Hello. I am a 24 year old female. One year ago, after spending two weeks on
IV antibiotics for a nonresponsive sinus infection, I finally had surgery in
which a deviated septum was corrected as well as an ethmoidectomy,
turbinectomy, and some other "ectomies" that i can't quite remember! I had a
long spell of relief which ended about five weeks ago. My symptoms are as
follows:
Severe crusting,dryness and stuffiness
Constant fatigue
pain and pressure as before surgery
A very strange burning in back of nose and smell of ammonia/bleach when I
lie flat on my back (?!?)
Terrible smelling breath and nasal odor
Finally, I am experiencing muffled(congested)hearing and light sensitivity
in eyes
I understand some of this is common postsurgically but one year is a bit much and since I have lost medical coverage, I am at a loss as to what to do... Could you tell me what you think the problem is and what my ENT will do about it? Do you think I may need further surgical procedures? (YIKES, The packing removal is the worst!!!!!)
I thank you for your time in considering these questions and will greatly appreciate your advice! ( Your page is very informative)
Reply: -------------------------
It would be quite premature to be concerned about the possible need for more surgery. Your symptoms do suggest the possibility of sinus infection. It is important to understand that successful sinus surgery does not mean that one will be forever free of sinus infections in the future. Sinus surgery is performed in most instances to treat chronically infected or obstructed sinuses that have failed to improve or resolve with intensive,comprehensive and sustained medical therapy. Furthermore, some people have environmental sensitivities that may predispose them to sinus infections and this may not necessarily change after sinus surgery. It is true that some people are predisposed to chronic or frequently recurrent sinus infections because of fixed anatomic blockage and in those patients sinus surgery may indeed free them from significant sinus problems in the future. But even those patients may still be expected to have an occasional sinus infection here and there since most sinus infections, like the common cold are communicable illnesses. So the first order of business is to be seen for an examination. If sinusitis is indeed the cause of your symptoms, it is quite possible that medication and other non-surgical treatments will correct the problem.
--
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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