Sinus problems...ongoing...has anyone found a cure?

[Curiousmama]

I'm plagued with sinus problems which sometimes include bad sinusitus. I feel dizzy a lot of the time with this.
I want to go back into work very soon and don't want my sinuses to hinder me but I can't find anything that works?
I've tried umpteen things from the GP and some natural alternatives.
Has anyone found something that does work for them?
I've thought about the operation but have heard bad reports, has anyone had a good experience of this?

I had chronic sinusitis - I have had 2 ops (1 to wash them out, 1 to enlarge sinus cavities).

The 2nd op made a bit of difference, hiowever i still have sinus pressure which comes as soon as the cold weather starts (am starting to feel sinusy now). What does help, enormously, is avoidance of dairy products and orange juice. It stops you being so mucussy which in turn stops the build up and pressure pain.

Avoid sudafed and sinutab like the plague, as well, they help in the short term however do not help in the long term.

It's horrible and you have my sympathy, in my experienec it is not something that ever goes away, you just learn to manage it.

Take a look at a neti pot - saline nasal flushing you can do on a regular basis. I got mine from ebay and cheaply so you don't have to fork out loads of money to give it a go. There are some youtube videos of it in use - seems quite odd and looks horrid to be fair, but is not that bad in reality when you use it.

Good luck

Second the neti pot....as beautiful says, it takes a bit of getting used to, but I've found it's made a big difference. Mine was also from ebay and cost about £2.99.

You can also try bromelain, an enzyme that comes from pineapple and it's a natural blood thinnner and anti inflammatory, good for arthritis too.
I orginally got some for my husband as he was badly swollen after his vascetomy but then read about the enzymes being useful for sinus problems and sore throats.

An osteopath trained in the cranial field is definatley worth trying before any op.

Definitely second keep looking before going for an op.

Cut back (or out entirely) on diary and wine (red wine especially). Also, if you eat a lot of berries or drink berry juice, try cutting that out.

I find when my sinuses are less bad, eating slightly hot food helps as it makes them run. I'm not sure if it would work when my sinuses are truly bad - I haven't had very bad attacks for a long time.

doc put my son on Nasonex to reduce inflammation inthe nasal passages and cetirizine (zirtek) as he said it was probably dust mites causing the problem. Also put covering on mattress..it has helped alot.

Thanks so much for all your advice

I had a neti pot once and did use it but lost it when I moved so will try that again. My sinuses weren't so bad in those days. I got the hang of it ok but can imagine it can be a bit strange, bit like when you get water in your nose when swimming.

I also tried bromelain years ago too, thanks for reminding me about it. I'll check out Holland and Barret.

Alypaly I've had a nasal spray and agree it could be an allergy. I may need to keep on with it or even use it permanently?

Thanks again will get myself on ebay and order another neti pot.

the other thing that is good is a sodium chloride isotonic nasal spray. Helps keep the delicate nasal lining healthy. you can get it n a private script or but it from pharmacies

Ordered my neti pot...can't wait for it to come It's nearer £8 with some salt and a booklet but that was cheapest I could see? Worth it if it helps. As you sufferers know it's the pits!

It's not a cure, but a reflexologist taught me to massage the inner section of my two middle fingers ( use loads of handcream ) and I can definately feel my sinuses clearing as I do it. The first time she did this for me my mose streamed for the rest of the day - has to be good!

thanks b2b, I just rubbed mine and it's tender there,usually a sign of a problem. I'm really into reflexology and love having it done. My sinus areas on my feet are always tender.

Yep - it's agony for me as well, but my sinuses are chronic, even my eyes hurt ( whimpers... )

pumpkinss curious to know did the cranial therapy cure you of just help temporarily? it's something I was seriously considering, just hadn't made the appointmnet yet

Neti pot arrived this morning I'm amazed it got here so quickly!! Thought there was a postal strike going on?
I've used it and felt immeditate relief I'm going to make sure I use it at least twice daily and see if it helps but am sure it will.

oh and the salt that came with it is much better than the type I used years ago. I just used kitchen salt whereas this is organic sea salt especially for the neti. Also I think I used too much years ago you only need 1g to 200ml of water.

bubble2bubble - i used to get sinus problems all the time and since having treatment have not had any symptoms at all (although for a day or so after it was as if someone had put the tap on!). I must stress though, I went to an experienced cranial osteopath and not a cranial-sacral therapist. Might cost more but well worth it in my view. Let me know how you get on.

That is really interesting.
I take both DDs to an amazing chiropractor who also does cranial work and she has made such a difference to them - I went into it a complete sceptic but am absolutely converted. Then I read something about it being good for glue ear, which is pretty much what I feel like I have most of the time!
Will def give it a go now after what you
said, though there's about a 9 week waiting list at the moment