SICK OF MY CONGESTED NOSE

[britbo]

Seriously losing the plot over here. I've suffered from really bad rhinitis for years. Convinced myself it was polyps at one point but it wasn't. First ENT app I had, the Dr tried to look up my nose with a camera but because it was so congested, he couldn't see much. Second ENT app, another Dr ruled out polyps and said I had a deviated septum and chronic rhinitis. Then I fell pregnant so they discharged me (BLOODY ANNOYING). Recently went back and I had this new Dr almost dismiss me when I told her that I couldn't breathe at night. I don't know if it was because when I went in, my nose wasn't blocked and runny like it normal is, how typical. Anyway she has now written it's a 'mild deviated septum' in my notes. After years of using different sprays and medicines with absolute no help, I'm convinced the only way is a Septoplasty. I've read so many people say it fixed their sinus issues. Just even looking at my nose you can tell it's deviated. One nostril is way bigger than the other and my septum slightly sticks out on my right nostril. Anyway I want this fixed once and for all but I'm worried now that she's written 'mild' and doesn't believe the surgery will help me, I won't get it. Any advice? Anyone been through the same thing?

Ask for a referral to the sleep clinic. They might find another reason for your not being able to breathe at night?

My friend had this exact same problem. She kept going to the GP as her nose was constantly dropping and congested, but they kept fobbing her off with steroids, which worked while she was taking the 2 week course of them, but then as soon as she finished them she was back to square one. After 3 years of demanding to be taken seriously, she finally got a proper diagnosis which was a deviated septum. The GP eventually referred her for surgery to correct it and she has had no other issues with it since. Keep on at the GP, as it can take so long for them to take it seriously.

Dripping, not dropping

I’ve had my deviated septum straightened (it was done as part of a rhinoplasty). Over 10 years ago and not had a serious sinus infection since. It is much better. Like 80%. It won’t stop all the rhinitis necessarily though.

I think if you’re just having a septum straightened in itself that’s not major or overly difficult surgery. Having your nose packed for 5 days isn’t pleasant but it was not too unmanageable.

A referral to a sleep clinic is nearly impossible on the NHS and most health insurance does t cover this. I’ve been down that path for myself

My DH had horrid congestion like you OP. Always getting infection.

What a change after he had his deviated septum fixed, they are had to drain and cauterise his sinuses. We had insurance though so our gp did a referral no problem.

Get a second opinion and be quite forceful that your looking for this to be repaired.

This surgery truly changed his life not only for quality of sleep but also sense of taste/smell and no longer having massive green slimy eruptions from his nose.

Try antibiotics for sinus infection no I’m not joking I had it for 4 months said I’d got a cold that just wouldn’t swift, Gp felt around my face said I’d got sinuses infection I breathed much better.

Stopping dairy and a mouth guard for my snoring stopped all symptoms- I was getting congested from the dairy and mouth breathing at night - vicious cycle.

Another thing to try is a saline rinse. You can buy a squeeze bottle and the sachets of solution for £18 or something stupid. Alternatively a squeeze bottle, and a salt and bicarb mix is the same.
This was something I was told to do after my sinus surgery and septoplasty in November.

Have you ever been allergy tested? There's a possibility that the nasal congestion is a symptom of a common allergy. Its definately worth getting tested against the more common allergens.
Have you tried antihistamines?
Please tell me you are not using decongestant sprays like Sinex (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) or otrivine etc. They are only meant for short term use (3 days max) and after that can actually contribute to nasal congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) and you get into a vicious cycle of needing them to breathe etc and using more and more at shorter and shorter intervals.
Have you tried a steroid nose spray? These work quite well but take a few months to really feel the benefit.
I second the saline nasal washes like NeilMed sinus rinse. Natural and works well to flush out allergens and calm inflammation.
Have you tried an ellimination diet to rule out a food allergy?

Possibly surgery would help you but please do your research. If they start talking about reducing your turbinates think very carefully. Some people have ended up worse off than before.

Can you tell I've had nasal issues in the past?
Hope some of that may have helped.

I've had this same problem since forever. I struggle to sleep at night and can hardly smell due to blocked sinuses.

I've had ENT appointments and referral to sleep clinic but they said I need to lose weight.

Still struggling with the sinus issues.

I had a constant cough caused by post nasal drip - turns out my nose was really congested . I had FESS surgery - not only has the post nasal drip stopped, but I no longer get hay fever.

I don’t have congestion but I do have a constant cough, which has got worse recently. It’s really wearing me down. I’m using the Neilmed rinse twice a day and Beconase nasal spray but it doesn’t seem to have done much. I have a constantly tickly throat.

It’s not COVID, before anyone suggests it.

@refusetobeasheep what is Fess surgery?

@ButterfliesnWaterfalls
FESS is endoscopic sinus surgery. Basicaly they completely cleaned up my sinuses. For two weeks after I was still coughing but after that it completely stopped. AMazing.

@refusetobeasheep how did you get your gp to take you seriously? I’ve had sinus issues all my life but quite mildly. I would get a stuffy nose quickly but would equally clear up. Since having my son I’ve had it so bad that there’s pressure in my head and ears! It won’t leave...and drs aren’t taking it serious as it’s only been 10months

Thanks for all the comments!

The ENT specialist wants me to do a blood test to rule out any allergies. Also now that I've stopped breastfeeding she has prescribed me some more nose medicine even though I've told her a) they make me sneeze like crazy b) I've used so many in the past and they don't help. Just going to try again and see what happens.

Deep down I know the only way is a Septoplasty and I WILL push for one if this round of meds don't work. I have found that because I'm on mat leave and in lockdown, I don't leave my house so my symptoms aren't as terrible. They tend to flare up during the afternoon/evening and most at night. Anyone else found that too?

Also, if anyone has had a septoplasty, was your nose seriously deviated or mildly?

@britbo how are you now?

UPDATE:

After years of being turned away, I finally had the most amazing dr today confirm that I have a 'vividly deviated septum' which is the cause of my blocked nose. FINALLY. I've been referred for a Septoplasty on the NHS. Can't quite believe that I will be able to breathe normally soon 😅

That's great @britbo !
Sinus blockage/congestion is the absolute pits.
Hope you're able to get it taken care of soon!

Hi OP wondered how you are after your surgery? I have the same problems.

So I had all my appointments rescheduled because there's such a back log due to Covid. My appointment is now next month. Hoping it's directly with a surgeon as I've had multiple ENT appointments.

Will keep you updated!