These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Sinus Infections
Question: For several years I have had multiple yearly cases of Sinusitis. Throughout this time my sinuses have seemingly built up a congealed mass of mucus. By this I mean this glob moves from one side off my head to the other, with the angle of my head. I have tried many over-the-counter and prescribed medications, with no effect. During this time I have experienced many ear infections, reduced hearing and ringing in the ears. Would evacuation of the sinuses have any long term effects? If not what can I do or recommend to the ENT to eliminate this problem?
Answer: Recurrent sinus infections often result in surgery in an attempt to decrease the number of infections. A CT of the sinuses may be helpful in deciding this issue. If your ENT has never considered the possibility, I would get a second opinion.
Sinus Drainage
Question: In 1983 I inhaled what I thought was coke, and in fact, was something far worse. What ever it was did damage to my sinus in the right nostril. To this day the right side drains constantly, causing me to blow my nose several times and hour. Is there a surgery or something that I can do to stop this problem?
Answer: you’ll need to see a physician to see if there is a perforation in the septum dividing your right from your left side of your nose. This is usually fixable.
Sinusitis
Question: What is the connection between thyroid hormones and sinusitis? My most recent thyroid tests indicate that I am borderline hypothyroid. I am currently not receiving any medication for my condition, but I am plagued with chronic sinusitis.
I have had two surgeries for correction of a deviated septum along with correction of turbinates (and all that goes with it). However, I am now told that my septum has once again becomed deviated. Is this a common occurance?
When I had my last sinus surgery (January 1995) my Otolaryngologist had to remove a large amount of fungus from my sinuses. How common is that? Is there any way to prevent its return? My symptoms are identical to the symptoms I had two years ago: heaviness in my sinuses and infections that are not responding to antibiotics (amoxicillan and biaxin).
Answer: Chronic sinusitus can be caused by many different etiologies – I’m not aware of thyroid
disease being one of them. In general, the sinuses drain from very small holes and any
blockage or difficulty draining sets one up for chronic sinus infections. Like most parts of
the body, the lack of drainage gives bacteria and fungal agents a perfect growing environment.
Fungal infections are an uncommon cause of fungal problems. They typically occur in
diabetics and in people with impaired immunity. Treatment is usually medical, and not surgical,
although removal of large fungal masses is sometimes necessary. Use of normal antibiotics is
completely ineffective against most fungal agents, with Nocardia being the exception. If you
really have a fungal infection of the sinuses, I would consult an Internist or Infectious Disease
Specialist.
Chronic Infection
Question: I have been having a 5 week problem with my sinuses. The problem only seems to be getting stranger. The odd part is that when I am sitting or standing still my sinuses will completely close and I must breath through my mouth. If I walk, dance or otherwise become physicaly active, I open up completely and can breathe normaly. This includes being exposed to smoke at night clubs. When driving my car, my sinuses will close, but when I get out to walk into a store, they open in the time it takes to get to the door. I saw a doctor at a small clinic and he said he had never heard of this particular problem. Can this possibly lead me to the root of my sinus problem. I keep feeling as though this thing will not end.
Answer:I thought about your problem for a while and I really have no great ideas that would help you. I’d contact an ENT specialist and get a CT of the sinuses.
