Chronic Sinus infection I feel like I've tried everything. Help!?

Question

I have had a sinus infection for over 3 months. 3 months ago at it's worst, I had an ear infection, bronchitis, and sinus infection. I was very sick. Here is what i've tried:
3 rounds of antibiotics
a variety of homeopathic medicine and other remedies prescribed by my naturopathic doctor (silica, garlic, lauracidin, seriphos, probiotics, ThyroChord)
Gluten free, dairy free, soy free diet for 3 weeks
castor oil packs about 3x/week
hydrotherapy
Vitamin D supplements
2 types in inhalers

Tests:
CT scan which showed my sinuses we all completely, totally full (this was after 2 rounds of antibiotics)
blood work- this all looks pretty good, with a slightly below ok range for Vit. D, high normal TSH and high normal white blood cell count.

I am getting ok sleep, about 7 hours a night
I have A LOT of stress in my life (single mom, 2 small girls, full time job + part time job, recently divorced and very angry at ex- this is the biggest part of my stress, house under water and can't afford payments)

What I have going for me is regular exercise, very good social support

Any ideas or thoughts about what else I can do? I am sooooo tired of being sick...

Answer 1

Continue with your doctor(s). Consider switching to another GP/PCP, or another ENT (or see one if you haven't, though I assume you have).



Sometimes you need a long course of antibiotics (on the order of 6 months) to rid yourself of the infection, and of the proper type.



Though, while your stress probably has alot to do with your immune system dysfunction, you should also take a good look at your environment and life over the past 6 months or so. Have you moved? Any new pets?



Any change in diet?



New supplements prior to the infection?



Things of this nature.. it could be anything .. sometimes what is perceived as a chronic infection that won't go away has a pathology locally. It will be where you spend alot of time, so your work needs to be considered as well.



I understand how frustrating this is. It could be worse, I promise :)



Try to get your vitamin D from the sun. That is to expose yourself to it at least 5 days a week for 5-10 minutes and that is it. This is enough to make 50-60,000 IU's and not damage your skin. This is far superior than a supplement... but the supplement is fine. I assume you are taking on the order of about 1000 IU's of D3 a day.



You do have a high/normal WBC .. which is just more confirmation of your infection, with the sinus scan -- your doctors should really be on top of this -- I think you need to consider getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion, with a fresh set of eyes and ears .. get your scans, and medical records of the last 4-5 months at least. So you will have easy tests to bring to whomever you see, this will save alot of time and money. (Getting your records may cost a few dollars, but is a good idea to have for your own safe keeping in the first place. )



There isn't anything I can tell you over the internet to do .. I won't tell you not to see your homeopathic doctor, but don't spend a fortune there if you can help it. I know you are desperate, but analyzing your environment and using modern medicine you will be able to get to the bottom of this. This is an infection, is not hidden, and has all classic signs - this should be able to be taken care of with the proper medications over time -- Even a combination of steroid with antibiotic may be necessary but only for X months.. it isn't a permanent thing.



Do not consider surgery,.. this is an isolated acute event that has run too long -- you can utilize some methods of removing some of the build up of mucous in the upper sinuses if you wish to help the body rid itself of the toxins/build up -- but don't have any of the invasive sinus surgery no matter how desperate you are. An ENT May eventually push this, but hopefully you can clear this up fairly soon.



Good luck,

Answer 2

Treatment for sinus infection can begin from home just at the onset of it before it becomes chronic. Simple care at home can open the sinus nasal passage and improve their dryness. There should be much intake of hot liquid beverages to keep the dryness away. Inhalation with steamed water with a drop eucalyptus oils helps to a great extent.

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For Sinus infection treatment doctors prescribe Expectorants that helps to push out the thick mucus from the nasal passage. The mucus becomes thin and it can easily flow out from the nose.

For sinusitis caused by virus infection, antibiotic cure is not necessary. Only acute sinus infection from bacteria is generally taken care of with antibiotic treatment. That is when there is much facial pain pus generation and other self care treatment does not seem to work. Medicines for pain such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can lessen the pain and inflammation. These medications help to open the nasal passage by reducing inflammation.and must be able to kill the bacterial types. Medications like Amoxicillin (Amoxil) , cefaclor (Ceclor), loracarbef (Lorabid), clarithromycin (Biaxin), azithromycin (Zithromax), sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) antibiotic may be used as first choices to treat sinus.

Answer 3

If you smoke, stop. Smoking lowers your immunity.



If you don't smoke, try a sinus wash every day for a while. They have sinus wash kits in the drug store. Some are mixed and some are sprays.



Another thing to do is fill the sink with hot water. Stick some Vick's in the hot water, put a towel over your head and breathe the vapors. It will loosen mucous.



I know this sounds bad, but don't pick your nose. You keep introducing bacteria into your nasal passages which go right up to your sinuses.



Sinus infections last a long time and with the stressors in your life probably longer.



The last suggestion is to try Astepro 0.15%, a prescription and expensive. My doc gives me free samples.

Answer 4

I've been taking Liquid Chlorophyll you can find it in health food stores or online. Take 1 tablespoon each day...you can mix it with water if you don't like the taste but I usually take it a tablespoon of it and swish it around in my mouth before I swallow it.



I had an infected tooth and the infection went up into my sinus. Chlorophyll is a good blood cleanser and blood builder I've used it for many years.

Answer 5

Giving all these problems to God and remembering that "this too shall pass". You won't always feel bad, your daughters won't always be small, you don't have to be angry at a man who is confused and selfish, your house won't always be underwater, you won't always have to work two jobs and you may not always be single. The man who was meant for you may be headed your way any day. Just breathe and say "this too shall pass...."