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Sinusitis Book Review
"What your doctor may not tell you about sinusitis"
I bought this $15 paperback book with high expectations and read it on a flight from Dallas to Gatwick a few days ago. The author, Doctor Hirsch, is a noted Chicago neurologist and ENT specialist, with an interest in smells, who has appeared on Oprah.
The chapter on types of headaches is great, but those with asthma who also suffer from sinusitis will be disappointed by the relative paucity of treatment tips. The author believes that the majority of folks who think that they have sinusitis do not, but instead, have headaches due to lingering colds (rhinitis), migraine headaches, allergic rhinitis, or GERD.
He correctly states that "abnormalities" on sinus x-rays and CT scans have little relationship to the cause of symptoms. He rightly recommends avoiding all sources of smoke, children (who are virus vectors, especially when school starts in September), cold, dry air, noxious chemicals and fumes, sugar, caffeine, and codeine. The best treatment is to drink 8-16 cups of water every day, to maintain the flow of thin mucus from the sinuses, through the nasal passages, and down to the stomach. Natural decongestants, which may be helpful, include inhaling steam and eating spicy foods (pepper and garlic).
Dr. Hirsch says that OTC drugs and supplements have no proven benefits, including zinc (Zicam nasal goo and lozenges), which may permanently impair the sense of smell, vitamins, homeopathic nostrums, and herbs, but he does like massages and other stress reducing therapy.
After reading most of the books on this topic, I think that "The Sinus Cure" remains the best.
Related Topics: Cold or flu?, HOw to Short Circuit a Cold
Technorati Tags: sinusitis, sinusheadache, headache,
I bought this $15 paperback book with high expectations and read it on a flight from Dallas to Gatwick a few days ago. The author, Doctor Hirsch, is a noted Chicago neurologist and ENT specialist, with an interest in smells, who has appeared on Oprah.
The chapter on types of headaches is great, but those with asthma who also suffer from sinusitis will be disappointed by the relative paucity of treatment tips. The author believes that the majority of folks who think that they have sinusitis do not, but instead, have headaches due to lingering colds (rhinitis), migraine headaches, allergic rhinitis, or GERD.
He correctly states that "abnormalities" on sinus x-rays and CT scans have little relationship to the cause of symptoms. He rightly recommends avoiding all sources of smoke, children (who are virus vectors, especially when school starts in September), cold, dry air, noxious chemicals and fumes, sugar, caffeine, and codeine. The best treatment is to drink 8-16 cups of water every day, to maintain the flow of thin mucus from the sinuses, through the nasal passages, and down to the stomach. Natural decongestants, which may be helpful, include inhaling steam and eating spicy foods (pepper and garlic).
Dr. Hirsch says that OTC drugs and supplements have no proven benefits, including zinc (Zicam nasal goo and lozenges), which may permanently impair the sense of smell, vitamins, homeopathic nostrums, and herbs, but he does like massages and other stress reducing therapy.
After reading most of the books on this topic, I think that "The Sinus Cure" remains the best.
Related Topics: Cold or flu?, HOw to Short Circuit a Cold
Technorati Tags: sinusitis, sinusheadache, headache,
43 Comments:
Despite being a 40-yr migrainuer, I'm not familiar with the physician you speak of, but recent articles support his contention that the vast majority of patients with chronic headache - significant enough to seek physician contact - indeed have primarily migraine or migraine variant. Despite common patient (and physician) beliefs, once failing sinus therapy, such patients would well benefit from a trial of therapy directed toward alleviating migraine.
After battling continuous sinus infections and chronic headaches for about 30 years, my doctor finally ordered a ct scan and we discovered that my sinus cavities had significant blockage. My doctor explained that it was due to a buildup of the lining of the sinus membrane. I underwent surgery nearly 3 years ago and have not had one sinus infection or sinus headache since.
So, sometimes, what is stated here is not entirely accurate. To rule out sinus cavity blockage, have your doctor order a ct scan to rule that out.
your "nasal goo" comment made me chuckle.
thanks for the heads up on the book.
heather
( heaven3975 )
I agree with the comments made about asking your doctor for a CT scan to see if the sinuses are blocked. My problem is that my CT scan showed my sinuses are, indeed, significantly blocked. My doctors indicate it's due to my allergic rhinitis and they want to "solve" that problem first. I've now been on weekly allergy shots for over three years and my allergy symptoms have improved somewhat but I still feel like I've got chronic sinusitis. Maybe its my perception but it seems that my doctors are very reluctant to perform the surgery I think I really need!
I was diagnosed with sinuitus and acute asthma about a year ago and now I'm pregnant. The symptoms are worse and I'm afraid to continue to take over the counters that were suggested to be safe by my physician. Any suggestions out there?
Desperate.
ladylyte2000@yahoo.com
My husband was treated for sinus infections, allergies, allergy shots, etc. which included 2 surgeries. After 3 ENT and many years, they did additional testing and found that he has CVID (Common Variable Immun-deficiency). So, far he's avoided infusion therapy, but is on propalactic anti-biotics (that every day). We were told that it is not uncommon for patients to have 3 or more surgeries before someone tests for CVID and everyone gets on the right treatment.
Very interesting comments, I have
discovered a simple sinus infection
cure, a Saline moisturizing mist that can be bought at the grocery/discount store. It has
Eucalyptol & Menthol herbs, come is a small plastic spray bottle that can be carried in a pocket or purse. It is not habit forming and
works! I used to put Mentholatuim ointment in my nose at night so I could breath/sleep. I have been tested for allergies and take ZyrtecD as needed for allergy to dust and mold. Since using the Saline Moisturizing spray I have not used the the ZyrtecD.
After many years of 2 to 4 sinus infections per year (which I now know began with alergies) and trying several types of antibiotics, a friend suggested I look into herbal combinations. I was relucatant to try them as I didn't know much about them so I found an herbalist that is also a pharmacist. Together we found what works for me that is not addictive or has negative side effects. Actually, it has been 5+ years since my last sinus infection. My general health has also inproved. For me, best thing I have done for my health. I wish I would have done it sooner. This combination also works for many members of my family.
I have had sinus infections and allergy & asthma problems since I was a child. I went through the sinus surgery 2 yrs ago and would never recommend it to anyone.It helps some people, supposedly, but for me, I have had numerous sinus infections since I had the surgery. And almost bled to death, as my doctor didn't take into effect the Von Willebrand Bleeding Disorder and low platlet disorder into account. So, I just deal with the headaches and infections and Migraines and when it gets bad enough, I go to my family doctor for antibiotics to get rid of the sinus infections. My son's allergist said he needed the surgery also, as his allergies,asthma and sinuses are terrible, too, but I will not let them do it to him.....not after the experience I had with it.
So, in my opinion I do not recommend the sinus surgery to anyone.
I'm living in a country that seems to be Zimbabwe(no offense intended for those who acctually live there). Please explain to me what is a "CT scan" ! I was recently diagnosed with "allergic sinusitis".
My son went years with major sinus issues and surgeries. He was on antibiotics and steroids all the time for the asthma and the sinuses. He was in very bad shape and had many tests done. I removed gluten and dairy from his diet and he has had so much improvement. He still is on some asthma meds but he is off of all the other meds he was taking and is feeling so much better. He hasn't needed any antibiotics or steroids in over 6 months. He isn't wheezing and he doesn't have all that mucus anymore.
Curious about the comments made by "anonymous" at 11:04 AM: You say you have successfully tried a "combination" of herbs that has worked for you. Can you share what those herbs are and how they're administered?
I think the variety of comments and outcomes here make it clear that it is important to work very closely with *a doctor you trust* to find the treatment that works for you. If you don't agree with your doctor, politely question him/her until you get the answers you want. If you still disagree, consult another doctor.
Doctors are like anyone else; some are good, some are not so good. Also, try to find a doctor who is open to different treatment options. For example, some people have received excellent results with accupuncture (I haven't tried it).
Also, I agree, "The Sinus Cure" is excellent!
For the person who asked: I'm not a doctor, but I had 3 CTs prior to surgery. A CT (computed tomography) scan is essentially a series of xrays taken all around your head (for sinuses). The results are a series of xray films showing your sinuses at different angles, and different depths into your skull. This allows the doctor to get an idea of the 3 dimensional shape of your nasal passages and sinuses. Abnormalities such as deviated septum, hypotrophy of (not fully developed) sinuses, concha bulosa (basically a trapped air pocket in your skull), etc. are glaringly obvious. Also, if the sinus cavities show "fuzziness" on the CT, this either indicates a buildup of the mucous membrane in the sinuses, or the presence of fluid (mucus). This generally indicates infection and/or poor drainage, which may warrant sinus surgery.
When the CT scan is performed, the doctor may order "image-guided protocol". This is a special procedure (done by the computer that handles the xrays; transparent to the patient) that generates information that the surgeon will use when actually performing the surgery. He will be looking through an endoscope, up your nose, and also will have 2 or 3 screens showing CTs of your sinuses with a crosshairs indicating the location of the endoscope and/or tools he is using. This way, he can navigate the sinuses easier and prevent complications such as cutting the membrane surrounding the brain.
What herbal suppliments were you taking to help your sinus infections? I do not like taking over the counter drugs and would really like to try herbal.
I strongly agree with the previous posts about "The Sinus Cure". I suffered from sinus problems and poor health conditions, fatigue,sinus infections, colds that lasted forever and then recurred every 6 weeks or so for that entire time. I did allergy shots for 4 1/2 years because they gave me a little relief. I bought air cleaners, wrapped my bed in a dust mite proof casing, etc, etc until I came accross Dr. Grossan's helpful book. I got quick and noticable results using his nasal irrigator machine. The number,duration and severity of the colds I do get decreased significantly by about 75%. It's been a year now and I'm gladly telling others about the good news. It's nice to have an option that's natural and has such a restoring effect on your nose. I quit the shots 8 months ago and things are looking good.
I suffered severely for most of my adult life with sinus problems. I constantly had a sinus infection. I also had severe headaches for years. CT of my head showed totally blocked sinus. Diagnosis of a concussion was missed once due to that.
Finally, 4 yrs ago, a doctor said I needed to have polyps removed from my nose. I did not even know I had them since it had never been mentioned by any other doctor, ever. He removed the polyps in the office(no problems doing it) and changed my life. I no longer have headaches and I am never "stopped up" anymore. Sinus infections are extremely rare now too. I have not had another CT scan so I don't know how it looks but now at age 64 I can breathe.
I have had all the treatments noted by all, including terbinate reduction, opening of maxillary sinuses,etc. Nothing helps except stinging nettle when I am not with infection. I have to take the nettle every time I feel like coughing (productive). My basic problem is whenever I do get a sinus infection, (felt at my nasal pharynx), It invariably goes to my lungs and I get a non-productive hacking cough. Any help from anyone?
I've recently had a seever sinus infection and the CT scan revealed a possibel small polyp. I'm a bit nervous about this. My Dr. doesn't seem to be to concerned however. I hear polyps can be very bad. Is this true?
My Chiropractor does a procedure where he puts some herbal syuff up your nose with q-tips and you lay face down and your sinus drain. Several patients have told me they feel much better afterwards. Has anyone heard of this or done this? Robin
This blog is very interesting. My Sinus CT scan results showed I have acute sinusitis and a deviated septum. The doctor put me on 3 antibiotics to kill all the bugs. He said sinus infection is 90% caused by bacteria. I've had headaches, facial numbness, post nasal drip and fatigue.
After 10 dayss of antibiotics, if I'm not better he will refer me to an ENT specialist. He said better to treat before it develops into chronic sinusitis. I also have a nasal spray he prescribed which helps some of my symptoms. I've only had basic allergy testing and I'm not allegic to the 10 most common allergies. More extensive allergy testing is expensive and harder to order for that reason.
I was hesitant to go on antibiotics again as I had bronchitis in November and was on them then.
My husband had nasal surgery last year and I don't really want to go through what he went through.
My daughter is 9 and has terrible headaches. Some are relieved with tylenol or advil others dont ease up unless she gets sick. The pediatritian ordered and MRI and we discovered that she had a bad sinus infection. My daughter has been on antibiotics since the diagnoisis for 9days and still we are having headaches. She takes a nose spray once a day. I have also used a sinus wash. Any suggestions on what else I can do for her or something I have missed.
Concerned
I've had recurrant sinus infections, drainage and asthma for the last three years. Here are my experiences: First, if you are taking antibiotics for sinus infection remember it takes a lot longer for the drugs to kill the infection in the sinus area. Make sure the Dr. puts you on the anitibiotics for at least 2-3 weeks, not 5-7 days.
I had the surgery about a year ago, the ENT enlarged my drainage passages and fixed deviated septum. That DID NOT stop the allergic reactions or infections, but DID greatly increase the air flow - I could get air through the nose at night, no longer having to 'mouth breathe' while sleeping. The surgery (mine was under general anestsia) was a pain, but for me worth it.
Also note that with continuted use of Prednisone (corticosteroid) there is a risk of calcium depletion from your bones that will not regenerate (without help). Your Dr. may request you get a bone scan (no big deal) to check for this.
At this point I'm definitely intrested in some kind of natural preventative/maintenance routine - I've had enough drugs in my system the last two years.
DONT GET SINUS SURGERY IF ITS NOT NECESSARRY I HAD IT AND SUFFERED FOR 2 MONTHS RECOVERING AND STILL CANT BREATH
sinus surgery IS necessary, but not in all cases. for the person saying they want the surgery but doc is reluctant, be patient. this surgery is not to be undertaken lightly. i am a week shy of 32, i've had 2 previous sinus surgeries and currently am gearing up for my 3rd. i now also have a polyp in a very uncomfortable place where my sinus is supposed to drain but doesn't because the opening is too small. therefore any irritation causes swelling and it closes off, then i get an infection. the infections are less frequent after the surgery, for a while, but the windows they cut to help the drainage always heal back up eventually. i would NOT get the septum straightened unless it's severely blocking because that is what took the longest to heal. i also have one nostril smaller than the other and a sore that never quite healed (last surgery was 6 years ago tomorrow). every winter when my sinuses dry out that sore opens, bleeds and scabs over, partially blocking my breathing. then the scab has to come off and the cycle starts over again. hoping they will be able to cauterize it and alleviate that issue when i have the next one.
i have been on allergy shots for 15+ years (this time around), nasal sprays, oral stereoids when needed, and nasal allergy pills to help keep me from getting stuffy at all. it doesn't quite do the trick.
i also have chronic headache but mine IS due to sinus. i asked the ENT one day about sinus at the base of the skull, as i had some pretty severe pain there during a sinus infection once. he gave me a doubtful look and told me that if i had problems with THAT sinus, i wouldn't be able to walk. after the exam he said it's possible my pain tolerance is higher than most people's due to the chronic sinus issues. the surgery helps to alleviate that as well, as i seem to have become fairly "numb" to the pain in my cheeks and forehead since it is ALWAYS there. once i've recovered from the surgery life is MUCH better.
I don't know what I have. I've had a CT and allergy tests, all negative. I have a non-growing cyst in one nasal cavity that does not appear to be the problem. When I lay down at night and sometimes during the day, I cannot breathe through my nose on one side. The side switches from left to right. I have heavy mucus secretion and post nasal drip which upsets my stomach along with a lot of bloating and acid reflux. I'm a mess from head to thigh. My doctor is not very helpful and keeps telling me to change my diet. My diet is heathy and I don't overeat. Any ideas?
I have suffered with sinus problems for nearly 20 years. I have talked with many doctors and had the allergy tests done – with a negative result. To make matters worse, my son had the same problem and we later determine that my father had the same sinus problem. Ultimately, it was my wife’s chiropractor that suggested that my son may be suffering from a dairy allergy. Technically, most doctors would refer to it as an “adverse reaction” (this is why the allergy test did not return a positive result). My son and I both quit eating dairy products and noticed a difference within a week and all symptoms disappeared within a month. We slowly started bringing dairy back into our diets and determined that the fresher the dairy, the worse the reaction. Unfortunately ice cream falls under “fresher” in this case, but sometimes you just have to suffer the consequences….. Swiss cheese is also very bad, but parmesan and mozzarella we can eat regularly without any trouble. I also discovered that I had the same problem with potatoes (an order of fries will clog my sinuses before I leave the restaurant) and that I have to limit myself to two beers or less. So my recommendation to those of you that also suffer from chronic sinus problems is to try removing foods from your diet and remembering that things like dairy can show up in all kinds of forms.
For symptom relief, I strongly recommend a saline rinse and a hot pad on your sinuses once in awhile. You can get the rinse from any pharmacy - their main intention is for recovery from sinus surgery, but basically it is a very large bottle of saline nasal spray. At first it feels like you got a nose full of pool water, but after a moment you will feel so much better.
If you do suffer from an “adverse reaction”, it is better to identify the source and avoid it than to continue to suffer and also have to take so many anti-biotics. And if you can avoid surgery, that may not work anyway, all the better.
well i am not so sure but my nose bleeds frequntly even the lightest tap i am bleeding like crazy when i was little i may have broken my nose could this have any thing to do with that aarron
One week ago i had sinus surgery, a septoplasty and turbinate reduction...the works! i am in lots of pain, just had stints removed yesterday. i am happy to see several comments of the success. can you tell me how long the recovery takes? Ugh - i can only hope it is worth it. i have to get back in the game very soon, because i have two little ones and a full time job. In the meantime, my hubby is doing a great job taking care of all of us. Appreciate any insight or direction as to where to get some answers.
I recently had a CT scan for chronic sinus infections which revealed "chronic sinus infections and cysts in my sinus cavities." My FP set up an appt. with an ENT surgeon. Has any one out there have sinus cysts and what am I to expect? I am currently on the third two week course of antibiotics and allegra, but I still have a severe head ache.
Using the neti pot in the shower at night flushes the sinuses and allowed me to get off one of my allergy meds. I used to have daily headaches, acupuncture has decreased those to maybe one a week in chinese medicine digestion and sinus congestion are related. decreasing dairy products and eating more warm foods and less salads, lightly steam vegetables , also is helping .
I recently had an MRI done on my head and they found a small cyst in my nasal cavity is this serious and will it go away on its own.
I have had a contant sinus drainage for three years now and partial hearing loss only on this side any ideas or comments welcome.
Folks,
Sinus surgery is a necessary evil. I am typing this one day after my fifth surgery and all have been worth it!!. I was twelve when my nose and cheeks were broken by baseball bat. Now I had all that repaired by specialist at Emory in Atlanta. The issues have been as one get older we all know what happens. Bone spurs. swollen turbinate and deviated septums.
I admit it is the worst, painful procedure I,ve endured but doing away with daily headaches and pills and shot and the other garbage for one or two weeks of pain plus a five year or more gap betweeen procedures sure works for me. I know it is not for everyone but don't rule it out. Go get two or more opinions from Qualified ENT's and listen to what they tell you. Perhaps I've been lucky but everyone has given me nothing but more relief after the procedure than I could have ever thought possible.
Best Regards and Take Care!
I had a septoplasty and turbinate reduction i week ago today. Is it normal to have alot of pain in ithe sinus area around your nose and forhead?
My husband had sinus surgery yesterday... his sinuses looked completely blocked in the CT scan and also has polyps. He is bleeding quite a bit... is this normal? I understand the surgery was just yesterday... the bleeding just looks more than what the doc described it would be. Has anyone had this issue... and how long did it last?
I have food allergies. Wheat mainly. Really bothers my eyes the most. Have been taking antihistimines for years. Started this last week to take the herb, stinging nettle, urtica dioica. I haven't had to take the drug at all during this time. the herb does the same thing. Have to take more, but does it effectively.
I've had heart palpitations from antihistimines and don't want a drug affecting my heart.
I have had sinus problems since I was 10 years old. I had sinus surgery at age 24. It was such a severe infection I was hospitalized with IV antibiotics and morphine. After a week of no change, I had surgery. They drilled throught the bone under my right eyebrow. My passages were completely blocked. I did great after thaT. 20 years of no sinus headaches. For the past two years they have come back. I had a turbinate reduction, septoplasty and submuccous ?? 4 days ago. The recovery is MUCH worse than last time. The skin in my nose burns and I want to blow my nose! I had tubes out the day after surgery and the rest of the packing will come out in two days. The worst part is I hae NO sense of smell or taste. Thanksgiving dinnner sucked! Will my smell and taste return??? Please let me know!!
Thanks, Chris
chrisann12@frontiernet.net
To ladylyte 2000.
I am a sinusitis sufferer who in May of 2008 began to experience acute asthma attacks. (I am 40). The treatments I received did not help and in fact my attacks became more frequent. [Although it is not unheard of, I never knew of anyone developing asthma later in life.]
I finally found a specialist who determined that my asthma was in fact laryngeal asthma. (Wheezing, difficulty breathing etc, but peak flow meters during attacks register over 200).
My condition is caused by acid reflux which my doctor is getting under control by drugs (Nexium).
The acid reflux also was the cause of numerous and worsening bouts of sinusitis. Since I embarked on treatment in late September of 2008, I have not had a sinus infection.
For acid reflux, stress is a great triggering mechanism, so it is essential stress reduction be employed.
Again, this was my experience, but I share it in case it may help you.
Good luck.
well, I am new at this, and I must say is hard for me. I felt hopeless when the doctor told me I have Chronic Sinusitis. I think the cause of it is because I get allergies almost everynight. Is been 3 months already and feel nothing but tenderness at the skull of my head, light headaches and most of the time, i feel lightheaded. Im worried, and heard that it never goes away. Please, help me
i have sinusitis, allergies,and pnd for years .2 sinus surgeries did not help and made it worse.can't sleep at night mostly of too much mucus in the throat .
but i got a lucky brake when during my last sinus surgery the doc discovered a nasty fungus in my cheek that caused dangerous asthma attacks ,which are now gone with the fungus .but no cure for PND yet .
i have just recently been diagnosed with a mucous retention cyst versus polyp of the left maxillary sinus. I have had sinus infections pretty regularly for the past two years. i also have a peripheral, vestibular lesion on my right ear. Not only do i have sinus infections, i also have had vertigo. I wonder if one caused the other.
I am a 50 years young man who was first diag. with nasal polyps and finally surgery at age 21, after seeing two doctors and two specialists. Here I am again 30 years later-(and a total of three polyp surgeries later. It appears they grow back about every 10 years.
I knew by now what my problem was and still it took a CT scan to confirm a large nasal polyp and something new this time- a "Mucus Cyst" nestled deep in the back of my sinuses. But my point is sometimes you have to be persistent with your doctor's! I have had several specialists who were only too happy to take well over $200 for what was quite honestly a max. of five min. exam. The good news is, the surgery is getting much, much less intrusive. Although I am not happy about needing surgery, I am glad it is something that can be fixed and am looking forward to the years of relief that will follow.
I have suffered for years with sinus allergy and asthma problems.
I believe that you have to be open to different remedies people respond differently to medications procedures ect so a bit of trial and error might be needed to find what works best for you.
I do agree however that nasal irragation is a must it may not cure the problems your having completely but it does promote a healthier sinus and lessons the severity of symtoms you may have.
I recently had surgery septoplasty/turbinate and was pleased with my results thus far but as I said Its trial and error I do not expect that this alone will address the problem that Perhaps regular irragation of the sinus aggresive treatment of alleries and perhaps some holistic remedies might have to be explored to find what works best in my case.
For example aloe vera juices or pills great for imflammation as well as use of probotics by way of pill or diet to maintain the good bacteria that antibiotics destroy for those who take antibiotics due to sinus infections ect explore your options dont get discouraged if it doesnt happen overnight most of us have been living with unpleasent conditions for years with lil or no relief any relief is a blessing compared to none .
Be realiistic with your expectation and you will not be disappointed .
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