Have had a runny nose that drains into my throat for about month now. makes me spit green crap out all the time. get a sinus headache once in a while. I'm thinking I got a sinus infection. It must be chronic in my case. when I first got them the doc would give me some antibiotics and it would dissappear  and reapppear in a few month. been like this for the last 5 years.

Any reccomendations on how the stop getting them?? Orthodox or not I don't care.

Thanks

Yeah, sounds like you have an infection.

Go to the doctor, get some anti biotics and take them all this time.

SGat1r5

Quoted: Have had a runny nose that drains into my throat for about month now. makes me spit green crap out all the time. get a sinus headache once in a while. I'm thinking I got a sinus infection. It must be chronic in my case. when I first got them the doc would give me some antibiotics and it would dissappear  and reapppear in a few month. been like this for the last 5 years. Any reccomendations on how the stop getting them?? Orthodox or not I don't care. Thanks

Go see and ENT and have him evaluate you.  The ostia might be obstructed preventing drainage.
You might benefit from a septoplasty or even sinus surgery.

I wouldn’t waste any more time with a family doctor.  Go see an ENT and get a scan of your head done so they can see what’s going on.



ETA: After 5 years this isn't an issue for meds.  There is an underlying problem that might be fairly easy to correct.  See someone who specializes in this area.  An ENT.

What I would do is goto the Drug store and get some CLARITIN D and take one every 12 hours.  I would not take it before bed because the pseudoephedrene will keep you up.  Thats what I would do.  

Quoted: Yeah, sounds like you have an infection. Go to the doctor, get some anti biotics and take them all this time. SGat1r5

What he said. Then get on a good sinus medication for daily use.

the last time I got it he gave me  antibiotics 2 times. the last time was amoxicillin which he told me was some strong stuff. But of course it came back.

Thats becvause you didn't take it all or got re-infected.

Sgatr15

Let me tell you about sinus problems. I moved to the god forsaken state of Az in 1970 and never had a sinus problem prior to that time. Within 6 months I had a full blown infection and remained on various meds until I left in 1979 and moved back to Mi.

I didn't have any further sinus problems until about 1986 when I got the mother of all infections. It affected the sinus, ears, and upper resp tract. I took about 4 months to get rid of it totally. It came back in 2001 and I still have it to this day. They have had me on just about  the the whole spectrum of antibiotics from Penicillin to Bactrim DS to Cipro(?).

It really flaired up 7 months ago when it got so bad I had to hold the walls to keep my balance. Wake up in the morning with  my nose plugged with dried pus, sever ear ache, and the chest congested. I have been on 2 series of Methylprednisone dose packs and Bactrim. Currently I start the day with a 10mg Claritin, a double shot of Nasonex 50mcg spray, and a Bactrim DS.

All of this has been from a specialist that my GP sent me to.

Go see a specialist ENT = suggest having them irrigated - I suffered for 5 years and this simple procedure changed my life...

Thuja oil.

From Gaia.

Ever since I got my nose broken at the Black Flag concert in '87...

And then again in '89...

Add some allergies and there's a party in my head...

Not the fun kind, either.

Surprised I can still dive.

Quoted: What I would do is goto the Drug store and get some CLARITIN D and take one every 12 hours.  I would not take it before bed because the pseudoephedrene will keep you up.  Thats what I would do.

+1

Go to a hippie riot and entice the police to toss CS.

I have a hell of a lot of sinus problems myself. You might try using saline solution. Same type you use with contacts. I have been using it the last two weeks in a vaporizer and it has really helped me. I was to the point I was going to see a doctor with it before I starting nailing them with saline solution. Just an idea and it really helped mine.

Quoted: the last time I got it he gave me  antibiotics 2 times. the last time was amoxicillin which he told me was some strong stuff. But of course it came back.

Yeah... for ME it got to the point that I was no longer "able" to STFU when the doc prescribed meds, she'd say she was gonna give me a script for 250mg Amoxicillin. I'd say, "If amoxicillin was a PAIN KILLER, I'd tell you to only give me 100mg, but I do NOT want to be back in 10 days when this isn't GONE... so make it 500mg, or don't even bother puttiing pen to paper."

And I HAVE made her give me LESS pain meds than she WANTED to prescribe, but LITERALLY I have taken a pain pill and taken it to 1/8 a dose and that STILL would really "mess me up" so I TRY to see if I can just do asprin or Excedrin, Tylenol in a pinch... ually that's PLENTY. But if she would "normally" prescribe 250mg, I need at LEAST 500mg on antibiotics.... rule of thumb is to cut pain meds at LEAST down by 5x, and INCREASE antibiotics by at LEAST double... and, IMO, none of the "new" antibiotic BS.... if it hasn't been on the market at LEAST 10-15 years, don't EVEN bother TRYING to get me on it. "Course, that's my "rule" for most any med... and probably a good idea, unless there ARE no meds that have been around that are effective for whatever malady, I mean look at the Vioxx etc. recalls....

www.compfused.com/directlink/236/

After having my nose broken 6 times and one operation (between the 4th and 5th breaks), I have CRONIC sinus problems.

I've gotten sinus infections like clockwork every 4 months since I got a sick while I was in college. I had bronchitis, sinusitis, and walking pneumonia all at the same time.

Since then every four months on a saturday I will wake up with a sore throat from post nasal drip and prepare for a week of runny nose, headache and then a URI. I have found this stuff called Deep Sea, or Deep Ocean that's a saline irrigation spray that you shoot up your snout that helps move things along pretty well.

Next time I get one I'm going the ENT to get this shit figured out. If I were you I wouldn't wait any longer.

I have it sometimes for runny sinus I take a allegra it clears it up

My sinuses are all backed up right now but I'm not having any other troubles.

Ben

This is the problem with healthcare today.  There is no evidence of infection.  You could have clogged nasal passages, you could have severe allergies.  But a lot of you are demanding anitbiotics.  The only thing thats going to do is create drug resistant bugs and cost the healthcare system more money.  

Antibiotics are not the cure of all ills.  In fact only a small amount of diseases require antibiotics.  Overuse and demand by the public have created bugs like MRSA.

So dont ask for antibiotics unless you really need them.  Maybe they antibiotics didnt work because it wasnt the right treatment.  

I would echo the recommendation of going to an ENT but I would also warn to stay away from Dairy products.  

Patty

Quoted: Have had a runny nose that drains into my throat for about month now. makes me spit green crap out all the time. get a sinus headache once in a while. I'm thinking I got a sinus infection. It must be chronic in my case. when I first got them the doc would give me some antibiotics and it would dissappear  and reapppear in a few month. been like this for the last 5 years. Any reccomendations on how the stop getting them?? Orthodox or not I don't care. Thanks

Sinus infection.

There are a couple of remedies. Either using antibiotics, or using regular nasal irrigation.

I have chronic sinusitis but I use the Grossan Pulsatile Nasal Irrigator and haven't had a sinus infection since. (I used to get at least 2 a year if not more...)

ETA -- I also don't have to take any more allergy drugs. Treating the root cause is a heck of a lot better than merely trying to stop the symptoms if you ask me.

Where do you buy this Grossman Nasal product??????? I am interested. I have been using contact lens saline solution on mine and it seems to be working but this sounds like a good product.

Go see an allergist.  I have the same issue and usually what happens is that the infection will kick in during a period when you are having allergy issues.  They can get you on the shot and some allegra and nasonex and this will keep the sinus infections away.

Ive been fighting them since I was a young kid.
It sucks the big purple one.I cant wait till I have insurance again.

Nasonex, Allegra and Singulair every day. It makes my life better.
I had to end up getting the sinus surgery about 1.5 years ago because they got so bad. Infections all the time, blockage in my nose from polyps to the tune of 85% in the left and 75% in the right.
Now I can smell a mouse fart from five miles away.

Have you tried a neti pot?

Neti Pot


My wife had bad sinus problems. Using a neti pot to rinse out the sinus cavity, while a bit gross at first, really helped cut down on the sinus problems.

Quoted: Have you tried a neti pot? Neti Pot My wife had bad sinus problems. Using a neti pot to rinse out the sinus cavity, while a bit gross at first, really helped cut down on the sinus problems.

A powered nasal irrigator works better than a neti pot, but the np does do a decent job.

Lots of chronic sinus sufferers can't find relief with anything but regular nasal irrigation.

Quoted: Have you tried a neti pot? Neti Pot My wife had bad sinus problems. Using a neti pot to rinse out the sinus cavity, while a bit gross at first, really helped cut down on the sinus problems. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A powered nasal irrigator works better than a neti pot, but the np does do a decent job. Lots of chronic sinus sufferers can't find relief with anything but regular nasal irrigation.

My sinus doctor gave me an attachment to use on a waterpick. It works well.

Quoted: My sinus doctor gave me an attachment to use on a waterpick. It works well.

Yup.

That is pretty much what a powered irrigator is: A waterpick for your head. Used with the right solution, it is enormously beneficial.

If you have faith for homeopathic remedies, then I would encourage you to try this simple procedure:

Oil of Oregano--.5oz
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Mix the olive oil and oregano oil 50/50 or 60/40 (olive, oregano) in a small dropper bottle.

take 1-2 drops under the tongue nightly for as long as needed.

Oil of Oregano is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer (properties) remedy.
As long as you are not allergic to this oil you can take it w/ anything else--no drug interactions.

When I was struggling w/ allergies this spring I took this along w/ allergy medicine and it would immediately open my sinuses when I took a drop.  I usually would get 3-4 sinus infections a year, but never got one after I started this procedure...

Cost:  

Oil of Oregano from Cliff Scott Enterprises   ~$18 shipped .5oz
Extra Virgin Olive Oil                             ~$6
Yields two 1 oz. bottles cut at 50%ratio.

When you start to get sick:

Nasal saline irrigation.  Isotonic or slightly hypertonic.  waterpik, nettipot or whatever to get it up there.
Mucinex.  May have to ask pharmacist.  It loosens up mucus and thins it out.  Never been proven, but most ENT's think it helps.
Sudafed. Decongests your nose.

If symptoms persist for more than a week with no sign of getting better,
Go see and ENT that does both surgery and tests/treats for allergies.  Most do both now.  A general allergist will just give you antibiotics out the butt and try to get you into allergy shots.  The non-allergy ENT will often be a bit quicker with the knife.  An ENT that does both can do what you need.  One-stop shopping so to speak.
You will likely need both a CT scan of your sinus and allergy testing.  The #of patients  with both sinusitis and allergies is pretty high, even more so if you have asthma.  You DON'T smoke do you?  That is just overall bad for you.

good luck.

Quoted: What I would do is goto the Drug store and get some CLARITIN D and take one every 12 hours.  I would not take it before bed because the pseudoephedrene will keep you up.  Thats what I would do.

Be careful using decongestants. I was taking Allegra-D, and when I was exercising, was getting very unnerving chest pains. Made me think I was having an angina attack. But when I backed off on the intensity of the exercise, the pains subsided. (but I was only getting my heart rate up to 140ish, which isn't very high for a 40-year old man in decent shape). On days I don't take the Allegra-D, and exercise, no pains...may be the Sudafed-like ingredient is upping my heart rate too much. So watch that...

Also consider acidophilus supplements if you're taking anti-biotics. You can get some pretty ugly C-Diff or yeast infections if you take antibiotics for too long. After treatment for my Lyme disease, I was  plagued by several bouts of C-Diff and systemic yeast infections that took many months to clear up. Very unpleasant to be sure...still haven't been able to completly get rid of the systemic yeast infection after nearly a year..

Quoted: After having my nose broken 6 times and one operation (between the 4th and 5th breaks), I have CRONIC sinus problems.

same problem here....I also have a "mal-formed" sinus cavity so the slightest inflamation causes huge pressure and headaches.

I really need to suck it up and get surgery.

One thing you can do is irrigate your sinuses. Get a bulb syringe aspirator that they use on babies. Get some pickling and canning salt. mix 2-3 teaspoons of salt in a quart of warm water and use the bulb syringe to squirt the solution up your nose. The crap all comes out the other side. It's a real weird feeling when you 1st do it but it you will feel better. Oh and stand in the shower when you do it. Water goes everywhere.

Quoted: This is the problem with healthcare today.  There is no evidence of infection.  You could have clogged nasal passages, you could have severe allergies.  But a lot of you are demanding anitbiotics.  The only thing thats going to do is create drug resistant bugs and cost the healthcare system more money.   Antibiotics are not the cure of all ills.  In fact only a small amount of diseases require antibiotics.  Overuse and demand by the public have created bugs like MRSA. So dont ask for antibiotics unless you really need them.  Maybe they antibiotics didnt work because it wasnt the right treatment.

Oh, NO. The doc is a GOOD doc (a dyke, and cute too ) she takes a sputum sample, it's ALWAYS a bacterial infection, she just doesn't (tend) to prescribe STRONG enough dose, then I have to return for a SECOND round. IMO THAT'S WTF is "developing" the drug resistant bugs.

But good point, make SURE it IS a bactrial thing...

I've used the Ocean product before, but only in the winter OR when I have a cough... I'll try it w/the general sinus issues and see if THAT seems to clear mine up too.

Quoted: I would echo the recommendation of going to an ENT but I would also warn to stay away from Dairy products.   Patty

Another very good suggestion.

Quoted: Sinus infection. There are a couple of remedies. Either using antibiotics, or using regular nasal irrigation. I have chronic sinusitis but I use the Grossan Pulsatile Nasal Irrigator and haven't had a sinus infection since. (I used to get at least 2 a year if not more...) ETA -- I also don't have to take any more allergy drugs. Treating the root cause is a heck of a lot better than merely trying to stop the symptoms if you ask me.

EXACTLY! Treating the CAUSE of the symptoms makes FAR more sense than simply treating the symptoms. I mean, if you had a tire loosing air, would you pull over into a gas station w/a FUNCTIONAL air pump every 20-30 miles OR would you the tire repaired? BOTH are solutions... one is just BETTER than the other.

I dunno about the Grossan Pulsatile Nasal Irrigator per se, BUT, I DO use the Ocean Nasal spray, I'll give that a try. Thanks!

Quoted: I dunno about the Grossan Pulsatile Nasal Irrigator per se, BUT, I DO use the Ocean Nasal spray, I'll give that a try. Thanks!

I used ocean a bit too, but it is sort of like putting a band-aid on a massive trauma. Sure it helps, but not nearly enough.

The Nasal Irrigator runs about a cup and a half of solution through your sinuses that cleans them out. The cilia in your sinuses hold on to all sorts of crud and the pulsatile irrigator causes them to let go of it. You wouldn't believe that they hold on to stuff that gets up in there until you use the irrigator.

5-15 minutes after you are finished with the irrigator, your sinus cilia suddenly let go of the solution they were holding on to, and it runs out of your nose like lightning. The pulsatile irrigator is wierder than hell at first, but you get used to it.

Just be sure to start out on low pressure.

Quoted: This is the problem with healthcare today.  There is no evidence of infection.  You could have clogged nasal passages, you could have severe allergies.  But a lot of you are demanding anitbiotics.  The only thing thats going to do is create drug resistant bugs and cost the healthcare system more money.   Antibiotics are not the cure of all ills.  In fact only a small amount of diseases require antibiotics.  Overuse and demand by the public have created bugs like MRSA. So dont ask for antibiotics unless you really need them.  Maybe they antibiotics didnt work because it wasnt the right treatment.

ARDOC,
You are wasting your time. And you know it.
Tell them a tabasco enema helped you and they'd be all over it.

Quoted: Quoted: This is the problem with healthcare today.  There is no evidence of infection.  You could have clogged nasal passages, you could have severe allergies.  But a lot of you are demanding anitbiotics.  The only thing thats going to do is create drug resistant bugs and cost the healthcare system more money.   Antibiotics are not the cure of all ills.  In fact only a small amount of diseases require antibiotics.  Overuse and demand by the public have created bugs like MRSA. So dont ask for antibiotics unless you really need them.  Maybe they antibiotics didnt work because it wasnt the right treatment.   ARDOC, You are wasting your time. And you know it. Tell them a tabasco enema helped you and they'd be all over it.

I know, why did I bother going to med school there are so many experts here! A dose of sea bass is what you really need.

I use to have some minor dry nose, stuffyness etc. I went on a bussiness trip a few years ago and a co-worker said I should try Horseradish, I did, it works for me, and I rarely have a meat sandwich without some. Hope it helps  

My girlfriend's got wicked, wiiiiicked bad sinus issues stemming from polyp growth.  She had surgery for the second time  last year to roto-rooter them out.  She was 100% blocked in all but one passage, and that one was 90%.  Past a certain point, all the antibiotics or decongestants or allergy meds in the world won't do a damn thing.

She was pretty clear for some time after the surgery, but the polyps are back and she's running infection after infection once again.  She's now had three ENT's basically throw up their hands and tell her to "live with it" because anything they do will be a temp fix at best.

All I can tell you is that if you end up with surgery, find the best goddamn surgeon available.  One who takes their time and does it right.  Her second time around, they mapped out the path of the borers with a computer and didn't use packing up her nose.  If this is an option, take it.  The packing is hell on earth, and the computer allows more crud to be taken out without the risk of going through the sinus wall and causing a gusher (which happened the first time around.. "same day" turned into "Nurse, fetch me the cocaine" and an 8-day hiatus).

Watch out with any steriods they give you.. The ENT's are all about antibiotics and steriods like libs on a gun ban.

ETA- The above advice about seeing an ENT/Allergist is a GOOD one.  From what the ENT's said, this is about definitely allergen-related.  That said, allergic polyps will close off the sinuses and allow crud to build and fester, which can lead to a bacterial sinus infection.  

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: This is the problem with healthcare today.  There is no evidence of infection.  You could have clogged nasal passages, you could have severe allergies.  But a lot of you are demanding anitbiotics.  The only thing thats going to do is create drug resistant bugs and cost the healthcare system more money.   Antibiotics are not the cure of all ills.  In fact only a small amount of diseases require antibiotics.  Overuse and demand by the public have created bugs like MRSA. So dont ask for antibiotics unless you really need them.  Maybe they antibiotics didnt work because it wasnt the right treatment.   ARDOC, You are wasting your time. And you know it. Tell them a tabasco enema helped you and they'd be all over it. I know, why did I bother going to med school there are so many experts here! A dose of sea bass is what you really need.

Well, I'll tell ya what. IF I pulled into a service station, and said that my tire seemed to be loosing air every 10-20 miles or so, and the dumb-ass mechanic told me: "Well, just pull into a station every 10-20 miles and put more air in." I'd certainly think he was an idiot, and NOT trust him to plug/repair/replace my tire. I'd go elsewhere. NOR would I allow a mechanic to just clip the wires that lead to that "pesky" engine light to "solve" the problem of my engine light being on.

YET, that is EXACTLY what 90% of "doctors" want to do, treat SYMPTOMS, not UNDERLYING PROBLEMS. Once ya'll START doing that and making some SENSE, maybe people will have a bit more respect for your opinions.

But ARDOC, I agreed w/what you stated, antibiotics ARE way overprescribed, BUT if someone DOES have an infection, and the doc wants to prescribe antibiotics, I want ENOUGH to at least KILL all the damn bacteria. Then add some acidophilous and lactobacillus to the diet to circumvent any fungal problems developing as a result of GOOD bacteria being killed along w/the bad.

As for the Claritin suggestion, I know _I_ got NO benefit from it (Allergist gave me samples of Claritin, Allegra D and Zyrtec). And I can't say I was surprised when I heard something on FOX (news) about a lawsuit, and claims of a study stating that Claritin is essentially ineffective. And serves no better purpose than a sugar pill. Now, the Allegra D seems to work BEST for me, but I get ALMOST as much relief from the Zyrtec. There are just more "side effects" FOR ME, w/the Zyrtec.... unfortunately. Because the ONLY product that I purchase that benefits France OR Germany IS the Allegra. But I have friends who get far MORE relief from the Zyrtec.... that's gonna vary from individual to individual. THAT's what I thought was happening w/the Claritin... but that report....

Just makes me wonder.....

But, correct me if I'm wrong. If a sputum sample is taken, and bacteria are THERE that should NOT be (or should not be in the QUANTITY present) isn't an antibiotic an appropriate treatment???

I realize docs who don't want to "bother" educating patients on an appropriate course of treatment EXIST and take the "easy way out" and prescribe antibiotics at the drop on a hint....

My doc knows better, (at least w/me) she wanted me to take ADVIL back in 85 or 86. I didn't accept the sample. Instead I grabbed a fresh pineapple on the way home from her office (bromelain in the core of a fresh pineapple - a VERY good antiinflammatory - that's why she wanted me to take the Advil). And did an ice pack on my ankle (2nd degree sprain). It was FINE. I also grill her EVERY time she STARTS to write a script... "Do I REALLY need this? What is it supposed to do? How new is it? Is there a generic? etc..." (Yes, I am a royal PITA.)

Now, I didn't see any mention of antibiotics aside from my AGREEING w/you after you stated the above. (Maybe I missed it). But I'm trying to figure out why you feel the need to make the "I know, why did I bother going to med school there are so many experts here!" comment.

Some good info at this site sinusnews.

huh huh, someone here said "sputum" huh huh

/but seriously folks.

I have sinus problems but I don't think I've ever had a sinus infection per se. When the weather changes (or many other times) sometimes I get some hellacious headaches that often trigger migraines.

I wake up just about every day with a decent headache. I self medicate with some Ibuprofen or if it's worse, some allergy/sinus meds with Pseudoephedrine (stupid meth heads wrecking Ephedra for those of us who use it for medicinal purposes! ) and usually I'm good to go in an hour or so. Days like today (SE MI, 91 degrees and high humidity, not sure what the barometer is), I'm feeling lightheaded with a slight headache all day.

Quoted: Thuja oil. From Gaia.

So Doc...do you inhale it or rub it on or ???

FWIW, I  used to have miserable sinus problems, an irrigation procedure fixed it...no problems for 3 yrs! woo hoo!

Gwen in L.A.

Quoted: Where do you buy this Grossman Nasal product??????? I am interested. I have been using contact lens saline solution on mine and it seems to be working but this sounds like a good product.

www.hydromedonline.com/

Well, the girlfriend saw the allergist today.  He did the rack of scratch tests, and examined the polyp growth.  Apparently hers is NOT allergy-related, as she reacts only to seasonal allergies and the polyp growth is year-round.  He said it was most likely a whacked out autoimmune response, that she was going to regrow the polyps no matter what, and that most people like her will undergo 5-6 sinus surgeries in their lifetime.  

Hope you guys aren't in THAT boat

Quoted: This is the problem with healthcare today.  There is no evidence of infection.  You could have clogged nasal passages, you could have severe allergies.  But a lot of you are demanding anitbiotics.  The only thing thats going to do is create drug resistant bugs and cost the healthcare system more money.   Antibiotics are not the cure of all ills.  In fact only a small amount of diseases require antibiotics.  Overuse and demand by the public have created bugs like MRSA. So dont ask for antibiotics unless you really need them.  Maybe they antibiotics didnt work because it wasnt the right treatment.

What he said. No wonder doctors dope folks up all the time, patients constantly whine for pills!!! If you "need" antibiotics all the time then obviously there is another problem.

sheesh