I suffer from chronic sinus problems. I was finally referred to an ENT and my appointment was last week. The dr was far from nice. I took my list of medications I have taken since December, he barely looked at them. The ent listened somewhat to me felt my face and jaw area, had me open and close my mouth. Told my I had TMJ not sinus problems. He did a CT saw no sinus problems nor have I had a sinus infection in months. I explained that on March 12 my sinus cavities were whited out from infection. He said no, I have allergies and needed to get rid of animals, carpet and start allergy shots. I scheduled an appointment with their allergy department for testing. I left there and thought about what he said and went back to my dr explained I don't want to jump into shots and is there something else we can do. So I am taking Nasonex and Singular, I have been taking this since Thursday. I woke up yesterday with sinus pressure on my left side and still have it today. Do sinus and allegies present he same? I am thinking I will do these meds for a month, a friend recommended a nasal wash has anyone tried that.

Yes, they have some of the same symptoms. I strongly suggest you go thru with the testing. At least then you'll have a better picture of what's causing things and how to best control them. And I also suggest dumping the Singulair for Zyrtec. Singulair takes time to start working - can be as long as a month or more. Zyrtec should show improvement in a few days if not overnight.

Going on the injections is great BUT it also takes dedication. You are looking at 1-2 times a week in the beginning before you get to once a month (takes about 6 months to get to that point) and 5 years total. It isn;t for the faint of heart.

I had a horrible ENT a few years ago, totally blew me off and acted like a jerk, I cried because he was my last hope in finding some relief. I have been researching things for ages and came across something that said allergies can have an inflammatory effect. Wow, no one told me! I am on Singulair, not doing much, also Nasonex or Flonase, take an otc 'vitamin' for allergies (Zyrtec never did much for me, my son is on it, still having symptoms too). I hate irrigating my nose, so I don't do it. I have nasal polyps--just had a stealth CT scan. I'm now really thinking allergies are contributing. Since coming to OK, allergies have worsened. The ENT doctor I saw is the nicest guy, he paid attention to me, gave me a weeks worth of prednisone and 3 weeks of amoxicillin to see if that clears anything up. Don't give up.

Oh, I also had went the TMJ route, bought the nightguard and all, yes, I do have a bit of a clenching problem, but I was told by 2 doctors now that it is not contributing.

I added Clarinex D to my Nasonex and Singulair today is day 2 and I seem to be doing better. I also bought a Night Guard at Target not a sports one this is one for people who grind or clench their teeth. Slept with it last night, don't know how long as i woke up this morning holding it. Hopefully I am on an upward trend now. Oh and only 1 headache today, and it did not require migraine meds.

The best antihistamine I think is available OTC it is a first generation antihistamine meaning that it may cause drowsiness. Its generic name is chlorphenermine, brand Chlor-Trimeton. Generic it is really cheap and is best when combined with pseudoephedrine (the stuff they put behind the Rx counter) . The only way I know it is lik this is at Walgreens and it is their generic for Sudafed Sinus and Allergy. Ironically the brand does not contain real "sudafed" so you have to get the generic. Like I said it may cause some drowsiness but it is not near what benadryl is (For me it doesn't cause drowsiness). Because it is somewhat sedating it works better on allergies. Even better than Allegra, Zyrtec, Clarinex, and Claritin (All second generation non-sedating antihistamines.)

Singulair is mostly for asthma and as mentioned only works if you have been on it for several weeks and you are taking it every day. I would leave it to asthma/COPD patients.

What are your thoughts on allergy testing. I figure living in south texas most people are going to be allergic to mold,pollens and dust mites. I have a few friends who do allergy shots same say great things others say not sure why they bother with it.

Allergy shots aren't as great as once thought. My father went through the whole drill and they helped somewhat but not near as much as drugs. I would only do the allergy test if you are trying to rule out other causes of your inflamed sinuses. If antihistamines/nasal steroids(nasonex/flonase) work then seasonal allergies are seasonal allergies and the allergy test will nly help tell you if you are allergic to anything else.

Thanks, I will continiue to try the meds and see what works. Woke up without a headache this morning so we are off to a good start.