My Experience With Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
In 2008, I developed symptoms of pan-sinusitisthe infection of all four paranasal sinuses, as well as nasal polypswhich caused me major pain and discomfort. I had constant sinus pressure, nasal congestion and sometimes could barely breathe normally resulting in many sleepless nights.
Initially, I tried various over-the-counter medication for congestion, but it only brought temporary relief. Since the OTC medication didn’t help, I visited my family doctor who, after examining me, put me on course of antibiotics. The antibiotics worked for a little while, but the sinusitis symptoms were back after a month or so.
At this point, my physician put me on a course of stronger antibiotics which worked better than the previous course, but I was back to my physician after a couple of months. Given that the medication was not correcting the sinusitis, my physician recommended I take a CT scan to determine the extent of the nasal blockage.
The findings of my CT scan determined that I had developed pan-sinusitis and polyposis which basically meant that all my nasal cavities were blocked with mucosal thickening and nasal polyps. My physician referred me to a specialist who after studying my CT scan and doing an endoscopic examination confirmed that surgery would be a good option and correct my condition.
Warning: This video is graphic and may not be suitable for all audiences!
Home Remedies For Clogged Ears Due To Sinus Infections
Here are some additional home remedies that can help alleviate ear problems associated with sinus infections and even wax build-up.
- Yawning helps redistribute the fluid in your ear.
- Take a hot, steamy shower.
- Make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water and pour it into the ear.
- Chew gum as it can help move wax out of the ear.
- Combine rubbing alcohol and vinegar and use the mixture as ear drops.
- Pinch your nose and blow to pop your ears.
- Drop warm olive oil into your ear once again this breaks up wax.
- Combine rubbing alcohol and apple cider vinegar as ear drops to help treat infection.
- Apply warm compresses to the ears.
- Gargle with warm water and salt.
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Treatment And Medication Options For Sinus Infection
Up to 70 percent of people with acute sinusitis recover without prescribed medications, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Treatment for acute sinus infections focus on relieving symptoms, such as by:
- Drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest
- Flushing out the sinuses with a saline nasal wash like a saline nasal spray
- Inhaling steam several times a day
- Using a humidifier
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How You Can Treat Sinusitis Yourself
You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by:
- getting plenty of rest
- taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- avoiding allergic triggers and not smoking
- cleaning your nose with a salt water solution to ease congestion
You do not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh solution each time you clean your nose.
When Should I Ask My Doctor About A Sinus Infection
As with any other medical condition, it is imperative that you see a doctor if certain worrisome symptoms begin to appear. This is especially true during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the first hint of sinus pain may not be a reason to head to the doctor, if you have been exposed to others who have tested positive or may be infected with the coronavirus, you should get tested if you begin feeling poorly. Similarly, a bit of nasal decongestion may not be cause for concern, but if you begin experiencing severe shortness of breath, get medical help immediately.
One of the reasons many people do not seek medical attention when they should is uncertainty about when they can get an appointment with their healthcare provider. At TrustCare, our many walk-in clinics are open every day of the week to make sure you can get the care you need without the hassle of making an appointment. If you are experiencing symptoms that seem like more than a bit of nasal congestion, visit one of our TrustCare locations today.
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Mineral Oil And Warm Water
A solution of mineral oil and warm water would also help in softening the ear wax and reduce blockage and pain. Add a little mineral oil to half a cup of warm water. Put it in your affected ear and keep your head tilted for 10-12 minutes. Then, drain the solution. Repeat this remedy until the problem subsides.
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Why Is This So Painful
When experiencing a painful episode of sinus congestion, there are many questions that may cross your mind. One simply is How do I make it go away?The reason for the pain that you are feeling in your ears is due to sinus pressure. This is because the sinuses and the ears are connected. Sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears. Because sinus pressure affects more than just your nose, you may also have pain in your ears, dizziness, and a sensation that makes your ears feel muffled or clogged. Fortunately, there are several remedies to bring you relief. Sinus pressure in the ears can truly be a pain!
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Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infections
If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from sinus infections, then you understand how the coughing, sore throat, headaches, and lack of sleep can make life truly difficult. These symptoms result in lost productivity at work, missed opportunities at home, and a significant decrease in your quality of life.
As a result, you may have found yourself seeking to alleviate your symptoms with over-the-counter medications to no avail. You may even feel stuck in an endless cycle of infection, medication, and frustration that leaves you desperately searching for real solutions. Even when OTC medications provide temporary relief from symptoms, they may result in any number of unwelcomed side effects such as:
When To See A Doctor About A Clogged Ear
While ear wax is generally more annoying than dangerous,sometimes you need a doctor to clear it. If home remedies dont work, your earhurts or you have trouble hearing, Dr. Nguyen-Huynh says its smart to seek medical evaluation.
Someone needs to look in andsee if the ear canal is open or if the wax is plugging it up, he says.
If the situation is minor, you may be able to get yourears unblocked right then and there. If not, ENT doctors can useoperating microscopes to magnify inside the ear canal, loosen the wax and vacuumit out.
And a clogged ear may have othercauses. It could be a middle ear infection with fluid filling up the spacebehind the eardrum, Dr. Nguyen-Huynh cautions. Or you could have a viralinfection that affects the inner ear. In those cases, a doctor can diagnose andtreat you to prevent permanent hearing loss.
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Things Which May Worsen A Sinus Infection
Lets take a look at what you can remove or eliminate from your diet and environment to both encourage healing and discourage chronic sinusitis or recurrent infections in the future.
Monitoring your symptoms is key to making sure you see treatment when and if it is needed. If you think you may have a sinus infection, consult your doctor or visit an urgent care center.
Sinusitis And Sinus Infections
Most sinus infection medicine ultimately seeks to relieve inflammation around the sinus cavities. This inflammation is most often caused by a virus or bacteria and results in a blockage that prevents mucus from naturally draining out of the sinus cavities. This inflammation results in painful symptoms and the blocked mucus may lead to additional infection. A single sinus infection can last 2 or more weeks.
Patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis often seek relief from a variety of over-the-counter sinus infection medication or prescription antibiotics, such as a sinus infection z pack. Patients may find temporary symptom relief through pharmaceuticals however, these medications often carry a number of undesirable side effects including:
- Drowsiness or insomnia
- Individual complications
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Fungal Sinus Infection Treatment
Though fungal infection of the sinuses occur rarely, it mostly results in a chronic condition. Fungal sinus infection treatment is done either by administration of anti fungal medicines or by undergoing surgical procedures. To know more about the cure and symptoms, continue reading this HealthHearty article.
Though fungal infection of the sinuses occur rarely, it mostly results in a chronic condition. Fungal sinus infection treatment is done either by administration of anti fungal medicines or by undergoing surgical procedures. To know more about the cure and symptoms, continue reading this HealthHearty article.
Infection of the sinuses, commonly referred to as sinusitis, can be caused by bacteria, virus, and fungi. Acute sinusitis is the most commonly reported condition which is caused by bacterial and viral infection. Fungal sinus infection occurs rarely in comparison to bacterial related sinusitis condition. However, as per recent studies conducted, it has been found that fungal sinus infection can lead to a chronic condition.
- Headache and pain in the forehead
- Pain in the sinus cavities
- Blocked nasal passages
- Loss of appetite
- Increased weakness and fatigue
The signs and symptoms of these infections are often confused with common cold and other allergic reactions. Hence, in order to rule out other health conditions, the physician may conduct certain diagnostic procedures, like, X-ray imaging test and culturing secretions extracted from the sinuses.
Yoga Can Help Drain Mucus From Sinus Passageways
If you are in the midst of a sinus infection, a supported yoga pose where your head is elevated will help you feel better without putting too much pressure on your sinuses, says Leslie Kazadi, a certified yoga therapist who teaches around Los Angeles and online at YogisAnonymous.com.
One pose Kazadi suggests is Supported Reclined Cobblers Pose.
How to Try Supported Reclined Cobblers Yoga Pose
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Consider Using A Supplement Such As The Enzyme Bromelain
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in the pineapple plant that is sold as a dietary supplement. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , you can get it as a powder, cream, tablet, or capsule, sometimes in combination with other ingredients.
According to a research published in the journal Laryngoscope, bromelain has been studied for sinusitis because it is thought to be effective in taming inflammation. A small number of double-blind studies has found bromelain improves sinus symptoms more than a placebo, the review found.
Research published in Alternative Medicine Review indicated that oral doses of bromelain are typically from 500 to 1000 milligrams per day, but some people take 2000 mg.
Although bromelain is natural, that doesnt mean there cant be side effects. The NCCIH cautions that some people experience allergic reactions, GI issues, menstrual problems, and an increased heart rate.
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When Natural Remedies Fall Short
Natural home remedies are a safe and effective treatment for sinus infections however, you may find that the results are not meeting your expectations. Have you successfully used natural methods and find that you still struggle with chronic or intense sinusitis? If so, there is a safe and minimally invasive solution known as balloon sinuplasty. This simple procedure is done from the comfort of the doctorâs office and gently dilates the sinus cavity to return the body to its natural condition. Once the sinuses are free of blockage, normal flow resumes and the body continues the natural healing process. Imagine a life free of sinus infections and symptoms. Schedule an appointment today with one of our sinus care professionals.
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What Is A Sinus Infection
The sinuses, or sinus cavities, are hollow spaces that air flows through within the bones surrounding the nose. A sinus infection or sinusitis occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen and inflamed. Normally, your sinuses are filled with air. When sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
How long do sinus infections last? Well, that depends on what type of sinus infection you have. Acute sinusitis can last over two weeks even with appropriate treatment. If your sinus infection lasts longer than 10 to 14 days, then youre more likely to have bacterial sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis lasts much longer at least 12 weeks! Chronic sinusitis with polyps is an inflammation of the sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or longer and is associated with having nasal polyps. Other forms of chronic sinusitis are associated with allergies or a deviated septum and also last 12 weeks or longer.
How can you tell what type of sinus infection you have? Your doctor wont be able to tell you if your sinus infection is bacterial or viral based on symptoms or an exam alone. The best way to tell the root of a sinus infection is symptom duration. If its a viral sinus infection, it should start to improve after five to seven days. On the other hand, a bacterial infection often lasts seven to 10 days or even longer and the infection can get worse after seven days.
- Fever
- Earaches
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Video
- “Sinus .”Wikipedia
This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
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Dont Ingest Or Put Essential Oils Up Your Nose
Essential oils, especially eucalyptus oil, can help your breathing when you have sinusitis, although the British Medical Journal reported in a review article published in October 2018 that scientific evidence for oils effectiveness is lacking. Other people like to inhale relaxing scents like jasmine or lavender when they feel ill.
Essential oils should never be put up the nostrils. Most essential oils are too strong to be placed directly on the skin, let alone in the sensitive tissue of the nose.
I tell my patients not to choose a random tonic and put it into their nose, says Anthony Del Signore, MD, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Instead, insert a few drops into your bathtub or into the pot of water you will use for a steam. You can also place a drop or two on a cotton ball and sniff, or use a special diffuser designed to stream it into the air.
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Apple Cider Vinegar And Alcohol
Apple cider vinegar has amazing health benefits and using it together with rubbing alcohol is a great way to unclog ears naturally. The ACV mixture also has antibacterial properties that can help to reduce any ear infection that is causing clogged ears. The low pH content of ACV also helps to reduce any itching in and around your ear canal.
Pediatrician Dr. David Hill says that this concoction will soften the troublesome ear wax, allowing it to flow out of the ear more easily.
To use apple cider vinegar and alcohol to remove excess wax from your ears, this is what you should do:
- Mix equal amounts of ACV and rubbing alcohol.
- Put a few drops of this solution in your ear.
- Keep your head sideways, so the ear wax remedy stays in.
- You can also put a piece of cotton ball over your ear to prevent the fluid from dripping out.
- Let it work for 10 minutes to soften the wax buildup.
- Remove the wax carefully from the outer part of your ear with a cotton bud.
You can repeat this remedy 2-3 times if you have a large blockage of ear wax.
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Relieving Sinuses With A Self
A simple self-massage can help relieve symptoms at the first sign of sinus congestion. In the YouTube video below, Heather Wibbels, a licensed Massage Therapist walks us through simple and easy-to-understand self massage techniques which will help in lymphatic drainage and thereby clear sinuses to help breathe easy.
Chronic Sinus Infection Treatment
chronic sinus infections typically have a more mysterious cause than acute infections people with chronic sinus infections often require life-long treatment to keep symptoms at bay.
In addition to the options above, treatment for chronic sinus infections may include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and changing home or work conditions to reduce exposure to environmental toxins and allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander etc.
- Oral steroids
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