Will a sinus infection just go in time or does it need antibiotics?

[olivo]

I have had a sinus infection for 10 days now but have not been to Dr because I am away. Have just been using stuff from boots to control the pain and congestion. The discharge shows no signs of stopping. Will it just burn itself out, or will I need to make an appt for when I get back? The last one I had took 3 lots of Abs to shift.

Can anyone help?

You have much sympathy from me

I think you need to go to the dr especially considering your history? Are you steaming lots? The heat helps kill infection.

A neti pot is a great way to keep sinuses clear but not sure if you should use it when you're infected?

I've just had a septoplasty operation in the hope it'll help my sinuses? One side was very closed because of the septum in my nose, so this made 'stuff' stay in.

Neti pot.

You poorly thing. I get sinusitis, have you tried a nasal spray to help clear some of the rubbish out? I discovered it when ds2 had a terrible cold and the calpol one came out. It really truly helped.

Thank you. Over the last year I have had several episodes, they did say they would refer me if necessary. I broke my nose many years ago and have had lots of congestion problems since but seem to have lots of hurty infections recently. I am using a sudofed spray plus boots cold and flu tablets but have used them for longer than I should die to being away.

I have tried to steam a bit. I have read about netipot on here but too chicken.......

I think you need to go to an ENT specialist. Sounds like a septoplasty would be a good idea?

Neti's fine nothing to worry about. It's an ancient technique so been around a while and is getting very popular in the western world now.

Steam often, twice a day.

Thanks again, I think I'd better make an appt, I'll be home later this week. What does septoplasty involve?

They cut your septum or shave bits off to make it straight, it's day surgery. Are both your sinuses bad?

Meant both sides.

The infection always seems to be on the side that I broke, but they are always congested on both sides. Do you think it has been successful for you?

I only had it done on 20th July but my nose is clearer already. I asked on mumsnet first before I went to my first appointment They were all positive. Whatever you do do not google because you get all these flaky people whining on about it. Stick to mumsnet

I got pain medication to take home and needed them around 3rd and 4th day as my head felt pressured. But haven't needed them since. Also they gave me nasal drops and nose cream (anti b and antiseptic)

My nose is still a bit tender but it's only been 9 days. I just hope I get a winter without sinusitis?

Yes also mine was on left side. I was hit on that side when younger by a naughty boy. To be fair I had kicked him first but he did hit me hard. I remember my nose bleeding for ages.

Thank you, I had heard nasty stories about sinuses but I will stick to MN

I have made an appt for when I am back and will ask to be referred!

Good luck with yours- may your winter be snot and pain free !

The problem with the sprays is that if you use them for longer than recommended you can get what is called "rebound congestion" where you get into a cycle of dependency- i.e they work for a few hours, but then the nasal membrances swell up in reaction to being constricted, so you use more spray etc. Also, they are quite drying which can exacerbate the problem if you're prone to infections anyway. Apparently, using saline sprays to irrigate the sinuses can help.

Thanks. Funnily enough I had a fantastic night in bed (sleep ) I actually laid on my right side for the first time. Normally it feels as if my let side is collapsing. I know that sounds odd but it must be to do with rhinitis and congestion? Not sure. Anyway I felt normal last night It's weird being able to breath out of both nostrils.

One downside is I can smell the dog Today I will be mostly hoovering and cleaning!

meant left side.

I understand completely, I can only ever sleep on the same side. Have been to the dr, have antibiotics, and will be referred if I get another infection. I use the sterimar saline spray, but in the middle of the night, it's too easy to reach for the sudofed spray. I read on here about weaning one nostril off at a time - it worked!

Well I had an occurrence today. We were all getting ready for a day out when I sneezed (luckily into a tissue!) and a large piece of something came out? It may have been dried blood but was pretty solid! Anyway, the difference is amazing, I can breathe out of both nostrils. If anything I'd say the one I had trouble with, left, is now even better than the right. I'd definitely recommend it for you if you have the same thing as I had, deviated septum.

Meant to say hope you feel better soon and keep on with the steaming it really helps.

Brilliant! Feeling very nauseous and binged up but hoping the antibiotics will do their stuff for now. I am glad I have found a dr who understands. Good luck with clear breathing!

I hope they kick in soon?