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Extremely Dry Sinuses
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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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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1 ReactionThank 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.
I have had a dry nose for years and it also bleeds sometimes. I use Mupirocin and it works great! You need a prescription to get it. Also if I run our of Mupirocin, I use Neosporin which is an over the counter ointment. It works pretty well but not as good as Mupirocin. I also put Mentholatum in my nose every night when I go to bed. It keeps my nose moist and helps me breathe.
I hope this helps.
PML