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Sinus infection and constant head pressure
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) | Last Active: Dec 18, 2022 | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
I developed a sinus infection about 2 1/2 months ago. I have gone to my primary care doctor, an ENT, gotten a CAT scan of my sinuses, and receive 2 rounds of antibiotics. No one seems to be able to determine what is causing the infection or how to treat it. I use a Netti pot 2 to 3 times a day, take decongestants to help relieve the pressure in my head, and blow my nose about once every 2 minutes. Every time yellow mucus comes out. Im sure I have expelled gallons of the stuf. I was directed to an allergy clinic, but the appointment is 2 months from now. Who would be the most likely to be able to diagnose this problem?
Replies to "I developed a sinus infection about 2 1/2 months ago. I have gone to my primary..."
My very persistent sinus infection was caused by a cracked root in a tooth. I did not actually have an infection but a severe inflammation. My ENT at Mayo Clinic wanted to do surgery after I had the tooth pulled but there was no way I could go through surgery at that time. She then prescribed 4mg. of dexamethasone for two weeks. This is a tablet that you add to the netti pot along with a Neil-med packet. It did the trick.
Good luck with your search for a solution.
Do you normally have allergies? You may be referred to an allergist to help determine the best way to control them. Call and ask if they can either work you in or you can get on a call list when someone cancels their appointment.
Have they taken a sample to determine if the cause is bacteria or fungi? That can determine what medication they use to treat you.
Are you using distilled water (which is recommended) in your netti pot? Are you cleaning your netti pot as per directions that came with it? If you use a nasal spray are you cleaning the nozzle tips after usage? Do you use a cpap machine for sleep apnea?
Here is a link about Chronic Sinusitis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661
Hi @klickman0226
I also have had wicked sinus infections, they increased when I moved away from the coast. Life was miserable. Stock should have been bought for companies that make tissues. My allergy list takes pages, I lived in the desert and was even allergic to tumbleweed, the live version. I still have issues but I have reduced them by: medications, saline spray, Flonase and no outdoor clothing in my bedroom, washing my pillow and or drying it monthly, drying and freezing my pillow cases, I take a shower if I have been outside, so no pollen gets on my pillow to breathe it in. I also do not put on allergy mattress or pillow covers for the same reason . These are not cures but if you eliminate some causes of annoyance to your sinuses it is a small win. Less misery, for me. I still get sinus infections, I usually need medication for 3 weeks. I hope some of this helps, I have felt like you and battled the infections for 6+ months once. Medications 2 weeks at a time, until a doctor gave me one for a month yahoo!
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Hi @klickman0226, welcome. I moved your message to this existing, related discussion:
- Sinus infection and constant head pressure https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sinus-infection-and-constant-head-pressure/
I did this so you can connect with others like @pack12, @njh @lacey2 as well as the helpful responses they received from members like @loribmt @sueinmn and @fourof5zs.
Your situation sounds very frustrating with few answers despite having seen specialists and taking the common courses of action. An allergy clinic is a good next step. I'm sorry there is such a wait.