Recurring acute sinusitis - please any advice??

[PowerthruIT]

Hi all,

I am really hoping for some advice from shared experiences on this matter.

Since March 2023 I have had six episodes of acute sinusitis and currently experiencing my seventh. The most worrying part of it is with the episodes I completely lose taste and smell for around 2 weeks which I have been told by the GP is unusual (its not COVID as have tested on most occasions). I get no fever so I am told its not an infraction but viral.

I am under referral with ENT, initial examination showed no signs of polyps in the sinuses so they are unsure why the recurring bouts, so I am now on another waiting list.

It's really getting me down. I can deal with the blocked nose, headache, and tiredness but losing all taste and smell is dreadful.

Has anyone else gone through this? Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Is there any tricks to helps with the taste and smell anyone has discovered who may have had a similar experience?

I lose my sense of smell with mine

Steroid nasal spray (Nasonex) every day - only thing that works for me

I suffered for well over a decade. The worst part was the pain. I could not lower my head at all. Antibiotics on a regular basis, at least twice a year.
After the first time I snorkelled in the Mediterranean, I removed my mask, and it was as if a tap had opened in my head.
Touch wood, never suffered since, but I have snorkelled in salt water at every opportunity.

I had surgery to widen my sinuses. While it wasn't a pleasant experience it made a life changing difference. I very rarely get sinus issues now and when I do it's quite mild. Prior to the surgery I would have gladly taken a drill to my own head to relieve the pressure, it was so painful.

It might sound a bit daft, but try using white tiger balm. I use a small bit just above my eyebrows and it helps.

Thanks yes I have been prescribed mometasone (steroid) a few times that helps relieve the pressure but doesn't help the smell/taste.

Out of curiosity how often do you suffer? Do you have any idea of what tends to bring it on if yours is recurrent? Some GPs have said to me it could be linked to certain food intolerances but I am not convinced as for 40 years of my life I have never suffered until last year

Allergies, pollution play a part I'm sure. I have narrow nasal passages but so did my mum and she had the operation to widen them and it did nothing. I've always had a sensitive nose and ears. I find it infuriating!

I get it badly probably 3-4 times a year and then moderately every month

Nasal congestion is also a symptom of perimenopause btw