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Re: Allergic Sinusitis

Posted by Shell on November 21, 2000, at 20:33:24

In reply to Allergic Sinusitis, posted by Mariee on November 21, 2000, at 19:37:04

> I have tried to control my sinusitis by limiting my time outdoors and around pets. However, I still get crushing sinus headaches and have to, sometimes, take a few doses of sinus meds before I feel better, but they almost always leaving me feeling doozy. Lately, I have tried a eucalyptic (eucalyptus & menthol) saline nasal spray. That seems to be warding off some of the allergens, but not all. I sometimes use one of those gel masks and either freeze it or heat it. This helps to dull the pain, but only as long as the mask stays warm or cold.
>
> Does anyone have any advice for dealing with sinusitis? My goal is to make mine less paralyzing without too much medication.

I have had both chronic and acute (6-8 times a year) sinusitis for years. It has only been in the last year that I have gotten it under control.

The thing that made the biggest difference for me was having allergy testing done. I now do my best to avoid all of my allergic triggers (though as you know, it isn't always possible). I learned that even foods to which I am allergic can cause respiratory allergy symptoms. I had thought food allergies were responsible only for the hives I get.

I now focus more on prevention of sinus congestion and infection than on treatment of symptoms with decongestants such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). I have found (especially in the winter) that drinking more water and using a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist is a big help. I also use prescription antihistamines and steroid nasal spray religiously. The new prescription antihistamines such as Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are nonsedating and don't give that "cotton balls in the head" feeling common with over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Tavist (clemastine) and Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine). Steroid sprays like Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate) prevent sinus problems by reducing nasal swelling caused by reactions to allergens.

I know you wanted to avoid drugs as much as possible, but unless you know everything to which you are allergic and can avoid all allergens completely, it will be nearly impossible to avoid the allergic reactions which contribute to sinusitis without some medication.

Hope this helps

Shell


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poster:Shell thread:49201
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