Sinus Issues for awhile.. (sinuses, allergy, x-ray, cold)
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Location: Metro Atlanta (Sandy Springs), by way of Macon, GA
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Since maybe a week or 2 before Labor Day, I've had sinus issues or what I, at the time, thought was coming down with a cold or flu. My nose is usually stuffy, head/ear pressure, sneezing some days. I guess it's important to note that I haven't had a ough or chest mucus during all this. At first I was feeling fatigue and drained, but not as much now. Also, this isn't an all day thing, it comes and goes but it has been almost everyday..
What could this be? Has anyone else ever experienced this? Does it sound like allergies that need to be addressed? Should I go to the Dr. or try allergies meds first? I was taking one Walmart off brand generic version of claritin but it wasn't doing anything for me. Should I just try something like Zyrtec and see how it goes? Are there sinus conditions that may require draining or some sort of other procedure other than simply taking allergy meds?
Sorry for all the questions, I just feel like my sinus is so messed up!
It sounds like allergies. I would see a doctor, and consider seeing an allergist in particular. But if you talk to a PCP, they could suggest whether it seems more like something to take to an allergist or an ENT. Sometimes you may need both. Right now, I think you need to try to get more information on what's going on.
One thing you could try, that tends to be applicable to either allergies or sinus problems in general, is nasal irrigation with warm salt water. Don't use straight tap water for this, since there are risks to doing that. I personally use distilled water for nasal irrigation. In a worst case scenario, tap water might have amoebas which can cause terrible brain infections. Also, don't try to do nasal irrigation if your sinuses are completely blocked up. People have different preferences for what they use to irrigate. The most basic method is to use a neti pot (preferably porcelain rather than plastic). Many people swear by squeeze bottles (my least favorite method). I prefer using a machine, which creates a steady pulsatile flow of water. I have had PCPs, allergists, and ENTs who I have all endorsed nasal irrigation.
Apparently this week or last week is/was “peak week” for allergies, so even if you don’t normally have them, you could have them now. I have skin allergies and last week my skin was incredibly itchy. I am still having problems this week.
You can go to an allergist or just try Zyrtec or an OTC nasal spray like Flonase. I also do the sinus rinse (squeeze bottle) nasal irrigation and boil the water before use.
If you use Sudafed, get the kind that you have to ask for, the kind that's behind the counter. That's the old reliable version that works for a lot of people. It does sound like seasonal allergies and they will disappear once the ragweed (or whatever it is, goes away.)
amoebas in tap water?? I never heard that before. What about when you take a shower and sniff some of the water?? I would like to see your reference for this.
Yes... allergies aren't just for spring time. Some sufferers experience allergies at different times of the year depending on what's floating around. My sinuses act up in the summer around June-July.
I read somewhere that ragweed seasons are getting longer each year due to messed up climate changes. There was a study done a few years ago. Maybe do some reading into that.
I've had a sinus infection a few years ago that was so debilitating and terrible. I had to go for an X-ray and receive antibiotics for it. Take care of yourself!
amoebas in tap water?? I never heard that before. What about when you take a shower and sniff some of the water?? I would like to see your reference for this.
It sounds like allergies. I would see a doctor, and consider seeing an allergist in particular. But if you talk to a PCP, they could suggest whether it seems more like something to take to an allergist or an ENT. Sometimes you may need both. Right now, I think you need to try to get more information on what's going on.
One thing you could try, that tends to be applicable to either allergies or sinus problems in general, is nasal irrigation with warm salt water. Don't use straight tap water for this, since there are risks to doing that. I personally use distilled water for nasal irrigation. In a worst case scenario, tap water might have amoebas which can cause terrible brain infections. Also, don't try to do nasal irrigation if your sinuses are completely blocked up. People have different preferences for what they use to irrigate. The most basic method is to use a neti pot (preferably porcelain rather than plastic). Many people swear by squeeze bottles (my least favorite method). I prefer using a machine, which creates a steady pulsatile flow of water. I have had PCPs, allergists, and ENTs who I have all endorsed nasal irrigation.
When you shower water goes into your nose and ears . Do you worry about that? If not why not use tap water for neti?
Most health experts I have read who recommend nasal irrigation recommend against using tap water. Boiled tap water is an option, however.
There is a difference between intentionally propelling over 16 oz. of salt water up my nose vs. having a little get into my nose and ears when I shower. Sure, there is still a small risk in showering, but it's not on the same scale. Additionally, I would rather not have all the chemical extras that come with tap water, when I irrigate.
On a completely different note, my water here in Albuquerque is very hard, so it tends to create calcium deposits in my irrigation unit, so there is an added advantage to using distilled water. But that is a very separate issue, I admit.
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