Are my symptoms allergies or sinus? - Sinus Problems Message Board

Tesss · 05-21-2005, 12:16 AM

HI
I know there are other posts like this but Id appreciate any help with understanding my symptoms.
So, when I wake up in the morning (about 5am) my nose is really blocked and uncomfortable. My nose and cheeks throb and is painful, it hurts to sniff and I have a sinus headache. When I blow my nose I have a small amount of watery discharge, and its clear in colour (no infection?). Im also finding it hard to breathe, sort of stuffyish (I am being investigated for short of breath).
If I take antihistamines then I do sleep better and longer and i wake up without a blocked nose, but its still stuffy and I don't feel the antihistamines are helping long term.

Any ideas? I have started irrigating but sometimes it seems helpful, other times not.
Thanks for any replies.

celtic_mom · 05-21-2005, 05:56 AM

Ha! We share a nose! So I take it you know this isn't just a cold? If it has been going on awhile, it could be sinusitis caused by allergies or infection. Either way, I would get to your doc right away. It is a lot easier to treat acute sinusitis than chronic. After months of dealing with the same problem, I was dx'd with chronic and told that surgery is the only option (still not sure I buy that). I think acute is treated with a course of antibiotics and oral or nasal steroids. I would keep up the irrigation too. Good luck!

Tesss · 05-21-2005, 08:44 AM

Thanks Celtic_mom
I will go to my dr next week. It isn't a cold - I haven't really had a cold recently - only the start of hayfever season in UK.
Is there any way to treat this without taking antibiotics - Id prefer not to have them if possible?
Sorry to hear that you have chronic sinusitis, must be very horrible.
Best wishes
Tesss

Midget · 05-21-2005, 10:34 AM

Beacause you said your snot is clear, I'd say it's not an infection yet - just inflamation. Have you been taking any decongestants? Make sure to drink plenty of water. Take hot shwoers - the steam will help loosen up the snot. If you can stand it...eat spicy stuff...that works, too. :P How long has this been going on? My doc says any lasting longer than 10 to 14 days (even if you don't see yucky colored snot) warrants to a visit to him. Feel better soon! Good luck!

Tesss · 05-22-2005, 02:53 AM

Hi Midget
I haven't been taking decongestants, is it a good idea to?
This has been going on for several days, since the start of the week, I think I will give it a few more days and then pay my doc a visit.
Thanks for the advice, I will give it all a try.
Best wishes
Tesss