Thick yellow post nasal drip, why?

Hello @303wendy. I think you may be onto something about the mold and the connection to your mucus. I did a quick Google search that lead me to read about how mucus that's a darker shade of yellow with a peanut butter-like consistency could point to fungal sinusitis, a type of infection caused by mold spores that get trapped in the nose.

Have you explored this possibility with your doctor?

Hi Amanda. Thank you. I’ve repeatedly asked to be tested for a fungal infection, but they always tell me it would show up on the CT scan. They always just look at the CT, and it seems like my symptoms make no difference to their opinion. It bums me out, and I’m not knowledgeable enough to know if a clear CT always means no problems.

@303wendy-
This has happened to many people after sinus surgery.

More than people report or what’s been reported as “failed” sinus surgeries.

For starters you would need to know what your original presenting symptoms were and what the reason for sinus surgery was.

The person whom is assessing you would be best if they were someone whom specializes in revision surgery from other surgeons short comings.

What was original surgery indicated for?

Sinuses can be inflamed but not be blocked, so there would be no benefit to simply widening inflamed sinuses that were not blocked or closed off.

This can actually incite more inflammation in a state of uncontrolled/unaddressed inflammation.

Simply removing walls and doors, so to speak does not address the inflammatory issue.

And have you been assessed by someone other than original surgeon?

Thanks. My surgery was for frequent sinusitis. I’ve seen 3 other ENTs, all of whom say that since my CT is clear, there’s no problem (infection, polyps, deformities, surgery errors).

The last ENT I saw offered me PRP injections in my nose in hopes of getting my sense of smell back, so I’ll be doing that. But my body feels exactly like it does every time I’ve had an infection, I just can’t shake that idea.

@303wendy-

Interesting. What exact surgery did you have?

Was anything discussed about long term ongoing treatment, as sinus surgery is only an adjunct to assist in an inflammatory process.

Are you currently on any topical steroid nasal/sinus rinses or other daily routines to help with the inflammatory load?

You only had this type of drainage post surgery? Any airway alterations or just sinus?

With PRP-where is that being injected into?

Did you have a full FESS surgery?

I had FESS, and yes, the doctor said that if I got another sinus infection, it could likely easily be treated by using a nasal wash with antibiotics in it.

I tried nasal washes with budesonide and mupirocin (or occasionally another antibiotic that starts with c) for seven month and felt no relief.

I’ve had post nasal drip in the past when I was sick. No other airway alterations.

The PRP injections will go in up high in the smell receptor area.

@303wendy

If the ENT is willing to give you PRP injections, I would ask for one last check and confirmation of things;

Ask if your maxillary antrostomy’s are connected to the natural maxillary ostium.

These surgeries can really mess up mucociliary clearance on people, and many ENTs aren’t equipt, nor do they want to assist in sorting through things when started by another ENT.

Orginal ENT surgeons often don’t like admitting their technique is sub-par.

CTs are a snap shot in time and change daily as do the sinuses.

If you have not seen someone whom specifically specializes in revisions, meaning they know what to look for, weather you would need one or not, it’s important that someone outside of the regular community ENT sector can help.

You shouldn’t be feeling sick everyday.

Sorry-I don’t feel that these surgeries help that many people. To those that they do, great. But many people worse off due to poor judgment on ENT side of when/why to recommend surgery for someone.

@303wendy -

Also- prior to surgery, what were your main driving symptom complaints?

Sinus pressure, occasional pain, fever, bad breath, malaise. I also couldn’t breath out of one nostril for years. Antibiotics always cured me, but ten days or so after the antibiotics were done the symptoms would come back.

Thanks for all the specific info to look for! I’ll ask my newest ENT about those.

I hadn’t considered there were specialists in revisions. Thanks for that as well.

It gives me hope that there are still some options to explore. I appreciate your help!