Sinusitis FAQ

Clearing nostrol that's constantly stopped up

Question:

On 1 Jan 2003 16:29:40 -0800, keegana…@yahoo.com (Keegan Alex) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi.. This is a kind of nasty question, but maybe someone can give me >some tips.  For the last 3-4 days, my left nostrol has been totally >clogged.  The right is totally clear, just the left has no clearance. >The first day this happened, I use Afrin nose spray one in the morning >before work and once right before bed (recommended dosage — twice a >day) and it helped, but I hate using that stuff so that’s the last >I’ve used of it. >Yesterday I started trying to ’snort’ warm water with salt, but since >I have no clearance to get air through, it’s not doing anything.  I >took an empty nose spray bottle and filled it with warm salt water and >sprayed some up there, and it cleared it a bit for about an hour.. >then it stopped back up. >Does anyone have any suggestions?  This is the first time I’ve had >this happen to just one nostrol for this long… generally it bounces >between the two.  The only relief I get is when I shower.  The steam >generally opens it up for a bit.

Get  a steroid spray and use it until it clears. Otherwise you could be looking at long-term chronic sinusitis eventually if the turbibate stays swollen and blocking. Don

Response:

"Don Brady" <dbr…@pobox.com> wrote in message

news:9ur81vgj69vke6g6t27qh2bg99p3qg9qmc@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On 1 Jan 2003 16:29:40 -0800, keegana…@yahoo.com (Keegan Alex) wrote: > >Hi.. This is a kind of nasty question, but maybe someone can give me > >some tips.  For the last 3-4 days, my left nostrol has been totally > >clogged.  The right is totally clear, just the left has no clearance. > >The first day this happened, I use Afrin nose spray one in the morning > >before work and once right before bed (recommended dosage — twice a > >day) and it helped, but I hate using that stuff so that’s the last > >I’ve used of it. > >Yesterday I started trying to ’snort’ warm water with salt, but since > >I have no clearance to get air through, it’s not doing anything.  I > >took an empty nose spray bottle and filled it with warm salt water and > >sprayed some up there, and it cleared it a bit for about an hour.. > >then it stopped back up. > >Does anyone have any suggestions?  This is the first time I’ve had > >this happen to just one nostrol for this long… generally it bounces > >between the two.  The only relief I get is when I shower.  The steam > >generally opens it up for a bit. > Get  a steroid spray and use it until it clears. > Otherwise you could be looking at long-term chronic sinusitis eventually if the > turbibate stays swollen and blocking. > Don

 I have the same problem, It started about a month ago, left nostril only, up to that point, I never had any nasal problems. I started lurking here, and tried irrigating with an ear syringe, and the congestion cleared up totally, for about 31/2 weeks. At that point, I stopped irrigating.  Last week, it clogged again, really packed tight, I started irrigation again, but after a week, I still have no relief. Afrin will clear it, but I don’t want to get started with that stuff. I doubt that it is a blockage, because the salt water flows freely both ways, and the water is clear,  and when I lay in bed with the clogged nostril in the up position, it will clear, yet the right nostril is always clear.  After reading a lot of horror stories here, I don’t want to see an ENT at this point.  Don, you mention a steroid spray, is this a prescription item only ?? Or can you get this OTC ??  Thanks,  -Walt — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 – Release Date: 12/30/2002

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Fri, 03 Jan 2003 03:46:57 GMT, "WK" <walte…@optonline.net> wrote: > I have the same problem, It started about a month ago, left nostril only, >up to that point, I never had any nasal problems. I started lurking here, >and tried irrigating with an ear syringe, and the congestion cleared up >totally, for about 31/2 weeks. At that point, I stopped irrigating. > Last week, it clogged again, really packed tight, I started irrigation >again, but after a week, I still have no relief. Afrin will clear it, but I >don’t want to get started with that stuff. I doubt that it is a blockage, >because the salt water flows freely both ways, and the water is clear,  and >when I lay in bed with the clogged nostril in the up position, it will >clear, yet the right nostril is always clear. > After reading a lot of horror stories here, I don’t want to see an ENT at >this point. > Don, you mention a steroid spray, is this a prescription item only ?? Or >can you get this OTC ?? > Thanks, > -Walt

It is prescription only. If you do not want to see an ENT, your family doctor might well prescribe it – Nasonex would be a good choice.  It is far less risky than Afrin – essentially riskless in fact. But  "horror stories" (I guess you are referring to surgery not giving the best results in some cases) should not prevent anyone from seeing an ENT, even for minor issues.  Whether to accept any advice they give is always up to you – they will not force you to do anything!.   I have found that they will always outline alternatives on request.   Also, you might as well start learning to deal with them now, rather than later when harder decisions could need to be made.

Response:

Plus the fact that the ENT can look in the nose with a scope and see quite alot that can help, rather than a general doc prescribing the steroid that may not be needed.  Steroids still get into the system with the nasal sprays and it’s best not to have them in there if not needed.  Also, one can usually get samples from the ENT to try different brands.  I used Nasonex for a few years and lately it did not help me, I got switched to Rhinocort AQ and it did better and no perfumey smell and less actualy spray to do the job. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Don Brady dbr…@pobox.com wrote: >It is prescription only. >If you do not want to see an ENT, your family doctor might well prescribe >it – >Nasonex would be a good choice.  It is far less risky than Afrin – essentially >riskless in fact. >But  "horror stories" (I guess you are referring to surgery not giving the >best >results in some cases) should not prevent anyone from seeing an ENT, even >for >minor issues.  Whether to accept any advice they give is always up to you >- >they will not force you to do anything!.   I have found that they will always >outline alternatives on request.   Also, you might as well start learning >to >deal with them now, rather than later when harder decisions could need to >be >made.

Sue M.

Response:

Hi Walter, I’ve read about people ‘irrigating’ their nose.  Can I get the stuff to do this at a local RX?  I’m about ready to try anything. Last night I went out with friends, and I had to do something, so I took the Afrin again.  I really hate that stuff, but it cleared it up all night.  What’s funny is, I took it in the left nostrol since the right one had been clear for days, and half way through the evening, the right one started clogging. I’m thinking it is a swelling of some sort because when it clears, nothing comes out when I blow.  I’ve also been taking Sinutab Sinus, Clariton, and Guaifenesin.  The Guaifenesin is from my doctor about 6 months ago.  I took the first dose of it last night, and with Breath Right strips and Vix vapor rubs, it cleared enough to get some sleep, but this morning, clogged again. I’ll hit my local pharmacy today and see if I can find one of those irrigation kits.  I tried snorting warm salt water, but I’m not sure how starile that is.  It generally works when I have minor clogs, but hasn’t for this one. Thanks for the help and advise… and take care, Keegan. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"WK" <walte…@optonline.net> wrote in message <news:RI7R9.230959$a8.29993@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>… > "Don Brady" <dbr…@pobox.com> wrote in message > news:9ur81vgj69vke6g6t27qh2bg99p3qg9qmc@4ax.com… > > On 1 Jan 2003 16:29:40 -0800, keegana…@yahoo.com (Keegan Alex) wrote: > > >Hi.. This is a kind of nasty question, but maybe someone can give me > > >some tips.  For the last 3-4 days, my left nostrol has been totally > > >clogged.  The right is totally clear, just the left has no clearance. > > >The first day this happened, I use Afrin nose spray one in the morning > > >before work and once right before bed (recommended dosage — twice a > > >day) and it helped, but I hate using that stuff so that’s the last > > >I’ve used of it. > > >Yesterday I started trying to ’snort’ warm water with salt, but since > > >I have no clearance to get air through, it’s not doing anything.  I > > >took an empty nose spray bottle and filled it with warm salt water and > > >sprayed some up there, and it cleared it a bit for about an hour.. > > >then it stopped back up. > > >Does anyone have any suggestions?  This is the first time I’ve had > > >this happen to just one nostrol for this long… generally it bounces > > >between the two.  The only relief I get is when I shower.  The steam > > >generally opens it up for a bit. > > Get  a steroid spray and use it until it clears. > > Otherwise you could be looking at long-term chronic sinusitis eventually >  if the > > turbibate stays swollen and blocking. > > Don >  I have the same problem, It started about a month ago, left nostril only, > up to that point, I never had any nasal problems. I started lurking here, > and tried irrigating with an ear syringe, and the congestion cleared up > totally, for about 31/2 weeks. At that point, I stopped irrigating. >  Last week, it clogged again, really packed tight, I started irrigation > again, but after a week, I still have no relief. Afrin will clear it, but I > don’t want to get started with that stuff. I doubt that it is a blockage, > because the salt water flows freely both ways, and the water is clear,  and > when I lay in bed with the clogged nostril in the up position, it will > clear, yet the right nostril is always clear. >  After reading a lot of horror stories here, I don’t want to see an ENT at > this point. >  Don, you mention a steroid spray, is this a prescription item only ?? Or > can you get this OTC ?? >  Thanks, >  -Walt > — > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 – Release Date: 12/30/2002

Response:

On 03 Jan 2003 15:00:29 GMT, suemil…@aol.comnospam (Sue milham) wrote: >Plus the fact that the ENT can look in the nose with a scope and see quite alot >that can help, rather than a general doc prescribing the steroid that may not >be needed.  Steroids still get into the system with the nasal sprays and it’s >best not to have them in there if not needed.  Also, one can usually get >samples from the ENT to try different brands.  I used Nasonex for a few years >and lately it did not help me, I got switched to Rhinocort AQ and it did better >and no perfumey smell and less actualy spray to do the job.

Systemic absorption of Nasonex is 0.1%, (compared to  20% for example for Rhinocort). This is 200 times less (!) and is really in the negligible category. See http://www.accp.com/p4b3m1sample.pdf

Response:

"Keegan Alex" <keegana…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:d815f41a.0301030730.701325da@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Walter, > I’ve read about people ‘irrigating’ their nose.  Can I get the stuff > to do this at a local RX?  I’m about ready to try anything. > Last night I went out with friends, and I had to do something, so I > took the Afrin again.  I really hate that stuff, but it cleared it up > all night.  What’s funny is, I took it in the left nostrol since the > right one had been clear for days, and half way through the evening, > the right one started clogging. > I’m thinking it is a swelling of some sort because when it clears, > nothing comes out when I blow.  I’ve also been taking Sinutab Sinus, > Clariton, and Guaifenesin.  The Guaifenesin is from my doctor about 6 > months ago.  I took the first dose of it last night, and with Breath > Right strips and Vix vapor rubs, it cleared enough to get some sleep, > but this morning, clogged again. > I’ll hit my local pharmacy today and see if I can find one of those > irrigation kits.  I tried snorting warm salt water, but I’m not sure > how starile that is.  It generally works when I have minor clogs, but > hasn’t for this one. > Thanks for the help and advise… and take care, > Keegan.

    I’m just using a regular rubber ear syringe, that I purchased at Walgreen’s, and I am making my own solution, a mixture of 8 oz. water, 1/4 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. of salt. If you do  a google search on "nasal irrigation" you will find all kinds of instructions, and procedures. This group also, has a wealth of knowledge.     It doesn’t seem to be doing anything for me at this point though. The left nostril feels like it is packed with cement, yet the water flows right through it, and nothing "unusual" passes with the water.     I was shoveling snow off of my sidewalk this morning, and breathing that cold air, and that nostril opened right up, I couldn’t believe it, felt so good, I did the driveway too. When I came in the house, it started to clog again, and then plugged.     As I said in my previous post, this is all new to me, I never had any nasal problems, until last month, when this started, that’s when I read about the nasal cleaning, gave it a try, and after a couple of days, I was unclogged for 3 1/2 weeks, although, nothing strange was coming out with the saline solution, the first time either.     I don’t have any of the sinus symptoms either, i.e.. pain, pressure, headache, I will give it a bit, and if I don’t get any relief in the near future, I will go see an ENT.     Good Luck !!     -Walt — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 – Release Date: 12/30/2002

Response:

Hi Walt, Well,I finally found something I feel comfortable using, and it seems to be working to a point.  I just got home from Walgreens and got some stuff called Simply Saline (Sterile saline nasal mist).  It says it clears congestion and moisturizes with no drugs.  That’s why I don’t like using the Afrin… I’m leery of taking stuff like that, though it does work. This stuff you can supposedly take as much as needed.  I don’t want to use tap water because our water has tons of chemicals and nasties in it. I used the spray just now, and for the time being, all is clear.  Nothing came out, and I can still feel pressure… but both nostrils are somewhat clear (right much clearer then left, which is what has been giving me problems).   And like you, I have no other ‘cold and flu’ symptoms.  No headache, sore throat, etc.  I don’t know what this mess is, but it’s annoying.  Speaking of snow, I’m in Texas, which we never see snow, but next week I’m heading to Wisconsin for work.  The forecast for next week up there is highs in the ’20s and snow.  I really want to shake this stuff by then, but it doesn’t look like I will.   Oh, and as I type, I can feel the left nostril closing up again, so that stuff didn’t work that well after all.  But the right is clear as can be. Whatever we got, it seems to be the same thing.  I’ve already contacted my doctor to see if he can work me in on Monday before I leave town.   Take care, and keep me posted.   Keegan. From the keyboard of WK scrolled the post below on Fri, 03 Jan 2003 20:54:55 +0000: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->     I’m just using a regular rubber ear syringe, that I purchased at > Walgreen’s, and I am making my own solution, a mixture of 8 oz. water, 1/4 > tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. of salt. If you do  a google search on > "nasal irrigation" you will find all kinds of instructions, and > procedures. This group also, has a wealth of knowledge. >     It doesn’t seem to be doing anything for me at this point though. The > left nostril feels like it is packed with cement, yet the water flows > right through it, and nothing "unusual" passes with the water. >     I was shoveling snow off of my sidewalk this morning, and breathing >     that > cold air, and that nostril opened right up, I couldn’t believe it, felt so > good, I did the driveway too. When I came in the house, it started to clog > again, and then plugged. >     As I said in my previous post, this is all new to me, I never had any > nasal problems, until last month, when this started, that’s when I read > about the nasal cleaning, gave it a try, and after a couple of days, I was > unclogged for 3 1/2 weeks, although, nothing strange was coming out with > the saline solution, the first time either. >     I don’t have any of the sinus symptoms either, i.e.. pain, pressure, > headache, I will give it a bit, and if I don’t get any relief in the near > future, I will go see an ENT. >     Good Luck !! >     -Walt > — > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system > (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 – Release > Date: 12/30/2002

Response:

On 22 Jan 2003 15:53:50 GMT, suemil…@aol.comnospam (Sue milham) wrote: >Don, tho’ I agree mostly with what you say:  Really, I thought the steroid >nasal spray just goes into the mucous membranes closest to the point of the >problem inflammmation.  Once in there, doesn’t matter what the angle of your >body is.

From http://www.allergyclinic.co.nz/guides/31.html "Aim away from the nasal septum and towards the eye to reduce the risk of septal perforation" That’s also where the opening to the sinuses are. As to body position, "head down" was strongly recommended to me by Dr. Kennedy (who introduced endoscopic sinus surgery in the U.S.) and I find it does make a big difference.  So have others reporting here.     It reduces the amount that goes down your throat. It probably does vary though depending on the particular brand.  

Response:

"Don Brady" <dbr…@pobox.com> wrote in message

news:7oks2v0b1rpajqr09okqicjoi9igild6m4@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On 21 Jan 2003 20:30:25 -0800, walte…@optonline.net (Walt) wrote: > Sure.  Irrigate anytime but use the Nasonex last thing at night before bed. > Try to aim ouward toward the outer edge of the eye to get it into the sinuses > (which are off to the side – not straight up)..   Try to wait until that side > of the nose is open, at least as much as possible (you can time things – I > sometimes do each side some time apart). > >Also, what is a realistic time > >frame to start to see results from the use of the Nasonex?? > See if things don’t open up a bit more within a few days.   Note you may get > more drainage as the sinuses start to open up.  This is good and not a problem. > With longer term use, I have found my swollen turbinate went way down after a > month or two, especially after I started aiming right, and lay down (ideally > fqace down over edge of bed for 5 minures) after spraying to help the drug go > where it needs to..

 Don, Thank you for the very helpful advice.  I took my first dose of Nasonex, this morning at 10 am, before reading your reply, recommending using it at bedtime. I was surprised that it had an aroma, although a pleasant one. I deeply inhaled two sprays into the left nostril only, as the right side is totally clear and unaffected. It left me with a slight stinging sensation, but I guess that will subside as the nose gets acclimated to the spray. When I take my next dose, I will lie over the bed, as you suggested, it makes sense to let gravity help out a little. I also followed that link you posted to Sue.  I sure hope this is the answer to my problem, whatever it may be, because it really has had me on edge, for the past month. If anything I’ve said here, could be improved upon, please don’t hesitate to let me know, this is all new to me.  I will be reading this newsgroup faithfully, there is a wealth of wisdom here.  -Walt — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.445 / Virus Database: 250 – Release Date: 1/21/2003

Response:

On Wed, 22 Jan 2003 17:04:25 -0500, "Walt" <walte…@optonline.net> wrote: > Don, Thank you for the very helpful advice. > I took my first dose of Nasonex, this morning at 10 am, before reading your >reply, recommending using it at bedtime. I was surprised that it had an >aroma, although a pleasant one.

Yes it is fairly subtle compared to some others (Flonase). > I deeply inhaled two sprays into the left >nostril only, as the right side is totally clear and unaffected.

That’s good.   You need only inhale a little – very gently.  Otherwise more of it will go into you lungs. > It left me >with a slight stinging sensation, but I guess that will subside as the nose >gets acclimated to the spray.

I think so.   Also if you can wait until the nose is as open as possible, that will help.  Otherwise you are spraying it right at the turbinate, which is ok but maybe might sting. > When I take my next dose, I will lie over the >bed, as you suggested, it makes sense to let gravity help out a little.

I think it helps. An alternate position is on your back with forehead way back, again to let gravity help.   But I would save that for later. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I >also followed that link you posted to Sue. > I sure hope this is the answer to my problem, whatever it may be, because >it really has had me on edge, for the past month. If anything I’ve said >here, could be improved upon, please don’t hesitate to let me know, this is >all new to me. > I will be reading this newsgroup faithfully, there is a wealth of wisdom >here. > -Walt >— >Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. >Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). >Version: 6.0.445 / Virus Database: 250 – Release Date: 1/21/2003

Response:

Don, tho’ I agree mostly with what you say:  Really, I thought the steroid nasal spray just goes into the mucous membranes closest to the point of the problem inflammmation.  Once in there, doesn’t matter what the angle of your body is. Don Brady dbr…@pobox.com wrote:

(snip) >With longer term use, I have found my swollen turbinate went way down after >a >month or two, especially after I started aiming right, and lay down (ideally >fqace down over edge of bed for 5 minures) after spraying to help the drug >go >where it needs to..

Sue M.

Response:

My ENT tells me to wait an hour before or after irrigating to use the nasal steroid spray.  I have been lucky to get pretty quick results from them, but after a few years of maintenance on Nasonex, it refused to clear up a congestion that was associated with infection.  I was switched to another brand, which did seem to help pretty fast in conjuction with antibiotics and saline nasal irrigation.  The thing about the ENT is:  s/he can get a view (and a sample for culture) right out of the upper nose, can tell you what’s up there (polyps, infection, etc).  I never had any luck with oral decongestants.  It seems better to me to go to the source of the problem (nose).  You’re right about not getting started with Afrin type preparations, they’re too temporary to solve the problem.  You may have an infection that needs treating, but rather than guess what it is, it would be better to get an expert opinion. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -walte…@optonline.net  (Walt) wrote: > I had to dig back into Google to find this post, It’s been almost >three weeks since I posted this, and the nostril is still clogging on >and off. More on than off. > I went to see my family Doctor today, he is guessing polyp, but of >course, can’t be sure. He prescribed Nasonex, and an oral >decongestant, and a lets wait and see. > My hesitancy to see an ENT, has a little to do with anxiety, as I >posted above,  and major changes in my insurance coverage. > My question is, I would still like to irrigate with a saline >solution, but when would be the best time to do it, without >interferring with the Nasonex spray?? Also, what is a realistic time >frame to start to see results from the use of the Nasonex?? > Sorry for the long thread, but I wanted to keep this post in context. > Thanks for any input, > -Walt

Sue M.

Response:

On 21 Jan 2003 20:30:25 -0800, walte…@optonline.net (Walt) wrote: > I had to dig back into Google to find this post, It’s been almost >three weeks since I posted this, and the nostril is still clogging on >and off. More on than off.

The left and right turbinates swell alternately.   So whichever is swollen will "clog more on than off".   It still should come down with steroid spray with time. > I went to see my family Doctor today, he is guessing polyp, but of >course, can’t be sure.

An ENT can easily see with an endoscsope what is there. But I would not assume polyp. > He prescribed Nasonex, and an oral >decongestant, and a lets wait and see. > My hesitancy to see an ENT, has a little to do with anxiety, as I >posted above,  and major changes in my insurance coverage. > My question is, I would still like to irrigate with a saline >solution, but when would be the best time to do it, without >interferring with the Nasonex spray??

Sure.  Irrigate anytime but use the Nasonex last thing at night before bed. Try to aim ouward toward the outer edge of the eye to get it into the sinuses (which are off to the side – not straight up)..   Try to wait until that side of the nose is open, at least as much as possible (you can time things – I sometimes do each side some time apart). >Also, what is a realistic time >frame to start to see results from the use of the Nasonex??

See if things don’t open up a bit more within a few days.   Note you may get more drainage as the sinuses start to open up.  This is good and not a problem. With longer term use, I have found my swollen turbinate went way down after a month or two, especially after I started aiming right, and lay down (ideally fqace down over edge of bed for 5 minures) after spraying to help the drug go where it needs to..

Response:

Can we get the spelling right ? "Keegan Alex" <keegana…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:pan.2003.01.05.10.36.55.346555@yahoo.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Don, > Very true…  I generally don’t have allergies like this, but I guess last > year and this year are proof that I defiantly have some reaction to pine, > which I’ve never had before.  The only other example of this happening to > me is with penicillin.  When I was a kid and teen, it was commonly > prescribed to me for various things, but when I took it about 3 years ago, > I learned the hard way that I’m now allergic to it.  So I guess one’s > allergic reactions can change over time. > Is this common?  Can people’s allergic reactions to certain items change > over time?  At one point, I could pick poison ivy without getting anything > more then a minor skin rash that cleared up in a day or so.  I guess I’d > better test that allergen before cleaning out my back pasture this summer > > At any rate, I’m feeling tons better now.  My nose is still running a bit, > but at least it’s draining.  The left nostril still gets clogged in the > mornings and at nights, but I’m hoping the Clariton and Guaifenesin will > clear that up in time. > Take care… > Keegan. > From the keyboard of Don Brady scrolled the post below on Sat, 04 Jan 2003 > 10:16:10 -0500: > > So here we see a clear example of allergies causing swollen turbinates. > > Now, the same thing happens to some people *year-round* with dust and > > pollen and mold allergies!

Response:

On Sun, 05 Jan 2003 10:36:10 GMT, "Keegan Alex" <keegana…@yahoo.com> wrote: >Very true…  I generally don’t have allergies like this, but I guess last >year and this year are proof that I defiantly have some reaction to pine, >which I’ve never had before.  The only other example of this happening to >me is with penicillin.  When I was a kid and teen, it was commonly >prescribed to me for various things, but when I took it about 3 years ago, >I learned the hard way that I’m now allergic to it.  So I guess one’s >allergic reactions can change over time. >Is this common?  Can people’s allergic reactions to certain items change >over time?  At one point, I could pick poison ivy without getting anything >more then a minor skin rash that cleared up in a day or so.  I guess I’d >better test that allergen before cleaning out my back pasture this summer >:)

Absolutely – very commonly allegies come and go.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Don Brady <dbr…@pobox.com> wrote in message <news:9kba1v02r33l1lj4orbennr08aslq6bisa@4ax.com>… > On Fri, 03 Jan 2003 03:46:57 GMT, "WK" <walte…@optonline.net> wrote: > > I have the same problem, It started about a month ago, left nostril only, > >up to that point, I never had any nasal problems. I started lurking here, > >and tried irrigating with an ear syringe, and the congestion cleared up > >totally, for about 31/2 weeks. At that point, I stopped irrigating. > > Last week, it clogged again, really packed tight, I started irrigation > >again, but after a week, I still have no relief. Afrin will clear it, but I > >don’t want to get started with that stuff. I doubt that it is a blockage, > >because the salt water flows freely both ways, and the water is clear,  and > >when I lay in bed with the clogged nostril in the up position, it will > >clear, yet the right nostril is always clear. > > After reading a lot of horror stories here, I don’t want to see an ENT at > >this point. > > Don, you mention a steroid spray, is this a prescription item only ?? Or > >can you get this OTC ?? > > Thanks, > > -Walt > It is prescription only. > If you do not want to see an ENT, your family doctor might well prescribe it – > Nasonex would be a good choice.  It is far less risky than Afrin – essentially > riskless in fact. > But  "horror stories" (I guess you are referring to surgery not giving the best > results in some cases) should not prevent anyone from seeing an ENT, even for > minor issues.  Whether to accept any advice they give is always up to you – > they will not force you to do anything!.   I have found that they will always > outline alternatives on request.   Also, you might as well start learning to > deal with them now, rather than later when harder decisions could need to be > made.

 I had to dig back into Google to find this post, It’s been almost three weeks since I posted this, and the nostril is still clogging on and off. More on than off.  I went to see my family Doctor today, he is guessing polyp, but of course, can’t be sure. He prescribed Nasonex, and an oral decongestant, and a lets wait and see.  My hesitancy to see an ENT, has a little to do with anxiety, as I posted above,  and major changes in my insurance coverage.  My question is, I would still like to irrigate with a saline solution, but when would be the best time to do it, without interferring with the Nasonex spray?? Also, what is a realistic time frame to start to see results from the use of the Nasonex??  Sorry for the long thread, but I wanted to keep this post in context.  Thanks for any input,  -Walt

Response:

On Sat, 04 Jan 2003 13:24:11 GMT, "Keegan Alex" <keegana…@yahoo.com> wrote: >Definitely confirmed it was the tree.  I just got up and this is the first >morning in almost two weeks I can breath almost perfectly out of both >nostrils.  WOOHOO!!! >I left the window open in my living room and dining room last night to air >out the place for a few hours, and I closed my bedroom door when I went to >bed.   >So if you still have your Christmas tree around, that could be the >problem.  I stopped watering mine about a week after Christmas, so I bet >it was trying out and releasing crap into the air.  

So here we see a clear example of allergies causing swollen turbinates. Now, the same thing happens to some people *year-round* with dust and pollen and mold allergies!

Response:

Hi Keegan,     That’s great news, you must feel terrific !!     I haven’t had a real tree in years, but I wouldn’t be surprised, if I am also being affected by some sort of allergy either. Although I haven’t introduced nothing new into the house recently. I bought some OTC pills in Walgreen’s last night. They are called Wal-Phed Non – Drying sinus. They are the Walgreen’s equivalent to the same Sudafed product. I took a few last night, and this morning, and my nostril started to open after about an hour, it is a little runny, but it is working to about 75%. They contain pseudo ephedrine, and guaifenesin. I will take these for a few days, and see what happens. I am glad you found your  problem, because I know, this can drive a person nuts……….. -Walt "Keegan Alex" <keegana…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:pan.2003.01.04.13.25.04.808821@yahoo.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Definitely confirmed it was the tree.  I just got up and this is the first > morning in almost two weeks I can breath almost perfectly out of both > nostrils.  WOOHOO!!! > I left the window open in my living room and dining room last night to air > out the place for a few hours, and I closed my bedroom door when I went to > bed. > So if you still have your Christmas tree around, that could be the > problem.  I stopped watering mine about a week after Christmas, so I bet > it was trying out and releasing crap into the air. > Take care… > Keegan.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 – Release Date: 12/30/2002

Response:

Hi Don, Very true…  I generally don’t have allergies like this, but I guess last year and this year are proof that I defiantly have some reaction to pine, which I’ve never had before.  The only other example of this happening to me is with penicillin.  When I was a kid and teen, it was commonly prescribed to me for various things, but when I took it about 3 years ago, I learned the hard way that I’m now allergic to it.  So I guess one’s allergic reactions can change over time. Is this common?  Can people’s allergic reactions to certain items change over time?  At one point, I could pick poison ivy without getting anything more then a minor skin rash that cleared up in a day or so.  I guess I’d better test that allergen before cleaning out my back pasture this summer At any rate, I’m feeling tons better now.  My nose is still running a bit, but at least it’s draining.  The left nostril still gets clogged in the mornings and at nights, but I’m hoping the Clariton and Guaifenesin will clear that up in time. Take care… Keegan. From the keyboard of Don Brady scrolled the post below on Sat, 04 Jan 2003 10:16:10 -0500: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> So here we see a clear example of allergies causing swollen turbinates. > Now, the same thing happens to some people *year-round* with dust and > pollen and mold allergies!

Response:

Definitely confirmed it was the tree.  I just got up and this is the first morning in almost two weeks I can breath almost perfectly out of both nostrils.  WOOHOO!!! I left the window open in my living room and dining room last night to air out the place for a few hours, and I closed my bedroom door when I went to bed.   So if you still have your Christmas tree around, that could be the problem.  I stopped watering mine about a week after Christmas, so I bet it was trying out and releasing crap into the air.   Take care… Keegan.

Response:

Hey Walt, Well, I think I’ve tracked down the cause of my clogged nose — the Christmas tree.  I’ve had a real Christmas tree since I was a kid, and they’ve never bothered me before.  I’ve been off most of this week, and since my clogged nose hit on Monday, I just stayed home all week hoping to get over it.  Well, that’s when my nose got worse. This afternoon, I carried my tree outside, then I went out with some friends.  About 20 minutes after I left the house, the clogged nose was totally gone, and I felt great.  I left my windows open while I was gone, but the pollen from the pine must still be in the air as my nose is once again starting to clog up (been home for 10 minutes).  I’ll need to pickup another A/C filter tomorrow as well. Another clue that leads me to this conclusion is my prescription decongestant from last year was prescribed 1/3/02, exactly one year from today.  So I had this mess then, which was when I took my tree down last year.   So if you have a real Christmas tree still in the house, chunk it Take care, Keegan. From the keyboard of WK scrolled the post below on Fri, 03 Jan 2003 20:54:55 +0000: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->     I’m just using a regular rubber ear syringe, that I purchased at > Walgreen’s, and I am making my own solution, a mixture of 8 oz. water, > 1/4 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. of salt. If you do  a google search > on "nasal irrigation" you will find all kinds of instructions, and > procedures. This group also, has a wealth of knowledge. >     It doesn’t seem to be doing anything for me at this point though. >     The > left nostril feels like it is packed with cement, yet the water flows > right through it, and nothing "unusual" passes with the water. >     I was shoveling snow off of my sidewalk this morning, and breathing >     that > cold air, and that nostril opened right up, I couldn’t believe it, felt > so good, I did the driveway too. When I came in the house, it started to > clog again, and then plugged. >     As I said in my previous post, this is all new to me, I never had >     any > nasal problems, until last month, when this started, that’s when I read > about the nasal cleaning, gave it a try, and after a couple of days, I > was unclogged for 3 1/2 weeks, although, nothing strange was coming out > with the saline solution, the first time either. >     I don’t have any of the sinus symptoms either, i.e.. pain, pressure, > headache, I will give it a bit, and if I don’t get any relief in the > near future, I will go see an ENT. >     Good Luck !! >     -Walt > — > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system > (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 – > Release Date: 12/30/2002

Response:

Hello Keegan…. Have you tried ice? I know that when I have had a "plugged up nostril" such as what you’re plagued with, simply lying face down on an ice pack has helped clear it.    …Jon

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Keegan Alex wrote: > Hi.. This is a kind of nasty question, but maybe someone can give me > some tips.  For the last 3-4 days, my left nostrol has been totally > clogged.  The right is totally clear, just the left has no clearance. > The first day this happened, I use Afrin nose spray one in the morning > before work and once right before bed (recommended dosage — twice a > day) and it helped, but I hate using that stuff so that’s the last > I’ve used of it. > Yesterday I started trying to ’snort’ warm water with salt, but since > I have no clearance to get air through, it’s not doing anything.  I > took an empty nose spray bottle and filled it with warm salt water and > sprayed some up there, and it cleared it a bit for about an hour.. > then it stopped back up. > Does anyone have any suggestions?  This is the first time I’ve had > this happen to just one nostrol for this long… generally it bounces > between the two.  The only relief I get is when I shower.  The steam > generally opens it up for a bit.

Try an oral decongestant like Sudafed. If that fails you need to see a doctor to get diagnosed. — Steven D. Litvintchouk                   Email:  sdlit…@earthlink.net

Response:

Hi.. This is a kind of nasty question, but maybe someone can give me some tips.  For the last 3-4 days, my left nostrol has been totally clogged.  The right is totally clear, just the left has no clearance. The first day this happened, I use Afrin nose spray one in the morning before work and once right before bed (recommended dosage — twice a day) and it helped, but I hate using that stuff so that’s the last I’ve used of it. Yesterday I started trying to ’snort’ warm water with salt, but since I have no clearance to get air through, it’s not doing anything.  I took an empty nose spray bottle and filled it with warm salt water and sprayed some up there, and it cleared it a bit for about an hour.. then it stopped back up. Does anyone have any suggestions?  This is the first time I’ve had this happen to just one nostrol for this long… generally it bounces between the two.  The only relief I get is when I shower.  The steam generally opens it up for a bit. Thanks for any suggestions… Keegan.

Response:

Filed under: Chronic sinusitis

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