still didn't relieve things so next step was the ENT.
1) Bilateral turbo plasty 30% reduction of sinus membranes. Went from 12 mo to 9 mo a year sinus infections.
2) Tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and complete endoscopic sinus roto rootering : Complete window insertion and removal of the ethnoid and rear sinus membranes, addition 30% reduction of sinus and maxillary membranes, sinus passage widening.. you get the idea.
Well now.. I have had one sinus/bronchitis infection in the last year since my surgery. However.. I still get all the flus and colds my son brings home to share.. but I am not guaranteed to have a sinus infection after each of them now.
Try the allergy treatment route and cleaning first. Then consult an ENT, just incase you have structural issues. Once those are ruled out.. then look for the rarer stuff like thyroid, celiac and the like.
[QUOTE=gcsmithjr;3327609]I don't know much about some of the non-sinus things you mention but there are a couple of basic allergy/sinus things you can do that make a big difference for a lot of people. The first one is to irrigate your sinuses with saline (salt water) using either a Sinus Rinse bottle (available at most drug stores) or Neti Pot (health food stores). It's a little weird at first but you'll get used to it in a day or two. The saline (which can be tap water or distilled water mixed with salt/baking soda - you can buy pre-mixed packets at the drug store) will simply rinse any mucous out of your sinuses, help keep them clear and help with the congestion. I'm really surprised that the doctor who operated on you hasn't mentioned this because most ENTs seem to be using this as part of their treatment for patients with chronic sinusitis.
Second, have you tried a steroid nasal spray like Rhinocort AQ, Flonase, etc? They have a lot fewer side effects than oral steroids and also help a lot with congestion and swelling (from allergies, etc.) in your sinuses - I've had great success with Rhinocort AQ (some of the sprays contain a preservative called Benzalkonium Chloride that can be irritating - Rhinocort AQ does not).
You mention that you're allergic to grass, mold, trees, and dust - just wondering if you're doing anything to treat the allergies. It's hard to avoid these kinds of allergens so lots of people have to resort to allergy shots to desensitize their body - antihistamines (claritin, etc.) can also help.
One of the biggest challenges for managing chronic sinusitis is treating the underlying cause - it could be your allergies so getting those under control would be a great place to start - it will help cut down the swelling and irritation in your sinuses and literally clear your head.
I have been on saline spray. I also have Sino Fresh which is like spraying mouth wash up my nose. The doctor gave me Flonase, but it makes my sinuses raw and gives me nose bleeds.
[QUOTE=jenl2881;3328303]I have been on saline spray. I also have Sino Fresh which is like spraying mouth wash up my nose. The doctor gave me Flonase, but it makes my sinuses raw and gives me nose bleeds.
I get allergy shots once a week.
The allergy shots are a great place to start. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "saline spray" but would really encourage you to consider irrigation which uses a lot more saline to help flush out the stuff in your sinuses that may be contributing to the infection.
Here's some information from the Mayo Clinic on irrigation:
[INDENT]To alleviate irritating nasal problems, your doctor may recommend nasal irrigation (nasal lavage). This involves flushing out thickened mucus and irritants from your nose. Nasal irrigation is appropriate for children and adults, and can be done in the privacy of your own home.
Your nose serves as your body's main filtering, warming and humidifying system. It can produce more than a quart of mucus a day, which is your body's way to trap particles such as harmful bacteria, viruses, dust, allergens and mold. Often they wash down the back of your throat. But sometimes these allergens and irritants become stuck in the lining of your nose. This can cause an allergic reaction and can lead to a sinus infection.
An allergic reaction results in inflammation, hindering the ability of your nasal lining to flush toxins from your nose. This is just one example of when nasal irrigation is useful.[/INDENT]
Another thing you might consider - both SinoFresh and Flonase contain a preservative called Benzalkonium Chloride (as do most saline sprays, you might check the one you use). I had used Rhinocort AQ for years with no problems but my insurance company switched me to Flonase when a generic version became available and it made my sinuses raw and gave me nosebleeds as well - I switched back to Rhinocort AQ (which is the only steroid nasal spray that doesn't contain BK) and the problem went away. It seems crazy that a preservative would make things worse but this is from ****pedia:
[INDENT]Benzalkonium chloride is an allergen and several studies have cast doubt on its reputation for safety. Some products have been reformulated in light of this research, but it is still widely used in eyewashes, hand and face washes, mouthwashes, spermicidal creams, and in various other cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants. There has also been concern that long-term use of benzalkonium as a preservative in nose sprays may cause swelling of mucosa and lead to Rhinitis medicamentosa. Some manufacturers have put 3-day limits on safe use of such nose sprays.[/INDENT]
