Allergies - Primary Symptom Headache? - Allergies Message Board

cityscapex5 · 02-03-2004, 08:36 PM

Hi All - Last April I began to experience constant Post Nasal Drip (thick, clear), shooting pain in both ears and of most concern - daily severe headaches that never went away. I did not have any fever and did have a moderate cold prior to these symptoms. I am 37 years old and never had any allergy or headache issues before. After seeing my doctor and getting a CT scan of my sinuses i was diagnosed with Chronic Sinusitus due to Nasal Polyps. I had surgery to remove the Polyps and my symptoms died down for about 4 months. After that I began to experience all the same symptoms again as well as Nausea and some stomach problems (Reflux). I insisted on another CT scan and i expected a similar sinus problem, however they showed my sinuses were clear. I went to see another Sinus expert who confirmed my surgery was succesful and there was no evidence of any Sinus disease. I have been referred to an Allergist and had a skin test and came up allergic to outdoor molds and a number of trees/plants. According to the Allergist i would be a candidate for allergy shots but he cannot say that they would address all my symptoms such as headaches. I have also seen a Neurologist who could not diagnose any reason for my headaches. So my symptoms in order of Serverity are Headaches (Chronic and move around my head), Ear Pain (in both ears, brief shooting sensation), Clear Post Nasal Drip, Stomach problems (Reflux, and abdominal pains). I have no signs of an infection and have been thru several courses of antibiotics. I am currently using Nasal steroid sprays (Flonase and Allovert) without a lot of effect.

At this point i feel my choices are to pursue allergy shots or take medications for migraines. As far as Allergy shots go i don't have any classic symptoms of Allergies (runny nose, watery eyes, itching, coughing) although i understand that allergies can have different effects on people. I am also concerned about the long period of time it may take for the shots to have any effect. Migraines therapy doesnt address the post nasal drip or ear pains. I know its possible that the headache is a separate issue, but i feel that its too much of a coincidence that they arrived together both initially as well as when the symptoms reappeared. Has anyone experienced Allergy where headaches as well as PND/Ear Pain where the main symptoms? What course of therapy would you reccomend?

chigs489 · 02-04-2004, 07:49 AM

If I were a doctor, I'd be looking for evidence of Vestibular Neuritis, or a possible bacterial inner ear infection. Have you felt any dizziness?

Now this is going to sound stupid, but have you been to an eye doctor to see if you require corrective lenses? This can cause headaches.

Here is my other theory; possible nerve damage from your polyp surgery is causing pseudo-sinusitis symptoms. In other words, the area is aggravated, causing pain spikes.

Your medications, specifically the Alovert may be causing stomach problems. When you were on antibiotics, were you also eating yogurt with live cultures? I was told to do this when I was on Levaquin. Some antibiotics can foul up the digestive tract, especially if they are taken long term.

Your nasal symtpoms are caused by allergies. Look into getting shots and maybe going on Rhinocort. It could also be Vasomotor Rhinitis.

Crossbow · 02-04-2004, 09:55 AM

In addition to what Chigger said ...

If you have postnasal drip every night, then that is probably what is causing the nausea. The mucus drains to your stomach and upsets it. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that could also cause, or at least aggravate, acid reflux.

Have you been checked for TMJD? My first symptom of it was ear pain. My roommate also has what she insisted for years were "ear infections" that turned out to be TMJD.

cityscapex5 · 02-04-2004, 10:22 AM

Thx for the reply.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiggins1066

If I were a doctor, I'd be looking for evidence of Vestibular Neuritis, or a possible bacterial inner ear infection. Have you felt any dizziness?

No dizziness - i have had the outer ear checked with an endoscope where you see it on camera - how can vestibular neurities or the inner ear be checked?

Now this is going to sound stupid, but have you been to an eye doctor to see if you require corrective lenses? This can cause headaches.

I currently where contact lenses and did discuss this with my eye doc. I did require one stronger prescription this year when normally my prescription hasnt changed for a few years. Other than that everything in my exam was normal.

Here is my other theory; possible nerve damage from your polyp surgery is causing pseudo-sinusitis symptoms. In other words, the area is aggravated, causing pain spikes.

I was having the same symptoms prior to surgery. My symptoms did spike down after surgery but returned in 4 months.

Your medications, specifically the Alovert may be causing stomach problems. When you were on antibiotics, were you also eating yogurt with live cultures? I was told to do this when I was on Levaquin. Some antibiotics can foul up the digestive tract, especially if they are taken long term.

I did eat 16oz of live yogurt a day and continue to do so. Also understand that PND can upset the stomach.

Your nasal symtpoms are caused by allergies. Look into getting shots and maybe going on Rhinocort. It could also be Vasomotor Rhinitis.

cityscapex5 · 02-04-2004, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crossbow

In addition to what Chigger said ...

If you have postnasal drip every night, then that is probably what is causing the nausea. The mucus drains to your stomach and upsets it. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that could also cause, or at least aggravate, acid reflux.

Have you been checked for TMJD? My first symptom of it was ear pain. My roommate also has what she insisted for years were "ear infections" that turned out to be TMJD.

I spoke to my dentist and got a referral to an Oral Surgeon. I am going to discuss with him regarding TMJ if the Allergy/Migraine route doesnt make any headway. Thanks.