chigs489
02-14-2004, 12:07 PM
After fighting chronic bacterial sinusitis for months, seeing a lot of doctors (allergists, ENT, GP, etc.) I've developed a method for dealing with symptoms which I think offers some relief.
There are 2 parts to this.
PART ONE: When you have symptoms of a bacterial infection in the sinuses. These include facial/forehead pain, frequent headaches, yellow or green nasal discharge, dizziness/lightheadedness, cloudy vision, and stuffed up sinuses.
1. Antibiotics: either Avelox or Levaquin for a MINIMUM of 14 days. 21 is even better if your doctor allows it.
2. Prednisone: go on this for 4-5 days, and remember to taper off. This reduces inflamation and allows the antibiotic to penetrate the sinuses.
3. Nasal steroids: Nasacort or Rhinocort
PART TWO: if you have chronic sinus problems even when bacteria may not be present, such as nasal blockage, swelling, allergic shiners, etc.
1. Irrigation: Use either a machine (I use a Grossan Hydropulse, but there are others), or a spray bottle. Do this twice daily, once in the morning when you wake up, and once at night. The solution that works for me is:
a) 20ml of Alkalol (you can order this from your drug store)
b) 480ml of warm water (not hot)
c) a pinch of sea salt
d) a pinch of baking soda
2. Mucinix: a mucus thinner. Take 2 tablets twice a day. You can get this from the pharmacy, but you have to ask.
3. Antihistamine spray: Astelin is a good one.
4. Drink TONS of water.
5. Get 8 hours sleep minimum. The less sleep I get, the worse my sinuses feel.
6. Use humidifiers in the bedroom.
7. A "Steam mask": I use one from Conair. It basically blows steam into your face, and helps soothe the sinuses. This works well in winter.
8. Hot baths.
---------------------------------------------------------
Now what NOT to do!
1. Do NOT take OTC antihistamines while you have a bacterial infection. You will make it even worse.
2. Do NOT use decongestant sprays. You will have a "rebound" effect later.
3. Do NOT go on antibiotics for less than 14 days. The bacteria will become antibiotic resistant.
There are 2 parts to this.
PART ONE: When you have symptoms of a bacterial infection in the sinuses. These include facial/forehead pain, frequent headaches, yellow or green nasal discharge, dizziness/lightheadedness, cloudy vision, and stuffed up sinuses.
1. Antibiotics: either Avelox or Levaquin for a MINIMUM of 14 days. 21 is even better if your doctor allows it.
2. Prednisone: go on this for 4-5 days, and remember to taper off. This reduces inflamation and allows the antibiotic to penetrate the sinuses.
3. Nasal steroids: Nasacort or Rhinocort
PART TWO: if you have chronic sinus problems even when bacteria may not be present, such as nasal blockage, swelling, allergic shiners, etc.
1. Irrigation: Use either a machine (I use a Grossan Hydropulse, but there are others), or a spray bottle. Do this twice daily, once in the morning when you wake up, and once at night. The solution that works for me is:
a) 20ml of Alkalol (you can order this from your drug store)
b) 480ml of warm water (not hot)
c) a pinch of sea salt
d) a pinch of baking soda
2. Mucinix: a mucus thinner. Take 2 tablets twice a day. You can get this from the pharmacy, but you have to ask.
3. Antihistamine spray: Astelin is a good one.
4. Drink TONS of water.
5. Get 8 hours sleep minimum. The less sleep I get, the worse my sinuses feel.
6. Use humidifiers in the bedroom.
7. A "Steam mask": I use one from Conair. It basically blows steam into your face, and helps soothe the sinuses. This works well in winter.
8. Hot baths.
---------------------------------------------------------
Now what NOT to do!
1. Do NOT take OTC antihistamines while you have a bacterial infection. You will make it even worse.
2. Do NOT use decongestant sprays. You will have a "rebound" effect later.
3. Do NOT go on antibiotics for less than 14 days. The bacteria will become antibiotic resistant.
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hilery79
02-14-2004, 01:11 PM
Hi,
Thanks for posting this-I found it very helpful. I did just start taking Mucinix, but I can't take steroids because of my tachycardia. My dr. must be a complete idiot. I am now on my fourth round of antibiotics. NONE of them were more than 10 days worth. I've been on Amoxicillin twice, Augmentin, and now Tequin(only 7 days worth). I did finally get him to do a CT scan of my sinuses on Fri, so hopefully I will hear something on Mon. First thing next week I am going make an appt. with an ENT. I am so tired of feeling awful all the time. :eek:
Thanks for posting this-I found it very helpful. I did just start taking Mucinix, but I can't take steroids because of my tachycardia. My dr. must be a complete idiot. I am now on my fourth round of antibiotics. NONE of them were more than 10 days worth. I've been on Amoxicillin twice, Augmentin, and now Tequin(only 7 days worth). I did finally get him to do a CT scan of my sinuses on Fri, so hopefully I will hear something on Mon. First thing next week I am going make an appt. with an ENT. I am so tired of feeling awful all the time. :eek:
becky1954
02-14-2004, 03:04 PM
i am on my third round of antibiotics.the first two were for 10 days.this one has been for 14 days.the dr says it is the strongest antibiotic available for a sinus infection.while it has helped the headache i still have the sinus pain and right under my eyes.it hurts worse when i lie down on my left side and that is the only way i can sleep.i have also been on prednisone and saline nasal sprays.i have had a sinus xray and a mri.the mri showed sinus inflammation and mucous buildup.it feels like it is way up there and just won't come out.when i went to my dr last i was still running a slight fever.i have been to 3 different drs and a ent.nothing seems to help completely.i was taking clarinex but the last dr put me on allegra d.i am always tired.at first i also had a stiff neck which hurt like crazy but most of that is gone.i go back to the dr next wednesday and if it is no better he will probably order a cat scan.i am just so tired of this.it has gone on for 7 wks now.that is too long for a headache. :confused:
chigs489
02-14-2004, 08:56 PM
Don't feel too bad, I've been going through this since November 2nd (3 1/2 months).
If this round of antibiotics doesn't work, you need to consider
a) IV antibiotic therapy
b) surgery
But before you do that, give my protocol a try. I'm at about 90% now, and I was REALLY sick -to the point of possibly going on disability, or taking the Family Medical Leave Act.
One thing I forgot to mention. Absolutely NO caffeine or alcohol!
If this round of antibiotics doesn't work, you need to consider
a) IV antibiotic therapy
b) surgery
But before you do that, give my protocol a try. I'm at about 90% now, and I was REALLY sick -to the point of possibly going on disability, or taking the Family Medical Leave Act.
One thing I forgot to mention. Absolutely NO caffeine or alcohol!
Crossbow
02-15-2004, 11:48 AM
The "sinus infection" I have had alredy survived at least two normal courses of antiobiotics before we ever found anything was wrong. Now I'm on 3 weeks of Augmentin. (I have no pain and little discharge, but the CT scans showed the right maxilary sinus almost completely full and "debris" in the left one.) I sure hope it works. Also Nasonex and Prednisone and Zyrtec. Got a vaporizor in my room, also another vaporizor and two humidifiers in the house, and a fish tank that evaporates at the rate of a gallon per day.
Question: I have a saline spray ("Simply Saline" - water and salt, no preservatives) I was irrigating with but it didn't seem to help. I don't feel it getting into the right Maxilary sinus at all, which is the really bad one. I feel if getting into the left one, but it didn't seem to make much improvement. Should I keep trying? And where to you get machines for irrigation?
Oh, and I actually DO have Family Medical Leave for this! My doctors think I'm on the verge of death. My only discomfort is that my eyes hurt if I miss my Zyrtec.
Question: I have a saline spray ("Simply Saline" - water and salt, no preservatives) I was irrigating with but it didn't seem to help. I don't feel it getting into the right Maxilary sinus at all, which is the really bad one. I feel if getting into the left one, but it didn't seem to make much improvement. Should I keep trying? And where to you get machines for irrigation?
Oh, and I actually DO have Family Medical Leave for this! My doctors think I'm on the verge of death. My only discomfort is that my eyes hurt if I miss my Zyrtec.
chigs489
02-15-2004, 12:29 PM
Here is what I would do....
go to www.sinucare.com and look into getting a physician referral. They gave me the name of a doctor, but I haven't had to contact him yet, since my ENT seems tobe doing a good job. The doctors that are affiliated with this website are the leading specialists in the treatment of chronic bacterial sinusitis. One doctor I was given the name of was David Friedman in Chicago. He is suppossed to be one of the best in the country in treating this disorder. If you can't get in to see him, there are others you can see.
The irrigation machines can be purchased at www.allergyreliefstore.com among other places. If you do a google search, you will find what you are looking for.
If you haven't done so already, look into getting an endoscopy. It isn't the most pleasant thing, but this will give your doctor a better idea of what is going on than a CAT scan.
Also, if you live in a cold climate, I would get the hell out. I told my wife that if my disorder didn't have significant improvement by early Feb, I was taking FMLA, packing our bags, and moving to Florida for 3 weeks at least. The cold still gives me problems -I can feel the sinuses swell when the wind blasts me in the face.
I would say that after 2 rounds of antibiotics, you need to start taking some major steps. If after spending some time in a warmer, more humid, climate doesn't do the trick, I would demand surgery.
It just isn't worth all the pain and frustration.
go to www.sinucare.com and look into getting a physician referral. They gave me the name of a doctor, but I haven't had to contact him yet, since my ENT seems tobe doing a good job. The doctors that are affiliated with this website are the leading specialists in the treatment of chronic bacterial sinusitis. One doctor I was given the name of was David Friedman in Chicago. He is suppossed to be one of the best in the country in treating this disorder. If you can't get in to see him, there are others you can see.
The irrigation machines can be purchased at www.allergyreliefstore.com among other places. If you do a google search, you will find what you are looking for.
If you haven't done so already, look into getting an endoscopy. It isn't the most pleasant thing, but this will give your doctor a better idea of what is going on than a CAT scan.
Also, if you live in a cold climate, I would get the hell out. I told my wife that if my disorder didn't have significant improvement by early Feb, I was taking FMLA, packing our bags, and moving to Florida for 3 weeks at least. The cold still gives me problems -I can feel the sinuses swell when the wind blasts me in the face.
I would say that after 2 rounds of antibiotics, you need to start taking some major steps. If after spending some time in a warmer, more humid, climate doesn't do the trick, I would demand surgery.
It just isn't worth all the pain and frustration.
Crossbow
02-15-2004, 12:48 PM
Also, if you live in a cold climate, I would get the hell out. I told my wife that if my disorder didn't have significant improvement by early Feb, I was taking FMLA, packing our bags, and moving to Florida for 3 weeks at least. The cold still gives me problems -I can feel the sinuses swell when the wind blasts me in the face.
I would say that after 2 rounds of antibiotics, you need to start taking some major steps. If after spending some time in a warmer, more humid, climate doesn't do the trick, I would demand surgery.
It just isn't worth all the pain and frustration.
Thanks for the links.
I don't feel like geting the hell out is an option. I just bought my first house, and I have a REALLY hard time making friends, so I don't want to leave the ones I have here. It's also a really bad time to try looking for a new job. Also, though my problems are worse in the winter, I have them in th summer too, and the humidity in the summer is 60% - 80% normally. Still, I hate the cold, and if I could move but take my whole life with me, I'd do it. And if I had any money.
The first rounds of antibiotics weren't for the sinuses -they were for other minor infections, and only for 10 days. The Augmentin is the strongest one I've taken, and 3 weeks is the longest I've taken one. I hope it does the trick. One of my concerns, though, is that sicne I don't have any sinus pain, how will I know if the infection's gone? I don't want to keep getting my head X-rayed!
I would say that after 2 rounds of antibiotics, you need to start taking some major steps. If after spending some time in a warmer, more humid, climate doesn't do the trick, I would demand surgery.
It just isn't worth all the pain and frustration.
Thanks for the links.
I don't feel like geting the hell out is an option. I just bought my first house, and I have a REALLY hard time making friends, so I don't want to leave the ones I have here. It's also a really bad time to try looking for a new job. Also, though my problems are worse in the winter, I have them in th summer too, and the humidity in the summer is 60% - 80% normally. Still, I hate the cold, and if I could move but take my whole life with me, I'd do it. And if I had any money.
The first rounds of antibiotics weren't for the sinuses -they were for other minor infections, and only for 10 days. The Augmentin is the strongest one I've taken, and 3 weeks is the longest I've taken one. I hope it does the trick. One of my concerns, though, is that sicne I don't have any sinus pain, how will I know if the infection's gone? I don't want to keep getting my head X-rayed!
chigs489
02-15-2004, 01:14 PM
I wouldn't leave permanently, just temporarily, until you get back on your feet. I just bought a new house last year, so I can't move to another state, but I can take time off.
I can empathize about the job market. It stinks. I'm in the computer industry which is set to lose 3.3 million jobs in the next 15 years to "offshore outsourcing." Salaries are falling because of a weak economy, outsourcing, and H1-B visa holders pouring into the country. I will give the IT career about another 5 years before 90% of American technology workers are without jobs.
On that note, I've noticed that stress has a direct bearing on my sinus symptoms. I had a horrible day at work a few days ago, and the headaches started up. The more relaxed I am, the better.
It's really amazing how your career impacts your health. 8 years ago, I was a teacher, and I was NEVER sick, even when kids were coughing in the classroom. Now that I work with computers, it's been one thing after another (Interstitial Cystitis, Chronic Bacterial Sinusitis, irregular heartbeat, etc.)
I can empathize about the job market. It stinks. I'm in the computer industry which is set to lose 3.3 million jobs in the next 15 years to "offshore outsourcing." Salaries are falling because of a weak economy, outsourcing, and H1-B visa holders pouring into the country. I will give the IT career about another 5 years before 90% of American technology workers are without jobs.
On that note, I've noticed that stress has a direct bearing on my sinus symptoms. I had a horrible day at work a few days ago, and the headaches started up. The more relaxed I am, the better.
It's really amazing how your career impacts your health. 8 years ago, I was a teacher, and I was NEVER sick, even when kids were coughing in the classroom. Now that I work with computers, it's been one thing after another (Interstitial Cystitis, Chronic Bacterial Sinusitis, irregular heartbeat, etc.)
Crossbow
02-15-2004, 03:46 PM
My job and my sinuses impact each other. The sinus thing makes me grumpy and slow and I'm late to work all the time, and then I get stressed out becasue I'm always in trouble for being late and grumpy, and the stress form that make my health worse, and so on.
I do wish I could get out of here for the winter. Last January I was in Santa Barbara, and I didn't need my antihistamines at all. It was lovely. I wish I could afford to live there, but the real estate market is completely insane. Still ... Maybe I could work it out ... I do have a friend there ...
I do wish I could get out of here for the winter. Last January I was in Santa Barbara, and I didn't need my antihistamines at all. It was lovely. I wish I could afford to live there, but the real estate market is completely insane. Still ... Maybe I could work it out ... I do have a friend there ...
Cook Co
02-17-2004, 05:56 AM
i have chronic sinusitis and sinus infections are very common for me. I've learned to irrigate with a home made solution. This has helped very much. A complication of this is that I have sinus polyps. They have been removed many times and continue to come back. The last surgery was 5 years ago. That was the best surgery ever, I was even able to smell and taste. I am on nasonex and take antihistamines for the allergies. I've been thru the imuno shots, the steroids and the anitbiotics. My problem now is not so much the polyps, they seem to be under control. My problem is the thick mucous. I am taking mucinex but was wondering if there is anything else. I live in Chicago and I find that I do better in the winter. I was just in Florida for several weeks and that did nothing for me.
chigs489
02-17-2004, 11:36 AM
Interestingly enough, when I last took Mucinex, it gave me a bad headache. It did clear som of the mucus, but it wasn't worth it. Apparently, it takes some time before you get used to the medication.
I'm going to wait a few days, try it again, and see what happens.
I'm going to wait a few days, try it again, and see what happens.
Cook Co
02-17-2004, 10:17 PM
The mucinex made me very tired in the begining but I kept on eventually it all went away. In fact if I go a few days without the mucinex I notice that I choke easily and start to get a heavy congested cough. So I think I will have to be on it for ever.