Wellness

[violann]

I have also searched for years and years, and now, in addition to daily allergy pills and Flonase if needed, I also use SALINE NASAL SPRAY, and it really seems to help.

I buy Ayre- pricey but gentle and effective.

there is also a gel, and it seems to help more for longer periods of time.

I use it sometimes at night.

I know EXACTLY what you mean when you say "swelling"! 

HOPE THE SALINE SPRAY HELPS!

[cotton4me]

I started having sinus problems and it turned out to an allergy to wheat.  Also, candida (yeast) can get into the nose.  That happens if I eat anything with sugar.  I avoid allergic foods and sugar and take a good probiotic every day. 

[DoneTryin]

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@Love orchids wrote:

So I assume the mattress cover cured the problem with your sinuses?

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@Love orchids

No cures for hayfever & other seasonal allergies.  However, it has greatly alleviated that stuffy nose while I'm sleeping & not waking up in the night.  Still have to use the neti pot at night which has been a great help, too.  Different causes for our sinus problems, so we all have to try our own ways to resolve.  I try to go the natural route as much as I can because I just don't like going to the doctor (if I can help it at all)

[Mary Bailey]

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

@jaxs mom    One of the ENT's did diagnose rhinitus...but that is all he said......no treatment, nothing. What exactly is rhinitus...is it something that you treat?

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It's simply inflammation of the nose

rhin = nose

-itis definition, a suffix used in pathological terms that denote inflammation of an organ (bronchitis; gastritis; neuritis)

-itis works on almost everything

medical terminology was a fun and interesting class. I had a great instuctor.  I took it about 15 years ago so I'm a bit rusty.

[fortune]

Is there a possibility that you could have nasal polyps?  Maybe you should start over with a new ENT specialist.  Look on the Internet web sites that give patients' reviews on doctors.  Check more than one source.  I've found that is a good way to get a good doctor.

[lolakimono]

@Mom2Dogs

I am a long time sinus and allergy sufferer.  I went through allergy testing 5+ years ago, although I have been taking RX medicines for allergies for about 25 years.  I take an RX decongestant/antihistamine in the a.m. and one at night, without the decongestant.  One of my triggers is dust  mites.  My allergist suggested the allergen pillowcases and mattress cover, and I noticed an immediate improvement.  Another allergen is cats, which unfortunately, is also part of my DNA.  I used the neti pot, as others have mentioned, but my main problem was a deviated septum.  I always had one side that drained and one that was congested, which also affected my Eustacian tubes.  I had sinus surgery two summers ago, and in addition to fixing the deviated septum, they also widened my sinus passages.  I would say that I have had about 90% improvement after that.  I also do allergy shots twice a month, and have been doing that for five years. Personally, if I were you, I would see an allergist, go through testing, and find out what your specific triggers are.  For me, dust mites are year round, so I will always need to be on medication.  Once I was tested, however, I made "better" choices about the furnishings in my house (like having leather on the couch instead of fabric and choosing blinds over curtains).  I also do a humidifier on each floor in the months that the heat is on.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.  Sinuses can make you miserable, for sure!

[sfnative]

@Mom2Dogs

The loss of your PCP is a huge bummer and having to wait well into next year is terribly unfortunate.

1st ENT you saw: Dollars to donuts that person graduated from his/her Residency program at the bottom on the ladder.  Your nose may not appear swollen from a gross inspection (looking at it), but may very well be swollen on the inside, which could be your problem.  My sinuses on the left are always swollen because in college during a field hockey match, the goalie whacked me on the left side of my face thereby breaking my nose on the left and knocking me out.  Have you ever taken a blow to the face? 

2nd ENT:  It would be prudent to get the allergy testing done.

Re the MRI: MRIs allow physicians to visualize the soft tissue in your body.  If a CT or films are ill-advised, then your ENT should scope your nose, both sides, just to get a look.

Re any kind of doc.  Talk to your friends and neighbors.  Try to get a sense of who has had a great experience with an ENT doc.  If you're fortunate to get a line on a great doc, call the office and ask what is required to make an appointment.

When it gets down to you having an appointment with a new physician, tell him/her that you want both sides of your nose swabbed and tested.  Aside from numerous bacteria that naturally live in sinuses, there are a host of fungi that can inhabit your mucous membranes as well and create havoc.

By bottom line is that I always go to the best.  When I'm unable to predetermine this, I'll ask the person answering the appointment phone from which medical school and Residency program the doc graduated, then look the doc up online.  Look for the doc's bio and patient feedback.

[sfnative]

@Mom2Dogs

@LTT1

Loves,

Based on your experiences, it would be wonderful for you to provide feedback for "momtodogs" re her sinus issue.

~R

[ROMARY]

I don't know if I mentioned this: Washing pillowcases in unscented liquid detergent could help.  Also bed sheets.  When we think about it, placing our face on scented pillowcases for ten hours or so every night could cause allergies/swelling/etc. 

[Mom2Dogs]

Thanks everyone, for your advice and sharing your experiences.  I will research the docs in my network again and try to find a better doctor, and ask more pointed questions!  I woke up yesterday morning at 5 am....headache and unable to breath thru one side on my nose, I felt sick all day, the headache hung on all day thru the evening.

I know there are people that suffer much more than I do with a lot of different illnesses so I don't want to complain to much but I would like a little relief.