Filed under: Chronic sinusitis
Question:
Suffered from labyrinthitis last year for 2 months or so. Have had chronic sinusitis for 5 months or so of this year. I was just wondering does having had labyrinthitis tell me anything about my current sinus problems? Apologies if this is a stupid question.
Response:
mr_lamouche wrote: > Suffered from labyrinthitis last year for 2 months or so. Have had > chronic sinusitis for 5 months or so of this year. > I was just wondering does having had labyrinthitis tell me anything > about my current sinus problems? Apologies if this is a stupid > question.
A sinus infection can spread and invade the inner ear, causing labyrinthitis. Bacterial infection is a common cause of labyrinthitis. But there are other causes of it too. In fact, when I’ve had sinus infections, when I’ve started getting dizzy I know it’s spreading to my inner ear and it’s time to see a doctor. Invariably the doctor will see my eardrum is bulging out, a sign that infection has reached there. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
Response:
I am the same as Steve getting an inner ear infection. I have lost my balance and fell down. I go to the doctor then. shirleyann (new user name)
Response:
Question:
Hi, Everyone… I have been having recurring sore throat and earache for the past couple of months that is very severe. I have never had this type before. Usually, I will get a cold/sore throat, then after a couple of days, the sore throat will be gone. This time that’s what’s lingering. I was on Zithromax first, which did clear it completely. 4 days after being off it, the sore throat started returning, within a few days, it was severe again and the "ice-pick" earache came back too. Went on Ketek after that, which also stopped it. 4 days after being off that, back it started coming again. Yesterday, hour by hour, it increased in intensity so rapidly that I had to call my doctor yet again and we’re trying Augmentin 875 mg. this time for 10 days. I do have sinus symptoms associated with this as well – congestion, excess mucus, pressure, etc. The first time I had the green mucus, since then it’s stayed clear/white. Very thick. I’ve also been taking Duratuss (Guaifenisin and Pseudoephedrine) though I can’t take the pseudo- at night due to restless legs and agitation. Have been trying to drink lots of water, but when the pain gets so bad I can hardly swallow this is hard. Actually, the pain gets so severe I can hardly talk – moving my mouth open and shut HURTS! I go back tomorrow for her to recheck and see if we can figure out why this keeps recurring. I read on here something about being on antibiotics for 3 weeks? Should I ask her about this? Is Augmentin a good one to use or is there something better? I also have a Grossan irrigator adapter but my Waterpik seems to not be working – won’t pump hardly at all – so I’ve been using saling spray for now. My doctor is recommending xylitol spray or mints – have any of you tried that and does it help? Is there a brand that’s better than others? Where do I get this?! Any other suggestions would sure be appreciated. This has already gotten OLD, and I sure don’t want to go through Christmas season like this! Thanks so much, Jacki
Response:
Xylitol might be a good idea for you to try. I like the mints (and the fruit ones) from Zellies.com.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Jack wrote: > Hi, Everyone… > I have been having recurring sore throat and earache for the past couple of > months that is very severe. I have never had this type before. Usually, I > will get a cold/sore throat, then after a couple of days, the sore throat > will be gone. This time that’s what’s lingering. I was on Zithromax first, > which did clear it completely. 4 days after being off it, the sore throat > started returning, within a few days, it was severe again and the "ice-pick" > earache came back too. Went on Ketek after that, which also stopped it. 4 > days after being off that, back it started coming again. Yesterday, hour by > hour, it increased in intensity so rapidly that I had to call my doctor yet > again and we’re trying Augmentin 875 mg. this time for 10 days. I do have > sinus symptoms associated with this as well – congestion, excess mucus, > pressure, etc. The first time I had the green mucus, since then it’s stayed > clear/white. Very thick. I’ve also been taking Duratuss (Guaifenisin and > Pseudoephedrine) though I can’t take the pseudo- at night due to restless > legs and agitation. Have been trying to drink lots of water, but when the > pain gets so bad I can hardly swallow this is hard. Actually, the pain gets > so severe I can hardly talk – moving my mouth open and shut HURTS! > I go back tomorrow for her to recheck and see if we can figure out why this > keeps recurring. I read on here something about being on antibiotics for 3 > weeks? Should I ask her about this?
Undertreatment of a sinus infection is one of the main reasons why it not only recurs, but can become chronic. That’s how I got stuck with chronic sinusitis. Besides that, when the infection recurs after an insufficient dose of antibiotic, the surviving bugs are more resistant to that antibiotic than before. That’s happened to me too. The next time you try Ketek, Zithromax or Augmentin, you may find they won’t work at all because your bugs have become resistant to them. Sinus infections are stubborn. It can take up to 3 weeks worth of an antibiotic to clear it, because oral antibiotics depend on the bloodstream to carry them to the site of the infection, and the blood supply to the sinuses is relatively poor. In particular, Zithromax is a real crock because the typical Z-Pak only has 5 days’ worth. The manufacturer claims that because of its longer half life that’s all you need, which is nonsense where sinus infections are concerned. So far, the antibiotics you’ve tried aren’t the "big guns" where sinusitis is concerned. Ask your physician for 3 weeks’ worth of Levaquin or Avelox. If even that fails, then it’s time to see an ENT. Recurring sinus infections can be due to a physical blockage in the sinuses, which antibiotics won’t fix. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
Response:
On 12/7/05 7:43 AM, in article ZqDlf.317$QQ1…@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, "Steven L." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net> wrote: > Jack wrote: >> Hi, Everyone… >> I have been having recurring sore throat and earache for the past couple of >> months that is very severe. I have never had this type before. Usually, I >> will get a cold/sore throat, then after a couple of days, the sore throat >> will be gone. This time that’s what’s lingering. I was on Zithromax first, >> which did clear it completely. 4 days after being off it, the sore throat >> started returning, within a few days, it was severe again and the "ice-pick" >> earache came back too. Went on Ketek after that, which also stopped it. 4 >> days after being off that, back it started coming again. Yesterday, hour by >> hour, it increased in intensity so rapidly that I had to call my doctor yet >> again and we’re trying Augmentin 875 mg. this time for 10 days. I do have >> sinus symptoms associated with this as well – congestion, excess mucus, >> pressure, etc. The first time I had the green mucus, since then it’s stayed >> clear/white. Very thick. I’ve also been taking Duratuss (Guaifenisin and >> Pseudoephedrine) though I can’t take the pseudo- at night due to restless >> legs and agitation. Have been trying to drink lots of water, but when the >> pain gets so bad I can hardly swallow this is hard. Actually, the pain gets >> so severe I can hardly talk – moving my mouth open and shut HURTS! >> I go back tomorrow for her to recheck and see if we can figure out why this >> keeps recurring. I read on here something about being on antibiotics for 3 >> weeks? Should I ask her about this? > Undertreatment of a sinus infection is one of the main reasons why it > not only recurs, but can become chronic. That’s how I got stuck with > chronic sinusitis. Besides that, when the infection recurs after an > insufficient dose of antibiotic, the surviving bugs are more resistant > to that antibiotic than before. That’s happened to me too. The next > time you try Ketek, Zithromax or Augmentin, you may find they won’t work > at all because your bugs have become resistant to them. > Sinus infections are stubborn. It can take up to 3 weeks worth of an > antibiotic to clear it, because oral antibiotics depend on the > bloodstream to carry them to the site of the infection, and the blood > supply to the sinuses is relatively poor. In particular, Zithromax is a > real crock because the typical Z-Pak only has 5 days’ worth. The > manufacturer claims that because of its longer half life that’s all you > need, which is nonsense where sinus infections are concerned. > So far, the antibiotics you’ve tried aren’t the "big guns" where > sinusitis is concerned. Ask your physician for 3 weeks’ worth of > Levaquin or Avelox. > If even that fails, then it’s time to see an ENT. Recurring sinus > infections can be due to a physical blockage in the sinuses, which > antibiotics won’t fix.
Actually its not YOU taking an inadequate supply that makes the bugs resistant, its you neighbors that take a pill or two whenever they feel an infection or a cold. Resistant bugs are found in Areas, not in single persons i.e. Resistant staph is southern detroit.
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in article ZqDlf.317$QQ1…@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/7/05 10:43 AM: > So far, the antibiotics you’ve tried aren’t the "big guns" where > sinusitis is concerned. Ask your physician for 3 weeks’ worth of > Levaquin or Avelox. > If even that fails, then it’s time to see an ENT. Recurring sinus > infections can be due to a physical blockage in the sinuses, which > antibiotics won’t fix.
Thanks so very much for the response… So since I just started on Augmentin 2 days ago, should I go ahead and finish this out to see what happens – she gave me 10 days worth…? How long does it usually take with Augmentin to know if it’s going to work? My sore throat is definitely improving (it hasn’t even been 48 hours yet) but it’s still pretty painful. It also feels like it’s raw and painful at the very back right side of my tongue… I will definitely keep your note about the "big guns" and I’m sure she would agree to let me try those, especially if this Augmentin doesn’t cut it. I guess my main question at this point is should I finish out the Augmentin or drop that and switch to one of the others? I did take Levaquin years ago and don’t remember what it did or didn’t do for me, but it was at least 5 years ago. I did get some xylitol spray today from the health food store (Xlear brand) – how often do you use this stuff?! I’m also wondering if I should add the nasal steroid (Rhinocort AQ seems to be best according to the FAQ) – or wait and see if the Xlear will do the trick? Thanks again… Jacki
Response:
in article 1133910948.229528.157…@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com, Griffin33 at b…@rochester.rr.com wrote on 12/6/05 6:15 PM: > Xylitol might be a good idea for you to try. I like the mints (and the > fruit ones) from Zellies.com.
Thanks a bunch – I did find some Xlear spray today locally so I got that to get started on it. Will have to mail order the mints, though, so I appreciate the info! Jacki
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Susan wrote: > x-no-archive: yes > Murray Grossan wrote: >> Actually its not YOU taking an inadequate supply that makes the bugs >> resistant, its you neighbors that take a pill or two whenever they >> feel an >> infection or a cold. Resistant bugs are found in Areas, not in single >> persons i.e. Resistant staph is southern detroit. > Actually, it’s much more a matter of the livestock and produce > manufactured by agribusiness are dumping 80% of all antibiotics > manufactured in the U.S. into livestock and onto produce. I think if we > disallow such practices, we’ll have taken the most important precaution. > There’s no excuse for spraying produce with streptomycin, or raising > cattle in such an unhealthy manner that they constantly need abx.
Livestock aren’t "raised in an unhealthy manner." But all livestock are prone to infectious diseases, just like your pet poodle is or you are. And every time livestock gets sick, that reduces the yield of meat, eggs and milk and raises prices. The price differential between so-called "organically grown" produce or free-range chickens vs. the standard foodstuffs is exactly how much the antibiotics are saving agribusiness. And I’ve seen "organically grown" produce that is infested with bugs, worms and rot, all of which are prevented by agribusiness practices. I’m certainly not prepared to deliberately pay more $$$ for food just to prevent this practice. I can’t afford it. Having said that, it’s worthwhile for agribusiness to not use the same broad-spectrum antibiotics on their food products that we humans do. I’m not that worried about streptomycin, because we don’t use that much anymore except for bubonic plague and that hasn’t been a problem in a very long time. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Jack wrote: > in article ZqDlf.317$QQ1…@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at > sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/7/05 10:43 AM: >>So far, the antibiotics you’ve tried aren’t the "big guns" where >>sinusitis is concerned. Ask your physician for 3 weeks’ worth of >>Levaquin or Avelox. >>If even that fails, then it’s time to see an ENT. Recurring sinus >>infections can be due to a physical blockage in the sinuses, which >>antibiotics won’t fix. > Thanks so very much for the response… So since I just started on > Augmentin 2 days ago, should I go ahead and finish this out to see what > happens – she gave me 10 days worth…? How long does it usually take with > Augmentin to know if it’s going to work? My sore throat is definitely > improving (it hasn’t even been 48 hours yet) but it’s still pretty painful. > It also feels like it’s raw and painful at the very back right side of my > tongue…
Generally if the antibiotic is working, the symptoms should start to improve within 4-5 days. But like I said, it’s probable that the infection won’t be completely eradicated with the 10 day course. 10 days is just not enough for many stubborn sinus infections. > I will definitely keep your note about the "big guns" and I’m sure she would > agree to let me try those, especially if this Augmentin doesn’t cut it. I > guess my main question at this point is should I finish out the Augmentin or > drop that and switch to one of the others?
I think it’s more important to eradicate the infection thoroughly, which means you need to find a doctor who’s willing to give you more than 10 days worth of whatever antibiotic s/he prescribes. It seems like this is the third short course you’ve had. I sure don’t want your doctor to give you just 10 days worth of the "big guns" and ruin those for you too. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
Response:
in article gfMlf.516$QQ1….@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/7/05 8:45 PM: > I think it’s more important to eradicate the infection thoroughly, which > means you need to find a doctor who’s willing to give you more than 10 > days worth of whatever antibiotic s/he prescribes. It seems like this > is the third short course you’ve had. I sure don’t want your doctor to > give you just 10 days worth of the "big guns" and ruin those for you too.
She will probably go along with whatever I ask for – so I’ve shared the Mayo clinic article that says 4 weeks minimum! I’m just wondering now if I should go ahead and SWITCH to one of those other antibiotics for 3-4 weeks immediately or stay on the Augmentin for 3-4 weeks instead of just 10 days… Thanks again! Jacki
Response:
On 12/7/05 8:01 PM, in article BFBD1A46.15FE0%gbarineauii100…@comcast.net, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Jack" <gbarineauii100…@comcast.net> wrote: > in article gfMlf.516$QQ1….@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at > sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/7/05 8:45 PM: >> I think it’s more important to eradicate the infection thoroughly, which >> means you need to find a doctor who’s willing to give you more than 10 >> days worth of whatever antibiotic s/he prescribes. It seems like this >> is the third short course you’ve had. I sure don’t want your doctor to >> give you just 10 days worth of the "big guns" and ruin those for you too. > She will probably go along with whatever I ask for – so I’ve shared the Mayo > clinic article that says 4 weeks minimum! I’m just wondering now if I > should go ahead and SWITCH to one of those other antibiotics for 3-4 weeks > immediately or stay on the Augmentin for 3-4 weeks instead of just 10 > days… > Thanks again! > Jacki
The Mayo article DOES NOT SAY FOUR WEEKS MINIMUM. THE PDR and the FDA does say that Augmentin is indicated for Sinus Infection. What the Mayo web site is is a general discussion. All patients vary and it says MAY require four weeks of Rx. Everyone is different and each patient needs to be treated individually. It would be very poor practice to arbitrarily give someone more antibiotic than is necessary. Did you know that antibiotics have side effects? If you read the info here you would know that other factors help healing so that less antibiotic may be needed.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Murray Grossan wrote: > On 12/7/05 8:01 PM, in article BFBD1A46.15FE0%gbarineauii100…@comcast.net, > "Jack" <gbarineauii100…@comcast.net> wrote: >>in article gfMlf.516$QQ1….@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at >>sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/7/05 8:45 PM: >>>I think it’s more important to eradicate the infection thoroughly, which >>>means you need to find a doctor who’s willing to give you more than 10 >>>days worth of whatever antibiotic s/he prescribes. It seems like this >>>is the third short course you’ve had. I sure don’t want your doctor to >>>give you just 10 days worth of the "big guns" and ruin those for you too. >>She will probably go along with whatever I ask for – so I’ve shared the Mayo >>clinic article that says 4 weeks minimum! I’m just wondering now if I >>should go ahead and SWITCH to one of those other antibiotics for 3-4 weeks >>immediately or stay on the Augmentin for 3-4 weeks instead of just 10 >>days… >>Thanks again! >>Jacki > The Mayo article DOES NOT SAY FOUR WEEKS MINIMUM. > THE PDR and the FDA does say that Augmentin is indicated for Sinus > Infection. > What the Mayo web site is is a general discussion. All patients vary and it > says MAY require four weeks of Rx. > Everyone is different and each patient needs to be treated individually. > It would be very poor practice to arbitrarily give someone more antibiotic > than is necessary.
The problem is that with sinusitis, it is virtually IMPOSSIBLE for a primary-care physician, a family doctor, to know what is "necessary." They just don’t have the needed diagnostic tools–CT scans, endoscopes, sinus cultures–that ENTs have. Thus they are unable to determine just what antibiotic to take and how long to take it, till all sinus disease is eliminated. For primary-care physicians it is guesswork, and with sinusitis it’s better to err on the side of wiping out the infection thoroughly rather than undertreating it and allowing it to flare right up again. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Jack wrote: > in article gfMlf.516$QQ1….@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at > sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/7/05 8:45 PM: >>I think it’s more important to eradicate the infection thoroughly, which >>means you need to find a doctor who’s willing to give you more than 10 >>days worth of whatever antibiotic s/he prescribes. It seems like this >>is the third short course you’ve had. I sure don’t want your doctor to >>give you just 10 days worth of the "big guns" and ruin those for you too. > She will probably go along with whatever I ask for – so I’ve shared the Mayo > clinic article that says 4 weeks minimum! I’m just wondering now if I > should go ahead and SWITCH to one of those other antibiotics for 3-4 weeks > immediately or stay on the Augmentin for 3-4 weeks instead of just 10 > days…
If you can get her to give you a refill of Augmentin so that you take it continuously for 4 weeks (no intervening gaps), it might be worth a try because Augmentin is a good first-line antibiotic for sinusitis. My ENT would use it on me if I weren’t allergic to it. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
Response:
in article K7Zlf.757$n1….@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/8/05 11:25 AM: > If you can get her to give you a refill of Augmentin so that you take it > continuously for 4 weeks (no intervening gaps), it might be worth a try > because Augmentin is a good first-line antibiotic for sinusitis. My ENT > would use it on me if I weren’t allergic to it.
That’s actually what she has said she’d prefer to do at this point, so I will go with that to make sure it doesn’t just come right back. What allergic symptoms do you experience with Augmentin? Just curious. So far it’s mainly just causing me some diarrhea (not bad, just aggravating) – and yes, I’m taking probiotics in between doses – maybe not enough, though… Thanks again, Jacki
Response:
in article BFBD0296.2D98%hydro…@adelphia.net, Murray Grossan at hydro…@adelphia.net wrote on 12/8/05 12:20 AM: > It would be very poor practice to arbitrarily give someone more antibiotic > than is necessary. Did you know that antibiotics have side effects? > If you read the info here you would know that other factors help healing so > that less antibiotic may be needed.
Thanks, Dr. Grossan… I definitely know the antibiotics have side effects and wouldn’t even be using them if it hadn’t gotten excruciatingly painful (throat and ears) – I didn’t see any option since the other things I was doing wasn’t stopping it this time. Short history – I had suffered from chronic sinusitis for about 3 years straight approximately 7 years ago – leading up to sinus surgery (septoplasty and a 2nd surgery for making a "window" and turbinate reduction) – which still didn’t seem to help. I was doing the irrigation using your adapter with a Water Pik for quite some time and got the papaya enzymes locally (don’t think you were selling them at that time) and did everything I read about here! Finally, it seems what kicked it for me was using Claritin D 24 hour, Nasacort AQ, and Vit. C with quercetin on a daily basis for about a year. I then went with no problems at all for about the past 2-3 years. If a cold occurred or what I thought was anything at all kicking up the sinus symptoms, I’d start the Claritin D 24 hour back, and that had kept it at bay. For some reason when this particular "cold" hit back in late October, the Claritin D didn’t stop it from progressing to the infection – and that’s where I’m at now… So I’m wondering whether to add back Allegra D 24 hour (cheaper for me since insurance won’t cover the Claritin any more) and Rhinocort AQ (which I read on here is best as far as the preservatives) – or what exactly to do at this point to get back over this! The Augmentin does seem to have helped the sore throat finally (as of today – my 3rd day on it), so I’m pretty sure that making sure I take it long enough to kick this is a good idea, unless you have other opinions on that! I’m also doing other things: increasing my water intake, using xylitol spray, and am trying to either get a new Water Pik or might just use a bulb for now if I can’t get one soon. Do you think all this is a good idea for me at this point? Or are there other alternatives that you would recommend either in addition to, or instead of, what I’m doing? Thanks so much for your opinion on this… Jacki
Response:
Jack wrote: > in article K7Zlf.757$n1….@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at > sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/8/05 11:25 AM: >>If you can get her to give you a refill of Augmentin so that you take it >>continuously for 4 weeks (no intervening gaps), it might be worth a try >>because Augmentin is a good first-line antibiotic for sinusitis. My ENT >>would use it on me if I weren’t allergic to it. > That’s actually what she has said she’d prefer to do at this point, so I > will go with that to make sure it doesn’t just come right back. What > allergic symptoms do you experience with Augmentin?
Hives and rash. > Just curious. So far > it’s mainly just causing me some diarrhea (not bad, just aggravating)
That’s not really an allergic reaction. Antibiotics also kill off the "good" bacteria in the gut that help control water balance in there. Keep taking the probiotics, you’re doing the right thing. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
Response:
On 12/8/05 2:03 PM, in article BFBE17E5.1606D%gbarineauii100…@comcast.net, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Jack" <gbarineauii100…@comcast.net> wrote: > in article BFBD0296.2D98%hydro…@adelphia.net, Murray Grossan at > hydro…@adelphia.net wrote on 12/8/05 12:20 AM: >> It would be very poor practice to arbitrarily give someone more antibiotic >> than is necessary. Did you know that antibiotics have side effects? >> If you read the info here you would know that other factors help healing so >> that less antibiotic may be needed. > Thanks, Dr. Grossan… I definitely know the antibiotics have side effects > and wouldn’t even be using them if it hadn’t gotten excruciatingly painful > (throat and ears) – I didn’t see any option since the other things I was > doing wasn’t stopping it this time. Short history – I had suffered from > chronic sinusitis for about 3 years straight approximately 7 years ago – > leading up to sinus surgery (septoplasty and a 2nd surgery for making a > "window" and turbinate reduction) – which still didn’t seem to help. I was > doing the irrigation using your adapter with a Water Pik for quite some time > and got the papaya enzymes locally (don’t think you were selling them at > that time) and did everything I read about here! Finally, it seems what > kicked it for me was using Claritin D 24 hour, Nasacort AQ, and Vit. C with > quercetin on a daily basis for about a year. I then went with no problems > at all for about the past 2-3 years. If a cold occurred or what I thought > was anything at all kicking up the sinus symptoms, I’d start the Claritin D > 24 hour back, and that had kept it at bay. For some reason when this > particular "cold" hit back in late October, the Claritin D didn’t stop it > from progressing to the infection – and that’s where I’m at now… > So I’m wondering whether to add back Allegra D 24 hour (cheaper for me since > insurance won’t cover the Claritin any more) and Rhinocort AQ (which I read > on here is best as far as the preservatives) – or what exactly to do at this > point to get back over this! The Augmentin does seem to have helped the > sore throat finally (as of today – my 3rd day on it), so I’m pretty sure > that making sure I take it long enough to kick this is a good idea, unless > you have other opinions on that! I’m also doing other things: increasing > my water intake, using xylitol spray, and am trying to either get a new > Water Pik or might just use a bulb for now if I can’t get one soon. Do you > think all this is a good idea for me at this point? Or are there other > alternatives that you would recommend either in addition to, or instead of, > what I’m doing? > Thanks so much for your opinion on this… > Jacki
Allegra D and Claritin D have similar actions and individuals react differently – some say one works better than the other. Whichever works for you. You might want to wait to see if the medicaiton you are currently taking does the job for you. If you need a new irrigator, ask your insurance if they cover the Hydro Pulse. Increasingly more carriers do. Although Hydro Pulse doesn’t require a prescription, you will need to send one in for the insurance to cover. Best wishes, .
Response:
On 12/8/05 8:22 AM, in article o5Zlf.756$n1….@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net, "Steven L." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net> wrote: > Murray Grossan wrote: >> On 12/7/05 8:01 PM, in article BFBD1A46.15FE0%gbarineauii100…@comcast.net, >> "Jack" <gbarineauii100…@comcast.net> wrote: >>> in article gfMlf.516$QQ1….@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net, Steven L. at >>> sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net wrote on 12/7/05 8:45 PM: >>>> I think it’s more important to eradicate the infection thoroughly, which >>>> means you need to find a doctor who’s willing to give you more than 10 >>>> days worth of whatever antibiotic s/he prescribes. It seems like this >>>> is the third short course you’ve had. I sure don’t want your doctor to >>>> give you just 10 days worth of the "big guns" and ruin those for you too. >>> She will probably go along with whatever I ask for – so I’ve shared the Mayo >>> clinic article that says 4 weeks minimum! I’m just wondering now if I >>> should go ahead and SWITCH to one of those other antibiotics for 3-4 weeks >>> immediately or stay on the Augmentin for 3-4 weeks instead of just 10 >>> days… >>> Thanks again! >>> Jacki >> The Mayo article DOES NOT SAY FOUR WEEKS MINIMUM. >> THE PDR and the FDA does say that Augmentin is indicated for Sinus >> Infection. >> What the Mayo web site is is a general discussion. All patients vary and it >> says MAY require four weeks of Rx. >> Everyone is different and each patient needs to be treated individually. >> It would be very poor practice to arbitrarily give someone more antibiotic >> than is necessary. > The problem is that with sinusitis, it is virtually IMPOSSIBLE for a > primary-care physician, a family doctor, to know what is "necessary." > They just don’t have the needed diagnostic tools–CT scans, endoscopes, > sinus cultures–that ENTs have. Thus they are unable to determine just > what antibiotic to take and how long to take it, till all sinus disease > is eliminated. > For primary-care physicians it is guesswork, and with sinusitis it’s > better to err on the side of wiping out the infection thoroughly rather > than undertreating it and allowing it to flare right up again.
What generally happens, what we see in our clinic is that the antibiotic did kill all the invading bacteria. But unless the cilia return to normal function, then the infection can start afresh.
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On Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:40:53 -0500, Susan <neverm…@nomail.com> wrote: >x-no-archive: yes >Steven L. wrote: >> Livestock aren’t "raised in an unhealthy manner." But all livestock are >> prone to infectious diseases, just like your pet poodle is or you are. >> And every time livestock gets sick, that reduces the yield of meat, eggs >> and milk and raises prices. >Steven, feedlot livestock are raised in terrible conditions on foods >they’re not meant to eat. This makes them ill and causes them to >require a lot of antibiotics.
Yup. And spending most of one’s life knee-deep in fecal material is neither good nor natural for man or beast.
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Hello jack….I found a site with an irrigator which will reach way up into nose if you have passage from prior surgery …I have been using it along with dr grossans to get a through cleaning …I was set for surgery 2 weeks ago would have been my 7th one but ent said nose looked good and put off the operation…I have been mixing a solution of 3oz white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 oz graprfruit seed extract in 2 quarts clean water ….I use the grossan tip for the 1st rinse then switch to the #5 dsi tip for the long reach I have both tips that use a water pic unit……http://www.ethicare.com/prodinfo.html ……..seems to finally be working for me so thought I’d share…good luck….Mahalo michael "Jack" <gbarineauii100…@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:BFBE17E5.1606D%gbarineauii100845@comcast.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> in article BFBD0296.2D98%hydro…@adelphia.net, Murray Grossan at > hydro…@adelphia.net wrote on 12/8/05 12:20 AM: >> It would be very poor practice to arbitrarily give someone more >> antibiotic >> than is necessary. Did you know that antibiotics have side effects? >> If you read the info here you would know that other factors help healing >> so >> that less antibiotic may be needed. > Thanks, Dr. Grossan… I definitely know the antibiotics have side > effects > and wouldn’t even be using them if it hadn’t gotten excruciatingly painful > (throat and ears) – I didn’t see any option since the other things I was > doing wasn’t stopping it this time. Short history – I had suffered from > chronic sinusitis for about 3 years straight approximately 7 years ago – > leading up to sinus surgery (septoplasty and a 2nd surgery for making a > "window" and turbinate reduction) – which still didn’t seem to help. I > was > doing the irrigation using your adapter with a Water Pik for quite some > time > and got the papaya enzymes locally (don’t think you were selling them at > that time) and did everything I read about here! Finally, it seems what > kicked it for me was using Claritin D 24 hour, Nasacort AQ, and Vit. C > with > quercetin on a daily basis for about a year. I then went with no problems > at all for about the past 2-3 years. If a cold occurred or what I thought > was anything at all kicking up the sinus symptoms, I’d start the Claritin > D > 24 hour back, and that had kept it at bay. For some reason when this > particular "cold" hit back in late October, the Claritin D didn’t stop it > from progressing to the infection – and that’s where I’m at now… > So I’m wondering whether to add back Allegra D 24 hour (cheaper for me > since > insurance won’t cover the Claritin any more) and Rhinocort AQ (which I > read > on here is best as far as the preservatives) – or what exactly to do at > this > point to get back over this! The Augmentin does seem to have helped the > sore throat finally (as of today – my 3rd day on it), so I’m pretty sure > that making sure I take it long enough to kick this is a good idea, unless > you have other opinions on that! I’m also doing other things: increasing > my water intake, using xylitol spray, and am trying to either get a new > Water Pik or might just use a bulb for now if I can’t get one soon. Do > you > think all this is a good idea for me at this point? Or are there other > alternatives that you would recommend either in addition to, or instead > of, > what I’m doing? > Thanks so much for your opinion on this… > Jacki
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On 12/24/05 10:44 PM, in article 6drrf.7875$hI1.4…@tornado.socal.rr.com, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"michael" <piper…@teleport.com> wrote: > Hello jack….I found a site with an irrigator which will reach way up into > nose if you have passage from prior surgery …I have been using it along > with dr grossans to get a through cleaning …I was set for surgery 2 weeks > ago would have been my 7th one but ent said nose looked good and put off > the operation…I have been mixing a solution of 3oz white vinegar 1/2 > teaspoon salt 1/2 oz graprfruit seed extract in 2 quarts clean water ….I > use the grossan tip for the 1st rinse then switch to the #5 dsi tip for the > long reach I have both tips that use a water pic > unit……http://www.ethicare.com/prodinfo.html ……..seems to finally be > working for me so thought I’d share…good luck….Mahalo michael > "Jack" <gbarineauii100…@comcast.net> wrote in message > news:BFBE17E5.1606D%gbarineauii100845@comcast.net… >> in article BFBD0296.2D98%hydro…@adelphia.net, Murray Grossan at >> hydro…@adelphia.net wrote on 12/8/05 12:20 AM: >>> It would be very poor practice to arbitrarily give someone more >>> antibiotic >>> than is necessary. Did you know that antibiotics have side effects? >>> If you read the info here you would know that other factors help healing >>> so >>> that less antibiotic may be needed. >> Thanks, Dr. Grossan… I definitely know the antibiotics have side >> effects >> and wouldn’t even be using them if it hadn’t gotten excruciatingly painful >> (throat and ears) – I didn’t see any option since the other things I was >> doing wasn’t stopping it this time. Short history – I had suffered from >> chronic sinusitis for about 3 years straight approximately 7 years ago – >> leading up to sinus surgery (septoplasty and a 2nd surgery for making a >> "window" and turbinate reduction) – which still didn’t seem to help. I >> was >> doing the irrigation using your adapter with a Water Pik for quite some >> time >> and got the papaya enzymes locally (don’t think you were selling them at >> that time) and did everything I read about here! Finally, it seems what >> kicked it for me was using Claritin D 24 hour, Nasacort AQ, and Vit. C >> with >> quercetin on a daily basis for about a year. I then went with no problems >> at all for about the past 2-3 years. If a cold occurred or what I thought >> was anything at all kicking up the sinus symptoms, I’d start the Claritin >> D >> 24 hour back, and that had kept it at bay. For some reason when this >> particular "cold" hit back in late October, the Claritin D didn’t stop it >> from progressing to the infection – and that’s where I’m at now… >> So I’m wondering whether to add back Allegra D 24 hour (cheaper for me >> since >> insurance won’t cover the Claritin any more) and Rhinocort AQ (which I >> read >> on here is best as far as the preservatives) – or what exactly to do at >> this >> point to get back over this! The Augmentin does seem to have helped the >> sore throat finally (as of today – my 3rd day on it), so I’m pretty sure >> that making sure I take it long enough to kick this is a good idea, unless >> you have other opinions on that! I’m also doing other things: increasing >> my water intake, using xylitol spray, and am trying to either get a new >> Water Pik or might just use a bulb for now if I can’t get one soon. Do >> you >> think all this is a good idea for me at this point? Or are there other >> alternatives that you would recommend either in addition to, or instead >> of, >> what I’m doing? >> Thanks so much for your opinion on this… >> Jacki
Ask your doctor about using antibiotic in the pulsatile irrigation solution, that can be a help. Also, ask your insurance carrier if they reimburse for the Hydro Pulse Nasal/Sinus Irrigator. Insurance carriers are covering these days, but not all. Note: Hydro Pulse is my device sold by my company, Hydro Med.
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Question:
Have there been any books written on reflux (GERD) disease and sinusitis? Thanks
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jan wrote: > Have there been any books written on reflux (GERD) disease and > sinusitis? > Thanks
Search the Medline database at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi You usually can’t get full text articles, but often can get abstracts. —
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On 30 Nov 2005 14:05:49 -0800, "jan" <mysterygr…@yahoo.com> wrote: >Have there been any books written on reflux (GERD) disease and >sinusitis?
Do you need a book or just to talk about it? We have discussed it extensively on this newsgroup. Many ENT’s believe it is a cause of sinusitis and especially of coughing. They pretty well all check for it now routinely but looking at your larynx with the laryngoscope for stains. But if it is just very light GERD, it is probably not the cause of chronic widespread sinusitis. It might aggravate it a bit though….
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jan wrote: > Have there been any books written on reflux (GERD) disease and > sinusitis?
A whole book? Not that I’m aware of. But the theory that reflux can lead to sinusitis is increasingly suspected by some (but not all) ENTs. The problem is, the gastroenterologists tend not to believe it. My ENT believes it. The problem he’s having, and I’m having, is he can’t find a gastroenterologist in the Boston area to work with him on treating his sinusitis patients. Helplessly, he actually asked *me* to try to search the Internet for gastroenterologists in the New England area who might subscribe to that theory. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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Question:
I think first half of the Ivker book has the most value as it lists as Steven said the amounts of vitamins and supplements to take. It also gives a good description of the antibiotics and environmental things to try. Of course new antibiotics are developed since the book came out. I agreee some of the ‘new age’ stuff is a little over the top. (Although I practice yoga/meditation and I think it helps). I would recommend getting the Ivker book from your local library. There are many editions of the book but you could probably go with any of the recent ones. Check interlibrary loan also. My library had the book and if it didn’t my library consortium which has something like 25 libraries could get it for me (very convenient). I read several of the other sinus books this way so I didn’t waste any money buying books I didn’t need or find helpful. Dr. David Kennedy and Dr. Grossan each have sinus books I got through the library consortium. Each book has some suggestions worth exploring. One thing from Dr. Grossan’s book – tea with honey and use of papaya/bromelian based decongestants may help you.
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Don Brady wrote:
<snip> > But people love the book because it appears to offer non-traditional solutions, > which is what people are hoping for.
Well for chronic sinusitis nothing traditional appears to work…
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On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 13:15:30 -0500, "loxaluck" <loxal…@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hello: >i guess it is inexpensive enough so i should probably just pick it up and >check it out for myself. Perhaps I have gotten as much out of "western" >medicine that I can, but it sounds as if it will involve a regimen of some >time. Has anyone followed through with the steps outlined? For how long? >it seems as if the early chapters will outline a description and some >discussion of vitamins and supplements. is any of this information such >that can not be gathered for free through the internet? >the 2nd half of the book seems to be devoted to various "state of mind" >theories, with chapters such as: Dreamwork and Journaling; Optimism and >Humor; Prayer; Gratitude; Finding Spirit in Nature… >Not to knock the above, but just wondering how much of the book deals with >what.
Quite a few people like this book. It certianly looks good superficially. But just in my *personal* opinion, a lot of it is bunk. Having tried everything, I have found in my own experience that all of the stat of mind approaches make absolutely no diffenence. What does matter is allergenand irritant avoidance, sleep and diet. to me. I think that a lot of his fungal stuff is very questionable too. But people love the book because it appears to offer non-traditional solutions, which is what people are hoping for.
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loxaluck wrote: > Hello: > i guess it is inexpensive enough so i should probably just pick it up and > check it out for myself. Perhaps I have gotten as much out of "western" > medicine that I can, but it sounds as if it will involve a regimen of some > time. Has anyone followed through with the steps outlined? For how long? > it seems as if the early chapters will outline a description and some > discussion of vitamins and supplements. is any of this information such > that can not be gathered for free through the internet?
The first half of the book is pretty good, if you’re looking for "alternative" approaches like nutrition and environmental changes. And Dr. Ivker recommends specific doses of nutritional supplements–how much to take and how often. That’s something I have rarely found on the Internet. But the Sinus Survival Program he outlined has not had an impressive track record in its first scientific study: "Silvers, Ivker (publisher of Sinus Survival) and Kirkpatrick found that use of Fluconazole was helpful in treatment of chronic sinusitis patients who failed aggressive conventional treatment. Those patients first underwent Dr. Ivker’s holistic treatment, but did not respond in the first 6 weeks. It was difficult to assess the holistic treatment because of the study design, but the Diflucan did appear to have some benefit." http://tinyurl.com/cp8yb Finally, Dr. Ivker apparently never met an "alternative" treatment he didn’t like. He even endorses homeopathy and reflexology, which I regard as total quackery. Reflexology is so wacko that I’m surprised that Dr. Ivker, a trained doctor, would include it in his book. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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Hello: i guess it is inexpensive enough so i should probably just pick it up and check it out for myself. Perhaps I have gotten as much out of "western" medicine that I can, but it sounds as if it will involve a regimen of some time. Has anyone followed through with the steps outlined? For how long? it seems as if the early chapters will outline a description and some discussion of vitamins and supplements. is any of this information such that can not be gathered for free through the internet? the 2nd half of the book seems to be devoted to various "state of mind" theories, with chapters such as: Dreamwork and Journaling; Optimism and Humor; Prayer; Gratitude; Finding Spirit in Nature… Not to knock the above, but just wondering how much of the book deals with what. thanks
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Question:
1. Been thinking about possibility of having sinus surgery. Been having Chronic congestion/inflammation for several years that worsens with any thing that I intake that is sour or has alchohol. No runny nose and no infections. tried everything.. nasal wash, steriod sprays, antibiotics, allergy shots etc Am I a candidate ? 2. Would they be able to combine this with a nose job - ie restructure my nose to a desired cosmetic shape (within a reasonable extent – make nostrils less wide) along with the sinus surgery as an added benefit ?
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On 22 Jul 2005 14:59:25 -0700, example2…@hotmail.com wrote: >1. Been thinking about possibility of having sinus surgery. Been having >Chronic congestion/inflammation for several years that worsens with any >thing that I intake that is sour or has alchohol. No runny nose and no >infections. tried everything.. nasal wash, steriod sprays, antibiotics, >allergy shots etc >Am I a candidate ?
Possibly if CT scans show blockages, thickening etc. A clinical exam. has to be done to really say. >2. Would they be able to combine this with a nose job - ie restructure >my nose to a desired cosmetic shape (within a reasonable extent – make >nostrils less wide) along with the sinus surgery as an added benefit ?
It can be done but will lengthen the surgery and maybe take the sole focus away from doing the best sinus surgery (which is tricky enough as it is).. You might need a plastic surgeon plus a sinsu surgeon, ot you might find both in one person, but then you are restricting your choice of surgons.
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example2…@hotmail.com wrote: > 1. Been thinking about possibility of having sinus surgery. Been having > Chronic congestion/inflammation for several years that worsens with any > thing that I intake that is sour or has alchohol. No runny nose and no > infections. tried everything.. nasal wash, steriod sprays, antibiotics, > allergy shots etc > Am I a candidate ?
Have you had a CT scan of your sinuses? If so, what did it show? Incidentally, if you suffer from sinus problems, you shouldn’t drink alcohol at all. It is known to worsen sinusitis. > 2. Would they be able to combine this with a nose job - ie restructure > my nose to a desired cosmetic shape (within a reasonable extent – make > nostrils less wide) along with the sinus surgery as an added benefit ?
I wouldn’t mix the two. An ENT surgeon is usually a different person than a plastic surgeon. And each type of surgery has a different recovery path and different post-operative care. Finally, while endoscopic sinus surgery is not supposed to change the shape of your nose significantly, in my case it did. Because my septum was so deviated and my nostrils so narrow, the surgery ended up making my nose slightly wider and straighter. So I would suggest having the sinus surgery and see what it does to your nose and face. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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<example2…@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1122069565.237981.70630@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com… > 1. Been thinking about possibility of having sinus surgery. Been having > Chronic congestion/inflammation for several years that worsens with any > thing that I intake that is sour or has alchohol. No runny nose and no > infections. tried everything.. nasal wash, steriod sprays, antibiotics, > allergy shots etc > Am I a candidate ?
Go to an ENT. I rather doubt that sinus surgery would be recommended. It is not a procedure to enter into without a good cause. After continuous infections I finally had to consent. Fortunately it cured the infections. Other problems still exist but I can live with them. > 2. Would they be able to combine this with a nose job - ie restructure > my nose to a desired cosmetic shape (within a reasonable extent – make > nostrils less wide) along with the sinus surgery as an added benefit ?
Not done by the same doctor. Recovering from Endoscopic Surgery is enough without other problems.
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Question:
I have been reading this newsgroup everyday for about 7 years now. Received lots of information. Some worked others didn’t. But I am still suffering with chronic sinusitis. I had two sinus surgeries during the last 7 years. I also suffer from sleep apnea. Between the apnea and sinusitis I feel very fatigued, no energy and tired all day. My ENT doctor wants me to go to University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia for a check up by the specialists. I am willing to go. The information that I am requesting is there any one in this group that has been there and can they recommend a Doctor. If I go I would at least like to see the best there is. Maybe one with sleep apnea as well as sinusitis experience. Thanking you in advance. Bob West
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On Sun, 3 Jul 2005 20:19:25 -0400, wes…@webtv.net (Bob West) wrote: >I have been reading this newsgroup everyday for about 7 years now. >Received lots of information. Some worked others didn’t. But I am still >suffering with chronic sinusitis. I had two sinus surgeries during the >last 7 years. I also suffer from sleep apnea. Between the apnea and >sinusitis I feel very fatigued, no energy and tired all day. My ENT >doctor wants me to go to University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia for >a check up by the specialists. I am willing to go. The information that >I am requesting is there any one in this group that has been there and >can they recommend a Doctor. If I go I would at least like to see the >best there is. Maybe one with sleep apnea as well as sinusitis >experience. Thanking you in advance.
Dr. Kennedy is most famous but you would probbaly not be able to see him as ha has cut back his load. But it is one of the very best centers of excellence in sinus surgery there is anywhere and there are quite a few famous surgeons there. See http://pennhealth.com/Wagform/MainPage.aspx?config=provider&P=PL&S=OTO – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Bob West
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I went. didnt get to see dr Kennedy. saw a dr. Chui. I’m sure these guys are good but i think i spent about 5 minutes with the dr. and got nowhere. he looked at my yr old cat scan – stuck the scope in my nose and told me to get together with an allergist, as my primary concern is persistent, unrelenting nasal drip(or something). he didnt think that there was anything that he could surgically do for me (i wasnt asking that specifically) that hadnt already been attempted with 2 previous surgeries. he thought that the hole that i had in my septum could not be repaired and that it was not the cause of my primary problem. I was unhappy with the visit, i had expected to get more tests – (like for AFS) but was rushed on out of there. i imagine that many will see this and think that i must be a hypochondriac, which i never fully dismissed (although several other surgeons did) but whatever i do have actual physical measurable symptoms. i do intend to see an allergist/immunologist/whatever again even though i had spent a yr on shots with no noticable improvement. all symptoms are different though and maybe you will find value in the UofP visit. good luck.
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On Wed, 06 Jul 2005 07:44:09 -0400, "loxaluck" <loxal…@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote: >I went. didnt get to see dr Kennedy. saw a dr. Chui. I’m sure these guys >are good but i think i spent about 5 minutes with the dr. and got nowhere. >he looked at my yr old cat scan – stuck the scope in my nose and told me to >get together with an allergist, as my primary concern is persistent, >unrelenting nasal drip(or something). he didnt think that there was >anything that he could surgically do for me (i wasnt asking that >specifically) that hadnt already been attempted with 2 previous surgeries.
They are surgical specialists there, so if a non-surgical solution is appropriate, you probable are indeed better elsewhere. They are (usually) great at surgery, and it is good to know at least that you do not need surgery. I think that Chui is well known. > he thought that the hole that i had in my septum could not be repaired and >that it was not the cause of my primary problem. I was unhappy with the >visit, i had expected to get more tests – (like for AFS
Only a few places think that AFS is a major factor, and U. Penn is not one of them. > but was rushed on >out of there. i imagine that many will see this and think that i must be a >hypochondriac,
I do not think so for a moment. Chronic post nasal is a very serious problem that you need to solve. Check immune status, thyroid, B12-vitamin levels, diet, white blood cell count. >which i never fully dismissed (although several other >surgeons did) but whatever i do have actual physical measurable symptoms. > i do intend to see an allergist/immunologist/whatever again even though i >had spent a yr on shots with no noticable improvement. all symptoms are >different though and maybe you will find value in the UofP visit. good >luck.
It is a place for an opinion on surgery. If you want a more all-round approach, I would suggest Mayo.
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Thank you very much. i sure do appreciate it. i will set up an appt with my general practioner to discuss the things that you have mentioned and exhaust all those possibilities as well as a visit to an immunologist/allergist before i set up a Mayo appt. greg
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Question:
I Found a site selling Sinuswar remedies. Anyone try these? Any good? Or is just another rip off sugar pill…? Let me know.Its Sinuswars.com I have treyed other homeopathic remedy and followed the exact directions after 2 months nothing. The they go out of buisness. Please let me know. Thank you
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DD DDD wrote: > I Found a site selling Sinuswar remedies. Anyone try these? Any good? Or > is just another rip off sugar pill…? Let me know.Its Sinuswars.com I > have treyed other homeopathic remedy and followed the exact directions > after 2 months nothing. The they go out of buisness. Please let me know.
There is no scientific evidence that homeopathy does anything for chronic sinusitis. Don’t waste your money on homeopathy. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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Question:
Thanks- I’ve been tested for HIV. IgG subclass deficeiency is considered a primary immune deficiency; I’ve discovered that there are quite a few of them- most of which I don’t have, thank God. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Steven L. wrote: > uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > > My overall IgG is fine; I think that only four out of twelve subclasses > > were measured, and three of the four were low (IgG 3 was very low). My > > MD told me that the tests that measure IgG subclasses are not that > > great, and that the "acid test" is the response to vaccinations. I > > produced antibodies to tetanus, but the response to pneumovax was weak > > enough that my insurance co. approved a four month trial of IVIg. > My immunologist had a different testing protocol: Instead of tetanus, > she specially ordered a special vaccine called PRP. PRP consists of > killed Hemophilus influenzae bacteria (that’s a common cause of sinus > infections). She ordered that because my initial count of H. influenzae > antibodies was so low. Given how many times I’ve had sinus infections, > I should have had more antibodies to that thing. But I reacted well to > the PRP so she decided I didn’t have an antibody deficiency. > If you’re having repeated infections indicating an immune deficiency, > you ought to be tested for HIV if there’s any chance at all you might > have become infected. > — > Steven D. Litvintchouk > Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net > Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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On 2/20/05 7:38 AM, in article 1108913892.231238.178…@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com, "uuperiwin…@yahoo.com" <uuperiwin…@yahoo.com> wrote: > she specially ordered a special vaccine called PRP. PRP consists of >> killed Hemophilus influenzae bacteria (that’s a common cause of sinus >> infections)
Please ask your doctor where she gets this vaccine PRP and to please let me know. Once upon a time there were dozens of these available and I haven’t been able to lacate any recently. Thanks. Murray Grossan, M.D.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Murray Grossan wrote: > On 2/20/05 7:38 AM, in article > 1108913892.231238.178…@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com, > "uuperiwin…@yahoo.com" <uuperiwin…@yahoo.com> wrote: >>she specially ordered a special vaccine called PRP. PRP consists of >>>killed Hemophilus influenzae bacteria (that’s a common cause of sinus >>>infections) > Please ask your doctor where she gets this vaccine PRP and to please let me > know. > Once upon a time there were dozens of these available and I haven’t been > able to lacate any recently. Thanks. > Murray Grossan, M.D.
Why don’t you contact her directly. Her name is Dr. Maria Castells at the Allergy Department of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Chestnut Hill Massachusetts, 617-278-0300 — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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Dear Pell, Have you heard yet about your response to vaccinations? I’m happy to report that after two months of IVIg, I have been able to get off antibiotics (and stay well) for the first time since August. Actually, I discontinued the antibiotics two weeks after the first treatment. Still have chronic sinusitis, but no infection. I have had no side effects from the treatments, although I did feel a bit woozy for about 30 minutes after the second treatment. Hope you are feeling better. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -pellmellwillyni…@hotmail.com wrote: > Hi. > I have not been treated with IV IgG but have low levels and am in the > process of being tested to see if I’m producing antibodies to > vaccinations, such as tetanus and pneumonia. Since last May, I’ve had > myriad sinus infections, at least two serious bouts of bronchitis and > two rounds of pneumonia. I see online that IV IgG is the treatment of > "choice" for people with low IgG levels, but I note that it is often > not successful. I hope you will report on your experience with it. > BTW, do you know which of your IgG subgroup levels are low, and how low > your overal IgG is? My overall level isn’t much below normal, but > something sure is wreaking havoc on my immune system. > Pell > uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > > Hi, > > I’ve been lurking for awhile but haven’t posted. I would love to > hear > > from someone who has been treated with IVIG for chronic sinusitis. I > > have had my first treatment, went off Avelox about two weeks later, > and > > am now waiting with great anxiety to see what happens. I haven’t > been > > able to get off antibiotics for more than a few days in about six > > months. I have another treatment scheduled next week. > > Just so you know, I’m doing all the other regular stuff- irrigating > > with both saline & sporonox, allergy shots, Singulair & Allegra, > daily > > oral fluconazole, nasal steroids, etc. Thanks.
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Thanks for asking! I’ll probably hear Monday about whether I seem to have made antibodies to the tetanus shot I got in August. I don’t know how much the data will tell the doctor, since we didn’t have a before-shot measurement of my tetanus antibody levels, but at least there’s data on that. Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to stay well long enough to get the pneumonia vaccine. Three days after the last bout of bronchitis, I got another cold. The doctor is trying to prevent that from becoming another bronchitis by having me inhale two squirts of my "rescue" inhaler every four hours until the sinus drainage goes away. Between the inhaler and irrigating 3-4 times a day, the chest infection is being successfully kept at bay. The sinuses still feel assaulted, but maybe that will be little enough body problem that I’ll be allowed to get the pneumovax at my appointment Monday. I’m glad you’re successfully off antibiotics. Can you explain how you can have sinusitis but no infection? I thought the -itis ending meant infection of whatever is at the beginning of the -itis word. Does it just mean inflammation and not infection? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > Dear Pell, > Have you heard yet about your response to vaccinations? I’m happy to > report that after two months of IVIg, I have been able to get off > antibiotics (and stay well) for the first time since August. Actually, > I discontinued the antibiotics two weeks after the first treatment. > Still have chronic sinusitis, but no infection. I have had no side > effects from the treatments, although I did feel a bit woozy for about > 30 minutes after the second treatment. Hope you are feeling better. > pellmellwillyni…@hotmail.com wrote: > > Hi. > > I have not been treated with IV IgG but have low levels and am in the > > process of being tested to see if I’m producing antibodies to > > vaccinations, such as tetanus and pneumonia. Since last May, I’ve had > > myriad sinus infections, at least two serious bouts of bronchitis and > > two rounds of pneumonia. I see online that IV IgG is the treatment of > > "choice" for people with low IgG levels, but I note that it is often > > not successful. I hope you will report on your experience with it. > > BTW, do you know which of your IgG subgroup levels are low, and how > low > > your overal IgG is? My overall level isn’t much below normal, but > > something sure is wreaking havoc on my immune system. > > Pell > > uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > > > Hi, > > > I’ve been lurking for awhile but haven’t posted. I would love to > > hear > > > from someone who has been treated with IVIG for chronic sinusitis. > I > > > have had my first treatment, went off Avelox about two weeks later, > > and > > > am now waiting with great anxiety to see what happens. I haven’t > > been > > > able to get off antibiotics for more than a few days in about six > > > months. I have another treatment scheduled next week. > > > Just so you know, I’m doing all the other regular stuff- irrigating > > > with both saline & sporonox, allergy shots, Singulair & Allegra, > > daily > > > oral fluconazole, nasal steroids, etc. Thanks.
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Hi, I’ve been lurking for awhile but haven’t posted. I would love to hear from someone who has been treated with IVIG for chronic sinusitis. I have had my first treatment, went off Avelox about two weeks later, and am now waiting with great anxiety to see what happens. I haven’t been able to get off antibiotics for more than a few days in about six months. I have another treatment scheduled next week. Just so you know, I’m doing all the other regular stuff- irrigating with both saline & sporonox, allergy shots, Singulair & Allegra, daily oral fluconazole, nasal steroids, etc. Thanks.
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Hi. I have not been treated with IV IgG but have low levels and am in the process of being tested to see if I’m producing antibodies to vaccinations, such as tetanus and pneumonia. Since last May, I’ve had myriad sinus infections, at least two serious bouts of bronchitis and two rounds of pneumonia. I see online that IV IgG is the treatment of "choice" for people with low IgG levels, but I note that it is often not successful. I hope you will report on your experience with it. BTW, do you know which of your IgG subgroup levels are low, and how low your overal IgG is? My overall level isn’t much below normal, but something sure is wreaking havoc on my immune system. Pell – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > Hi, > I’ve been lurking for awhile but haven’t posted. I would love to hear > from someone who has been treated with IVIG for chronic sinusitis. I > have had my first treatment, went off Avelox about two weeks later, and > am now waiting with great anxiety to see what happens. I haven’t been > able to get off antibiotics for more than a few days in about six > months. I have another treatment scheduled next week. > Just so you know, I’m doing all the other regular stuff- irrigating > with both saline & sporonox, allergy shots, Singulair & Allegra, daily > oral fluconazole, nasal steroids, etc. Thanks.
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My overall IgG is fine; I think that only four out of twelve subclasses were measured, and three of the four were low (IgG 3 was very low). My MD told me that the tests that measure IgG subclasses are not that great, and that the "acid test" is the response to vaccinations. I produced antibodies to tetanus, but the response to pneumovax was weak enough that my insurance co. approved a four month trial of IVIg. I am very hopeful that it will help, as not much else has. I had no side effects from the first infusion, although I was very tired the next day. I really don’t notice much of a difference, but I will say that I have now been off antibiotics for five days and have not gone downhill, which is a record given my experience over the last six months. LJ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -pellmellwillyni…@hotmail.com wrote: > Hi. > I have not been treated with IV IgG but have low levels and am in the > process of being tested to see if I’m producing antibodies to > vaccinations, such as tetanus and pneumonia. Since last May, I’ve had > myriad sinus infections, at least two serious bouts of bronchitis and > two rounds of pneumonia. I see online that IV IgG is the treatment of > "choice" for people with low IgG levels, but I note that it is often > not successful. I hope you will report on your experience with it. > BTW, do you know which of your IgG subgroup levels are low, and how low > your overal IgG is? My overall level isn’t much below normal, but > something sure is wreaking havoc on my immune system. > Pell > uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > > Hi, > > I’ve been lurking for awhile but haven’t posted. I would love to > hear > > from someone who has been treated with IVIG for chronic sinusitis. I > > have had my first treatment, went off Avelox about two weeks later, > and > > am now waiting with great anxiety to see what happens. I haven’t > been > > able to get off antibiotics for more than a few days in about six > > months. I have another treatment scheduled next week. > > Just so you know, I’m doing all the other regular stuff- irrigating > > with both saline & sporonox, allergy shots, Singulair & Allegra, > daily > > oral fluconazole, nasal steroids, etc. Thanks.
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Hey! I got the pneumonia vaccine today. Looks like I might not have IgG subclass deficiency, since I’d not only made antibodies to the August tetanus shot but even had some antibodies to pneumonia before the vaccine. (So why have I had pneumonia twice in the past year? Ugh.) Anyway, I guess I’ll have results for the pneumonia antibodies in 6 weeks or so. The rescue inhaler and frequent nasal rinsing kept that cold from getting into my chest. Oh, I used hot rice packs to break up the sinus congestion too. I’m gonna remember that procedure next time I get a cold! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > Yeah- inflammation without infection. I have a lot of allergies, > especially to molds, and get shots as well as medications for that. > Once the sinus membranes have been inflamed for a period of time, they > thicken and become hyper-reactive to just about anything- cold air, > stress, etc. It never really goes away but some days are better than > others, and the measures I take seem to help overall. > pellmellwillyni…@hotmail.com wrote: > > Thanks for asking! > > I’ll probably hear Monday about whether I seem to have made > antibodies > > to the tetanus shot I got in August. I don’t know how much the data > > will tell the doctor, since we didn’t have a before-shot measurement > of > > my tetanus antibody levels, but at least there’s data on that. > > Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to stay well long enough to get the > > pneumonia vaccine. Three days after the last bout of bronchitis, I > got > > another cold. The doctor is trying to prevent that from becoming > > another bronchitis by having me inhale two squirts of my "rescue" > > inhaler every four hours until the sinus drainage goes away. Between > > the inhaler and irrigating 3-4 times a day, the chest infection is > > being successfully kept at bay. The sinuses still feel assaulted, but > > maybe that will be little enough body problem that I’ll be allowed to > > get the pneumovax at my appointment Monday. > > I’m glad you’re successfully off antibiotics. Can you explain how you > > can have sinusitis but no infection? I thought the -itis ending meant > > infection of whatever is at the beginning of the -itis word. Does it > > just mean inflammation and not infection? > > uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > > > Dear Pell, > > > Have you heard yet about your response to vaccinations? I’m happy > to > > > report that after two months of IVIg, I have been able to get off > > > antibiotics (and stay well) for the first time since August. > > Actually, > > > I discontinued the antibiotics two weeks after the first treatment. > > > Still have chronic sinusitis, but no infection. I have had no side > > > effects from the treatments, although I did feel a bit woozy for > > about > > > 30 minutes after the second treatment. Hope you are feeling > better. > > > pellmellwillyni…@hotmail.com wrote: > > > > Hi. > > > > I have not been treated with IV IgG but have low levels and am in > > the > > > > process of being tested to see if I’m producing antibodies to > > > > vaccinations, such as tetanus and pneumonia. Since last May, I’ve > > had > > > > myriad sinus infections, at least two serious bouts of bronchitis > > and > > > > two rounds of pneumonia. I see online that IV IgG is the > treatment > > of > > > > "choice" for people with low IgG levels, but I note that it is > > often > > > > not successful. I hope you will report on your experience with > it. > > > > BTW, do you know which of your IgG subgroup levels are low, and > how > > > low > > > > your overal IgG is? My overall level isn’t much below normal, but > > > > something sure is wreaking havoc on my immune system. > > > > Pell > > > > uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > > > > > Hi, > > > > > I’ve been lurking for awhile but haven’t posted. I would love > to > > > > hear > > > > > from someone who has been treated with IVIG for chronic > > sinusitis. > > > I > > > > > have had my first treatment, went off Avelox about two weeks > > later, > > > > and > > > > > am now waiting with great anxiety to see what happens. I > haven’t > > > > been > > > > > able to get off antibiotics for more than a few days in about > six > > > > > months. I have another treatment scheduled next week. > > > > > Just so you know, I’m doing all the other regular stuff- > > irrigating > > > > > with both saline & sporonox, allergy shots, Singulair & > Allegra, > > > > daily > > > > > oral fluconazole, nasal steroids, etc. Thanks.
Response:
Yeah- inflammation without infection. I have a lot of allergies, especially to molds, and get shots as well as medications for that. Once the sinus membranes have been inflamed for a period of time, they thicken and become hyper-reactive to just about anything- cold air, stress, etc. It never really goes away but some days are better than others, and the measures I take seem to help overall. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -pellmellwillyni…@hotmail.com wrote: > Thanks for asking! > I’ll probably hear Monday about whether I seem to have made antibodies > to the tetanus shot I got in August. I don’t know how much the data > will tell the doctor, since we didn’t have a before-shot measurement of > my tetanus antibody levels, but at least there’s data on that. > Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to stay well long enough to get the > pneumonia vaccine. Three days after the last bout of bronchitis, I got > another cold. The doctor is trying to prevent that from becoming > another bronchitis by having me inhale two squirts of my "rescue" > inhaler every four hours until the sinus drainage goes away. Between > the inhaler and irrigating 3-4 times a day, the chest infection is > being successfully kept at bay. The sinuses still feel assaulted, but > maybe that will be little enough body problem that I’ll be allowed to > get the pneumovax at my appointment Monday. > I’m glad you’re successfully off antibiotics. Can you explain how you > can have sinusitis but no infection? I thought the -itis ending meant > infection of whatever is at the beginning of the -itis word. Does it > just mean inflammation and not infection? > uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > > Dear Pell, > > Have you heard yet about your response to vaccinations? I’m happy to > > report that after two months of IVIg, I have been able to get off > > antibiotics (and stay well) for the first time since August. > Actually, > > I discontinued the antibiotics two weeks after the first treatment. > > Still have chronic sinusitis, but no infection. I have had no side > > effects from the treatments, although I did feel a bit woozy for > about > > 30 minutes after the second treatment. Hope you are feeling better. > > pellmellwillyni…@hotmail.com wrote: > > > Hi. > > > I have not been treated with IV IgG but have low levels and am in > the > > > process of being tested to see if I’m producing antibodies to > > > vaccinations, such as tetanus and pneumonia. Since last May, I’ve > had > > > myriad sinus infections, at least two serious bouts of bronchitis > and > > > two rounds of pneumonia. I see online that IV IgG is the treatment > of > > > "choice" for people with low IgG levels, but I note that it is > often > > > not successful. I hope you will report on your experience with it. > > > BTW, do you know which of your IgG subgroup levels are low, and how > > low > > > your overal IgG is? My overall level isn’t much below normal, but > > > something sure is wreaking havoc on my immune system. > > > Pell > > > uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > > > > Hi, > > > > I’ve been lurking for awhile but haven’t posted. I would love to > > > hear > > > > from someone who has been treated with IVIG for chronic > sinusitis. > > I > > > > have had my first treatment, went off Avelox about two weeks > later, > > > and > > > > am now waiting with great anxiety to see what happens. I haven’t > > > been > > > > able to get off antibiotics for more than a few days in about six > > > > months. I have another treatment scheduled next week. > > > > Just so you know, I’m doing all the other regular stuff- > irrigating > > > > with both saline & sporonox, allergy shots, Singulair & Allegra, > > > daily > > > > oral fluconazole, nasal steroids, etc. Thanks.
Response:
uuperiwin…@yahoo.com wrote: > My overall IgG is fine; I think that only four out of twelve subclasses > were measured, and three of the four were low (IgG 3 was very low). My > MD told me that the tests that measure IgG subclasses are not that > great, and that the "acid test" is the response to vaccinations. I > produced antibodies to tetanus, but the response to pneumovax was weak > enough that my insurance co. approved a four month trial of IVIg.
My immunologist had a different testing protocol: Instead of tetanus, she specially ordered a special vaccine called PRP. PRP consists of killed Hemophilus influenzae bacteria (that’s a common cause of sinus infections). She ordered that because my initial count of H. influenzae antibodies was so low. Given how many times I’ve had sinus infections, I should have had more antibodies to that thing. But I reacted well to the PRP so she decided I didn’t have an antibody deficiency. If you’re having repeated infections indicating an immune deficiency, you ought to be tested for HIV if there’s any chance at all you might have become infected. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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Question:
I go to get the results Monday, early. I have had 2 sinus surgeries before but now I have panic disorder. I am begging the doc to do anything but surgery. I don’t know how possible that is. Anyone who prays, I am asking for th
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Vic wrote: > I go to get the results Monday, early. I have had 2 sinus surgeries before > but now I have panic disorder. I am begging the doc to do anything but > surgery. I don’t know how possible that is.
You’re in my thoughts. But I would like to suggest one thing: So many sinus sufferers find their symptoms are exacerbated by things in the environment. How about you relocating? Find an extended stay hotel like Residence Inn, and go live for a month in a healthy seacoast community away from pollution. Maybe with pure fresh air your sinuses would feel better. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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You are in my thoughts also. I have had five surgeries so far with more to come. Just had another CT Scan done last week. I know what you mean about the panic. Everytime I go see the ENT I get nervous, and right before surgery I get a full blown panic attack. I take xanax when that happens or they give me loads of vercid right after they start to prep me. Let us know what happened with your CT. Good luck. Trudy.
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iamthezookeeper wrote: > You are in my thoughts also. I have had five surgeries so far with more to > come. Just had another CT Scan done last week. I know what you mean about > the panic. Everytime I go see the ENT I get nervous, and right before > surgery I get a full blown panic attack. I take xanax when that happens or > they give me loads of vercid right after they start to prep me. Let us know > what happened with your CT. Good luck. Trudy.
Trudy, I’ll tell you one thing that might make you feel a little better: At my second surgery when they were prepping me, the woman in the bed next to me was being prepped for cancer surgery. And from what they said to her, I gathered this was either her second or third cancer surgery and that her cancer kept recurring. At least very few people die of sinusitis. — Steven D. Litvintchouk Email: sdlit…@earthlinkNOSPAM.net Remove the NOSPAM before replying to me.
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Egad. This makes my surgeries seem like a hill of beans.
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Thank goodness for that! I think my fear comes from my very first surgery. It was a pansinusostomy, ethmoidectomy, polypectomy and windows..done under a local by a military doc. They should have put me out for that I later found out. It was horrendous. I much prefer being out now. You are right, there are others that have it so much worse. I ended up with Churg-Strauss Vasculitis after 23 years of Samters Triad and that is way worse than the chronic sinusitis. I remind myself that even though it is pretty bad right now, I am not alone in my suffering. Trudy.
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Question:
has anyone experienced excessive salivation caused by chronic sinus problems? (for eg. when i speak, i have to swallow excess saliva being generated) consuming alcohol intensifies the sinus blockage and gives me a feeling of having a swollen face. I almost look back nostalgically at times when I could have a runny nose 
.. the only time that happens is if I ingest some tabasco… but then the thinning effect of mucous only last for a few minutes at best.. then it is back to the clogginess. I dont have any sinus pain.. just the inflammation all the time…rather disconcerting.. are there any herbal/natural remedies that act as mucous thinners other than those containing ephedra ? any other suggestions ? (irrigation works … but again only for 10 minutes. then it is back to the stuffiness in my head, nose, face)
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Possible cases of excess saliva are listed here: http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/drooling.htm#possible I do not see sinusitis listed as such but you never know. There are some systemic causes so you might want to see an internist if you cannot identify a cause within the mouth. On 21 Jan 2005 10:52:05 -0800, example2…@hotmail.com wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->has anyone experienced excessive salivation caused by chronic sinus >problems? (for eg. when i speak, i have to swallow excess saliva being >generated) >consuming alcohol intensifies the sinus blockage and gives me a feeling >of having a swollen face. >I almost look back nostalgically at times when I could have a runny >nose .. the only time that happens is if I ingest some tabasco… but >then the thinning effect of mucous only last for a few minutes at >best.. then it is back to the clogginess. >I dont have any sinus pain.. just the inflammation all the >time…rather disconcerting.. >are there any herbal/natural remedies that act as mucous thinners other >than those containing ephedra ? >any other suggestions ? (irrigation works … but again only for 10 >minutes. then it is back to the stuffiness in my head, nose, face)
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Are you sure its saliva your dealing with here??? it could well be excess post-nasal-drip which is lingering in your mouth making you swallow a lot??? I would agree – best to see an internist to get this checked out! vikas – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Don Brady wrote: > Possible cases of excess saliva are listed here: > http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/drooling.htm#possible > I do not see sinusitis listed as such but you never know. > There are some systemic causes so you might want to see an internist if you > cannot identify a cause within the mouth. > On 21 Jan 2005 10:52:05 -0800, example2…@hotmail.com wrote: > >has anyone experienced excessive salivation caused by chronic sinus > >problems? (for eg. when i speak, i have to swallow excess saliva being > >generated) > >consuming alcohol intensifies the sinus blockage and gives me a feeling > >of having a swollen face. > >I almost look back nostalgically at times when I could have a runny > >nose .. the only time that happens is if I ingest some tabasco… but > >then the thinning effect of mucous only last for a few minutes at > >best.. then it is back to the clogginess. > >I dont have any sinus pain.. just the inflammation all the > >time…rather disconcerting.. > >are there any herbal/natural remedies that act as mucous thinners other > >than those containing ephedra ? > >any other suggestions ? (irrigation works … but again only for 10 > >minutes. then it is back to the stuffiness in my head, nose, face)
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