Bloody sinuses

[Concentrateonthegood]

In December, I got the worst cold I've ever had. Chest infection, blocked sinuses, infected sinuses etc etc etc. I've had two lots of antib's, a course of oral steroids and topical steroids for the legacy sinus problems that have ensued. So, getting to the three month point now and not one day since December 11th have I been able to speak without this nasally tone. I'm blowing my nose all the time, not sleeping through because of congestion and yesterday, I felt like the cold was back with a vengeance. Three months of not feeling well. What is wrong with me???

My sympathies. There's nothing more miserable than sinus problems.

You probably have developed a chronic infection. I would revisit the GP and see if he suggests a different type of antibiotic. Has he xrayed your sinuses? If it doesn't clear up in the long run, perhaps ask if you could be referred to ENT specialist.

I used to get a lot of sinus problems and found the following helped:

1. Don't be tempted to 'overblow' your nose. This can exaccerbate the infection in the sinuses.

1. Use anti-decongestants as prescribed. Avoid overusing them as they can cause rebound problems.

1. Keep well hydrated.

1. Try and reduce intake of dairy. Apparently that can worsen sinus symptoms.

1. Some people swear by the use of a Netipot. Not a pleasant experience but will clear your sinuses to some extent. I preferred using saline nasal sprays.

1. When I used to get a lot of pressure behind the eyes, I found it helpful to chew on 'menthol' or similar chewing gum. The combination of medicated fumes and chewing action alleviated the pain in my sinuses. Sounds mad but it did help.

HTH

Thank you Jalopy. My daughter's a nurse and has just text me to look up the side effects of fluoxetine which I've been on for a few months. It is one of the side effects. So, my choices are that I come off the fluoxetine and improve my sinus problems and risk the depression and paranoia or keep the damn sinus problems! Choices choices....