I have had sinus problems for two years now. It began with a severe
sinus infection that seemed to develop while I had the flu. Since that
time I have been diagnosed with sinusitus and mild asthma. The doctors
have put me on Proventil, Vanceril, Nasaquart, and several types of
antibiotics to treat it. All of which seem to help for a short period
of time. The sinusitus never seems to go away, I am constantly having
mucus drain into my throat. This is always present, and every two
months or so will give way to a more severe sinus infection or the flu
or both. I have had a sinus CT that the doctor said was inconclusive,
the only thing he could tell was that most of my sinus cavities were
filled with fluid. I run 5-6 miles a day and the constant flairing up
of sinus infections and flu symptoms makes it hard to continue with my
training at times. Also I have ceased eating any dairy related food for
the past 6 months or so in an attempt to see if it will help or not. So
far it has not. My question is should I consult an allergist and what
other actions or treatments can you recomend that I can try to help my
problems. I would be grateful for any advice you can give. Also are
there any books you might recomend to help better understand my
problems.
Thank You,
Reply: --------------------------
Unless your symptoms cluster in certain seasons of the year, allergy is not likely to be an isolated cause of your problem. Nevertheless, an allergy consultation may be advisable to evaluate for perennial allergens such as dust or mold which might be contributive factors. However, your description of symptoms, medical treatment, and x-ray findings (presumable seen after sustained long-term medical treatment) suggest that you have chronic sinusitis. If appropriate long-term medical therapy has failed to resolve the proble, surgical intervention may be necessary (such as endoscopic sinus surgery) which is designed to eliminate obstruction in the drainage pathways of the sinuses. I would recommend consultation with an otolaryngologist if you have not already done so.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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