Post Nasal Drip Solution

I have allergies as well, have been told my post nasal “drip” (actually thick yellow mucus) is from acid reflux, and am also post sinus surgery. I’ve been on antibiotics about 25 times since my sinus surgery 3 years ago. Each time all my symptoms (all are sinus related) go away for a period of time (including the thick mucus down the back of my throat and daily fevers). I’ll add that the past year I take antifungals with my antibiotics and have seen even more dramatic improvement when that happens.

And like you, PPIs do zero to help my sinus situation. I had an endoscopy this year to check for signs of reflux and have none.

During the past 3 years I worked with a diagnostician to try to figure out what’s going on, and though the problem still exists, yet luckily gets less intense each year, we found out I have cyst fibrosis. I was diagnosed with it last year, through genetic testing, at age 58. Do you have a history of bronchitis and or sinusitis? I’m asking because CF can cause thick sticky mucus. My CT scans at this point always show mucus and inflammation in my sinuses, and the radiologists always report pan-sinusitis, but ENTs always tell me it all looks great in there.

I have not found an ENT that wants to explore any issues except those for which they can do surgery. They don’t seem interested in finding the pathology for a sick nose if a CT scan doesn’t show a deformity/polyp/fungal ball — in other words, something they can do surgery on.

I recently went to a new dentist who found a small pocket of infection on an X-ray of my front tooth that had a root canal. I just got that fixed and am feeling prey good, but I’m also on day 12 of my current course of Augmentin and Itraconazole. Time will tell if that tooth issue was contributing to my issues.

I hope you find some answers.

Oh my goodness! I've had the same issues regarding the post nasal drip drainage. I've been on antibiotics so many times during my life that I lost track. I had sinus surgery years ago (2004) and he removed a benign cyst high up in my nasal passage cleaned out the infection that antibiotics didn't help so I have dealt with this problem for a very long time. I do have acid reflux and have been on different medications but it didn't help the drainage and I quit taking PPI's and have the acid reflux under control by altering my diet. Every CT scan I've had in the last 3 years has shown clear sinuses. Just a few weeks ago I got sick and was put on antibiotic and prednisone and even though I believe what I had was viral, while on the antibiotic and prednisone, I was finally able to expel some of the congestion in my throat. It was very thick and chunky. Nevertheless, I felt a lot better but now the drainage is back since I finished both medications. I also have extremely dry sinus and my nose bleeds if there is a drop in humidity. I do not take antihistamines or nose sprays because it dries out sinus even worse. What are the antifungal meds that you take? Are they prescription?

Oh my goodness! I've had the same issues regarding the post nasal drip drainage. I've been on antibiotics so many times during my life that I lost track. I had sinus surgery years ago (2004) and he removed a benign cyst high up in my nasal passage cleaned out the infection that antibiotics didn't help so I have dealt with this problem for a very long time. I do have acid reflux and have been on different medications but it didn't help the drainage and I quit taking PPI's and have the acid reflux under control by altering my diet. Every CT scan I've had in the last 3 years has shown clear sinuses. Just a few weeks ago I got sick and was put on antibiotic and prednisone and even though I believe what I had was viral, while on the antibiotic and prednisone, I was finally able to expel some of the congestion in my throat. It was very thick and chunky. Nevertheless, I felt a lot better but now the drainage is back since I finished both medications. I also have extremely dry sinus and my nose bleeds if there is a drop in humidity. I do not take antihistamines or nose sprays because it dries out sinus even worse. What are the antifungal meds that you take? Are they prescription?

I’m afraid to suggest this, but it works for me. Oil of Oregano from NAmerican Herb & Spice. You put a little under your tongue, hold it there as long as you can, then swallow it. It’s very hot/spicy but you get used to it. I now use the Super Strength, a whole dropper full. I suggested this to a worker suffer from Lyme disease. He later told me it did wonders for him. Read the book “Cure in the Cupboard”. I have no affiliation with NAHS

Sometimes I take Fluconazole, and sometimes Itraconazole. Both are prescription. I also often add about 1/2 to 1 tsp hydrogen peroxide to my nasal rinses (which I do once a day) in the hopes that it will kill whatever is lingering in my sinuses. I'd like to note that no ENT has helped me with any of this, it's only my allergist who seems to care that it's not right. And even with that, I will occasionally just try things on my own since I can't get any help. The hydrogen peroxide was my idea after researching as best I could on the internet. I could rant about the ENT system -- but I'll save it.

Has your ENT swabbed your nose to see if there is any fungus growing in you sinuses? Also, ask about sinus irrigation rinses. I recently went to an ENT for chronic sinus infections and he gave me a prescription for an antibiotic & steroid capsul to break open an to put into my NeilMed Sinus rinse of distilled water and the packet of saline that comes with the NeilMed rinse. You shake it up and irrigate your sinses twice a day. This is much like taking the antibiotic by mouth and steroid by mouth, except it goes straight to your sinuses for the swelling and to prevent future infections. You are bypassingi your liver, gut and kidneys this way. I hope this helps. God Bless.

Hi - though I’ve asked for a swab to check for fungal infections, I haven’t gotten one. Only swabs to check for bacterial infections. I have been doing nasal rinses with budesonide and mupirocin for 3 years. They keep me from feeling worse, but they don’t fully clear the problem.

Take care