Deviated Septum and Nasonex

creinha · 12-15-2005, 01:29 PM

I've had sinus pain, pressure, and headaches for about 4 years. Spent the first two years on and off antibiotics, antihistamines, and decongestants before the doctor sent me to an allergist.

I tested positive for many things (dust, mold, dog, cat, feathers, trees, grasses, weeds). I've been at maintenance dose on the shots for about 7 months but still continue to have sinus pain. The allergist says I have a deviated septum but it isn't bad enough to cause any problems. I had a CT scan done that indicated thickening in the anterior ethmoid sinuses. More antibiotics with the same result - nothing changed.

I finally went to an ENT. He says that I need surgery for the deviated septum and turbinates. I find it odd that there is such a difference in opinions between the two. Has anyone else seen this?

The only thing that helps is the Nasonex. If I don't use the Nasonex within two days, I can't breathe through my nose - either side. Is it realistic to expect that if I have the surgery, that I won't need to use the Nasonex any longer?

Icky_Metal · 12-15-2005, 02:00 PM

I have had the exact same thing happen over the course of the past 3 years. The allergy shots (mold, trees, grass and weeds) don't help me much (if any), but still get a bad reaction to them (haven't reached maintenance). Anyway, I have a deviated septum, no question about that. But the three CT Scans indicate that there are still openings for mucus to flow. I've seen three ENTs. Only one recommends surgery, the other two say it will not help. I'm therefore avoiding surgery for now.

I also take Flonase (recently have been putting Pulmicort in a lavage bottle instead), which helps slightly. I recently took prednisone for the first time and found that it worked wonders... I did that in conjunction with antibiotics and have felt better. Probably just a matter of time before I get all inflammed again though.

I'm going to explore fungal sinusitis as a possible contributor. I don't have any immune system deficiency, but based on what I've read, you don't necessarily need to have a deficiency to have fungus cause chronic problems. See [url]http://www.webmd.com/content/article/84/98134.htm[/url].
I suspect that since I'm very allergic to mold, it is likely contributing to my problems. I posed this question to others earlier, but didn't receive any insight in to the use of prescription anti-fungals. It may be something you want to look into as well.

terehamburg · 12-15-2005, 02:42 PM

I have been a sinus sufferer for years as well. Allergy tests showed similar results- shots for over a year with little help. Then my ENT suggested it may be candidiasis, I went on Diflucan for two weeks and my sinus cleared immediately. I am now on a regiment of Nystatin Powder (anti-fungal), and have gone to a yeast free/sugar free diet. It has helped incredibly I have never felt better in my life. The diet is tough, but if doing that makes me feel this good I will do whatever it takes. I think a lot of ENT's are beginning to realize that surgery is not always the answer, but depending on how great your deviation is it maybe physically impossible to pass the amount of air needed. Bravo to you for your questioning and exploring for new info.

creinha · 12-15-2005, 02:59 PM

I tried the Diflucan for two weeks too, but it didn't help me. I've also tried nasal washes, MSM, Vitamin C, and Quercetin. I'm not sure how bad the deviated septum is. The allergist didn't think it was problematic but the ENT thought it was. Who do you believe?

I notice I feel worse when it's rainy or cold outside. I also notice I have some minor bleeding in the nose at night. I can see that there is only a slight opening in the back of my left nostril, but looks very open on my right.

sneezydiva · 12-15-2005, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terehamburg

I have been a sinus sufferer for years as well. Allergy tests showed similar results- shots for over a year with little help. Then my ENT suggested it may be candidiasis, I went on Diflucan for two weeks and my sinus cleared immediately. I am now on a regiment of Nystatin Powder (anti-fungal), and have gone to a yeast free/sugar free diet. It has helped incredibly I have never felt better in my life. The diet is tough, but if doing that makes me feel this good I will do whatever it takes. I think a lot of ENT's are beginning to realize that surgery is not always the answer, but depending on how great your deviation is it maybe physically impossible to pass the amount of air needed. Bravo to you for your questioning and exploring for new info.

Wow! your ENT actually suggested it was candidasis? That is very unusal for a traditonal doctor, especialy a surgeon. Whatever you do, don't let him get away!