Sinus problems people, tell me what works!!

[CliveTheCheeseplant]

Hello all

I’m so sick of having painful sinuses. My nose is constantly throbbing and I get through tissues like the clappers. I get post nasal drip and feel coughy a lot. I’ve seen the ENT dept several times and they say it isn’t bad enough to operate. Fair enough but I’m stuck feeling crappy. I tried a neti pot and my ears popped really badly and I got an ear infection! I use nose irrigation stuff (a spray) and that also makes my ears pop. I’m prescribed fexofenadine and salmetarol but they don’t do a lot.

I’m so sick of it all. I’m hoping someone can suggest something that works.

I can sympathise. I tried all the neti pots, sprays and so on ... then I had a septoplasty last year and haven't had so much as a twinge since.

I saw on another sinus mn thread months ago someone suggesting using a vibrator to go along from your ears right to your nose every day. I have really bad sinus problems so willing to try anything and surprisingly I've found it really helps to relieve the pressure.

I have had a few really bad sinus infections and tried all sorts of nasal rinses and sprays.

Last time I went to a pharmacy and they gave me their own brand (Numark) Hayfever Relief for Adults Nasal Spray. I was sceptical but had nothing to lose. Sinus clear and pain gone within 2 days!!!

I switched to lactose free milk and almost all but eliminated dairy from my diet and the difference in my nose has been amazing. Even now if I have milk I feel all phlegmy for days. Worked for me, might not work for others.

I saw on another sinus mn thread months ago someone suggesting using a vibrator to go along from your ears right to your nose every day.

I tried that, but with the flat side of an electric toothbrush . Gave some temporary relief but it wasn't prolonged.

Do you have a local salt cave you can sit in for an hour for salt therapy? I'm going for my second session tomorrow. Felt amazing after my first one.

I had that, i was on prescription medication for many years. I used fenugreek capsules, 3 times a day. Gradually i reduced the prescription medication and after two years i had completely healed. Now I only take them when I have a cold, or before i fly (to avoid painful ears),

@scifiscream I do actually!! I’ll give it a try!

@fairnotfair was that on the NHS through the ENT dept?

Clive I actually ended up going to the GP for a private referral after yet another ENT appointment had been rescheduled ...

If it gets too bad my trusty go to is Otrivine nasal drops or the spray.
My dr currently has me on telfast anti histamine and dymista nasal spray which helps but it goes right down my throat and is disgusting.
Try a warm or cold flannel laid across sinuses (find which works best for you - mine was cold).
Hippie some of that helps xx

@fairnotfair gotcha. Do you mind tellin me the ballpark cost of the op?

I (sceptically) tried some acupressure points when I had sinus issues and it did help!

From what I remember (do check), it was pushing the heel of your hand against the gap between your eyebrows quite firmly.

Clive Not 100% sure as it was through work insurance, but ballpark £1000. Consultation, MRI (to diagnose badly deviated septum), consultation, op under general anaesthetic as day patient, follow-up consultation. Done and dusted in about 4-5 weeks. Aftermath of op was v painful for a while but pretty much ok after about 2-3 weeks. After decades of sinus problems, this was my first winter without any pain or post-nasal drip.

@CliveTheCheeseplant was at a Salt cave today. My nose and head feel amazing!

@scifiscream that’s a good testimonial! I’m ringing our local one this pm to book in.

Can you attend a salt cave while pregnant? My sinuses are so blocked but most treatments aren't approved in pregnancy

Could you have a tooth infection?

Loving the salt cave idea! I've had totally wrecked sinuses since a bad cold/virus two years ago. Two other people at work who had the same lurgy are also still suffering from problems too. I did have some relief after getting some over due dental work done (upper root canal and replacement crown) but I think the dental thing was just making the sinus problem worse rather than causing it. The sinus bone between your upper teeth roots and your sinus cavitiy is paper thin so worth checking. Mine are just blocked rather than dripping, really badly on one side. Only Otrivine relieves it but shouldn't be used all the time. I get about half the sleep I should. GP useless.

I have really bad sinuses, 3 operations, basically constantly infected.

I now swim at least once a week. Haven’t had one in 18 months.... obviously the amount of chlorinated water washing through them...!!

I’ve been to a salt cave... it was lovely but seemed to me to be an expensive napping spot and I don’t know how much it did for my sinuses