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What is the best treatment for chronic sinus infections?
I believe the Nettipot helps and prescription nose drops (Funisolide) tends to minimize the production of mucus that contributes to post-nasal drip. Occasionally, an antibiotic might be required. I have a deviated septum. Would surgical correction likely clear up this tendency toward chronic sinus difficulty. I have Alpha1 and need to keep my lungs free of viruses and bacteria.
Thanks.
Thanks.
64 yr old, Female
asked Mar 01, 2010 at 12:33PM in Other
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2VotesBefore I considered surgery (an irreversible process), I would investigate more benign (and possibly more effective) options.
If you haven't already, you might want to eliminate all sinus/respiratory-irritants in your environment, including your diet.
For example, many people consume a daily diet containing foods to which they are mildly allergic, such as dairy, wheat or other forms of gluten, corn, etc. By "mildly," I mean there are no obvious signs of allergy -- such as sneezing or throat closing. It's more of a general drag on the immune system.
Dr. Charles Parker writes extensively on gluten sensitivity at his blog:
http://www.corepsychblog.com/2007/08/why-we-overlook-celiac-and-gluten-sensitivity/
One pathogen that tends to like the sinus cavity is Aspergillus Niger. You might be exposed to this mold via damp areas or wood in your home or garden as well as certain foods such as grapes and strawberries.
Here is more information Aspergillus and it's deleterious effects on the respiratory system, sinuses, etc.
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec17/ch197/ch197b.html
I hope you feel better soon. -
0Votes
answered Mar 02, 2010 at 02:54PMDear Ms.
First, sinusitis, by definition is an inflammitory condition of the sinuses. It does not always mean there is an infection.
In my clinical experience the most common causes of chronic sinusitis are allergies which causes a non-infectious sinusitis (irritation, mucous production, sinus pressure), however this condition creates a great environment for bacteria and viruses to grow a cause infectious issues. The allergy must be addressed in order to treat the sinusitis.
The other common etiology (cause) is smoking. Smoking (any substance) leads to a destruction of the cilia which helps filter the air we breath and eliminates the first line of defense angainst respiratory pathogens. It also decreases our immune response and makes it more difficult to fight illnesses. Smoking also effects other individuals (secondary smoke).....so if you do smoke, STOP. If you don't, don't start. Nothing good comes from smoking.
Surgery for deviated nasal septum will do little or nothing to help you sinuses.
Treating a fungal or viral infection with an antibiotic is a waste of money.
Treating a fungal or viral infection with a steroid nasal spray, can atually make them worse.
Treating many illnesses while continuing to smoke is like foolish.
As with any illness, if you want to treat the disease, you must treat or remove the cause. -
0Votesanswered Mar 02, 2010 at 08:14PMThanks for your response. I should note that I have Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and have never smoked. I have never had allergies but I have had pneumonia multiple times, which on several occasions began in the sinuses and was accompanied by a very bad taste, green mucus and typically a fever.
I am trying very hard to keep this problem from recurring because, as you know, pneumonia is very bad for the lungs (particularly the lungs of an Alpha). My chronic post-nasal drip sometimes causes nausea when it reaches my stomach. I would like to follow your advice, however the cause in my case appears to be repeated infections in the sinuses (sometimes viral). The Funisolide is the first treatment that has actually cleared up this problem for a period of time.
Thanks again for your time. I realize that I am not a typical patient in any sense of the word. I do try to keep myself as healthy as possible and read medical articles to answer some of my questions.
Sincerely, -
1Votesanswered Mar 02, 2010 at 08:32PMVictoria,
My heart goes out to you. As you are aware, due to your Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency you are at risk for many respiratory illnesses. Yes, the funisolide, will offer you symptom relief for your sinuses. I highly recommend that you continue to follow the advice of your pulmonologist. Rule of thumb: if mucous is green and foul smelling, its most likely bacterial. -
0VotesYou're most welcome, Victoria. I hope the info helps.
My personal physician told me about the aspergillus niger and its possible connection to my chronically stuffy nose/sinus. Eliminating some foods has improved the stuffiness and sinus pressure.
Fortunately, after eliminating dairy, I found some unsweetened coconut milk that substitutes very well for my occasional latte. ;-) I must say, though, that 24 hours fasting (in preparation for a colonoscopy) did the most to eradicate sinus/nasal stuffiness and post-nasal drip -- even during our pollen season. Obviously, I haven't eliminated everything from my diet that's creating some reaction, however mild. So, I will keep going down the list.
Being unfamiliar with Alpha-1, I did a bit of research. It sounds as though you're very lucky (and smart) to receive an accurate diagnosis. Many do not, apparently. So, you are obviously on the ball in taking care of yourself.
g-
Thanks, Gina. I am trying to be as methodical as possible with the potential food allergies.
I am glad you did the research on Alpha-1. In this country, we have only identified about 7% of the 100,000 out there. So much can be done if the condition is identified early enough. The Alpha Foundation is attempting to get primary care physicians to test all children with asthma for this disease. It can be done two ways. The first way involves a simple blood test.
Thanks again for your response to my sinus issues.64 yr old, Female commented Apr 06, 2010 at 08:58PM
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Thanks again. This is the best answer I have received to my question.
Sincerely,