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Extremely Dry Sinuses

Posted by marjoriem @marjoriem, Jan 10, 2025

I have been dealing with extremely dry sinuses and post nasal drip for the past 5 years and cannot find a remedy. My ENT is no help! I also have Acid Reflux and GERD and know that the acid comes back up in my throat and my ENT says that the mucous in my throat is not post nasal drip, it's from the acid reflux, however, I totally disagree. Yes I have the acid reflux but I can tell that the mucous in my throat is from my sinuses. I get headaches and always have blood in my nose and dried blood. I use saline nasal moisture spray, Mucinex and a humidifier at night. Nose sprays like Flonase and antihistamines only dry out my sinuses more. I am desperate and appreciate any feedback on successful remedies.

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covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Dec 10, 2025

I use a cool mist humidifer & AYR saline mist and it helps tremendously. Blessings & Prayers...

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m4tt | @m4tt | Jan 3 1:50am

I'm in a similar boat. Had surgery to correct a deviated septum and nose blocking while sleeping. At first there seemed little improvement but as time past my nose issues have become so much worse than before. Wake up constantly through the night with inflammed sinus (completly shut) and dry mouth. Tried all sorts of products nose sprays and devices. Seen multiple ENTs they don't see an issue and can't offer any help. My nose never runs, I get postnasal drip daily with crust accumulated in my throat, dry sinuses, headaches/migraines. Every day is a struggle. There needs to be some sort of operation to correct it. If you find a solution please post.

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francinette21 | @francinette21 | Jan 5 10:30pm
In reply to @marjoriem "Thank you for your feedback. Your sinus issues sound identical to mine. Years of allergies, allergy..." + (show)
Profile picture for marjoriem @marjoriem

Thank you for your feedback. Your sinus issues sound identical to mine. Years of allergies, allergy shots, and sinus surgery. I have been to 2 different ENT and I've had CT scans and Nasal Endoscopies and they offer nothing new from what I have tried and are already doing. I was told after sinus surgery not to use Antihistamines because it makes dry sinuses worse as well as Flonase and the other nasal sprays. I really wonder if this extreme dryness is a side effect of the sinus surgery. In addition to the sinus issues, I have GERD, silent acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and esophagus motility issues. I have tried various PPI's with no success and are in discussion with my Gastro doctor for surgery options. Thanks again and take care.

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@marjoriem
May I ask What kind of surgery are you having?

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texgrand6 | @texgrand6 | Jan 13 9:20am

I can relate to your issues. Sinus problems can be very difficult. Please search for a great doctor who wants to help you. I found one. Also, I know there are moisturizing products on Amazon that will really help. Pleas see a specialist for GERD. I have it also and does need attention as well. God speed.

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texgrand6 | @texgrand6 | Jan 13 10:04am
In reply to @jnmy "@marjoriem I don’t usually respond to this group but I saw your earlier post. Do you..." + (show)
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@marjoriem
I don’t usually respond to this group but I saw your earlier post. Do you have a cough with the mucus? Were you diagnosed by the ENT with “thick mucus”?

Just a head’s up that if you have excessive mucus and a cough and sinus pressure etc, be vigilant if you get an upper respiratory infection.

Have your doctor or ENT treat these infections properly (if bacterial based, you probably need antibiotics) to ensure any bacterial infections don’t become lower respiratory or lung based.

Hope you get more answers.

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@jnmy , my ENT uses antibiotics that can be applied directly into the sinuses to be more effective. The antibiotic was compounded for the specific bacteria after culturing.

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texgrand6 | @texgrand6 | Jan 13 10:09am
In reply to @covidstinks2023 "marjoriam, I am so sorry. Some thoughts below. I too have acid reflux & have dealt..." + (show)
Profile picture for covidstinks2023 @covidstinks2023

marjoriam, I am so sorry. Some thoughts below.

I too have acid reflux & have dealt with sinus issues for years. Mine was different and I had a lot of sinus infections & I have a lot of allergies. I tried a lot of things. Sinus surgery helped, but, it wasn't a cure-all. I can breathe better & I have less sinus infections. I am still headache prone.

Do you think you are grinding your teeth in your sleep or have sleep apnea? They both can cause headaches. Have you ever been diagnosed with migraines? Neurologist?

I was prescribed Protonix 20 mg in the a.m. and 20 Mg of Pepcid AC at night for reflux. If my reflux ramps up, I use Protonix 40 mg and when it calms down, I go back down to 20 mg. It try not to eat anything after 6 p.m. except an apple or popcorn to avoid backup reflux. The head of my bed is elevated, I do not wear a tight belt around my waist and getting off any extra weight helps greatly with reflux. All of this worsens reflux.

Flonase itself is notorious for nosebleeds and a lot of folks that I know simply cannot use it.

Decongestants and antihistamines both can be drying to the sinus cavity.

Personally, I would get a 2nd opinion from another ENT doctor and get an mri done if possible. Did your ENT doctor swab your nose to send to a lab to see if any bacteria or mold was growing in your sinuses?

Praying for relief for you & Happy New Year.

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@covidstinks2023 , I love this answer and whole heartedly agree with it all. I do much of all that you do and recommend another opinion. Please search and find the very best doctors. L

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