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Commonly Asked Questions / Doctors' Answers
Sinus Congestion (Allergy) |
Question
I have had ongoing sinus issues for a couple of years now, probably
worse in the Fall and Winter. Last winter it seemed like I could never
get over sinus infections. At that time I had a nasal cat scan,
which the doctor seemed pretty unimpressed with and so I decided to
ignore it and just live with my issues. I take Sudafed Nighttime every
night and during the day, I take regular Sudafed when I need it.
Usually when I blow my nose, a lot of fairly thick, unclear but
generally not too discolored mucus comes out from way up in my sinuses.
It almost always smells funky to me. It has a bleach scent. On
occasions, a fairly solid mass of pea green stuff came out. It also
had that odor. Today it was the size and consistency of a canned pea
with the same color maybe even darker. It almost looks like the color
of a fresh pea.
This is sort of disgusting and I really don't like even telling my
doctor about it, although it's usually the nurse who asks those
questions initially on the phone or when you get to the office.
I really don't like talking about it to them. I'm sure they would
find it totally disgusting!
Anyway...I'm not sure what it is or why it is only occasional. That
is why I don't really think it is from an infection although the color
would definitely indicate that something was less than normal. Also
when I blow my nose my ears pop and on some days I have facial pain
behind my sinus areas, which is when I take Sudafed and Advil.
Please advise. Thank you.
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eCureMe's Advice 1
You may in fact have a chronic sinus infection. Although this may
be due to a bacterial overgrowth (normal sinuses generally have
few bacteria) it could also be due to a fungus infection. The CAT
scan has eliminated the possibility of growth such as nasal polyps.
Some people with chronic nasal congestion/discharge (of varying
colors and consistencies) have allergies to environmental things
such as dust, pollens, dander, etc. Which can respond to anti-allergy
medications such as nasal cromolyn or nasal steroids or even allergy
desensitization shots. I would check with an ENT doctor first and
then perhaps an allergist. Good luck.
eCureMe's Advice 2
It appears that you have chronic sinus infection, allergy or both.
Since the CAT scan does not show significant pathology, you may try
to take care of the problems by medication. Did you have any
cultures done? I'd suggest that you bring the materials that came
out from your sinus to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity
tests. If any microorganisms are detected, appropriate antibiotics
should be used to treat the infection.
eCureMe's Advice 3
Your problem may not be infectious but may be more allergic or
environmental in nature. You then could have a supra infection on
top of the initial inflammation. I would start with a repeat CT of
the sinuses if the old one were about a year old. You need to make
some major environmental changes including removing carpeting,
avoiding pets, cleaning AC/heating ducts, increasing ambient in door
humidity to >45%. You should be evaluated for a possible course of
antibiotics, and start on antihistamines and nasal steroids. An
evaluation by an allergist could be beneficial. Also look for
environmental exposures at work, which may be contributing.
Good luck.
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