posted
I suffer from a continual bout of siunus infections. It seems every cold I get or weather change will trigger one...and I find myself having to take abx upon abx to clear it up...
I've done all the "holistic" things such as Netti pot and flushing sinuses with salt solution, trying not do rounds of antifungals etc etc,...
but the only thing that will temporarily clear it up is a course of abx...once I take them I feel MUCH better...then I go off them and it comes right back.
Anyone else here that can relate...it is getting really frustrating!
Posts: 437 | Registered: Sep 2004
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NP40
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6711
posted
One of my son's first symptoms was a major sinus infection, which happened immediately after he had dental work done [probably lyme induced].
Erythromyicin or zithromax should be good for sinus. The zith will be much more effective against the lyme though. I would suspect as your keet load is reduced after appropriate lyme treatment, that your sinus problems will dissipate as well.
Posts: 1632 | From Northern Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2005
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When you used the neti pot, did you use it every day? Did you use it with WARM salt water?
Two weeks ago I had a sinus infection and a case of conjunctivitis in my eyes and I used my neti pot 4-5 times a day in conjunction with detoxing with epsom salts baths. The infection was gone in 2 days, no joke.
I'm not saying this will certainly work for you because everyone's different, but that was my experience.
CAT
Posts: 61 | From SE | Registered: Apr 2004
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
My husband gets a terrible sinus infection every year and each year it seems to be getting worse and worse. Abx had no effect. Regular herbs from a certified herbalist did the trick the first year but no effect the next year. This year went to the doctor who said, nothing I can do for you. Hubby was so sick I was scared he would die. Took him to a certified chinese medicine practioner who is so highly educated that in some states he would be a licensed medical practioner, just Virginia doesn't recognize such things. My point though is he is highly trained in chinese medicine. He used accupuncture and an herbal drink 3x daily as well as a combo of herbs. Within 2 days, hubby was much improved and one week later is totally cleared up. This doctor did highly recommend the nettie pot and we bought one but hubby never tried it. The instructions do say you can do the nettie pot as often as 10x daily if necessary. Hope this helps.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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Clinical studies show that serrapeptase induces fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic (prevents swelling and fluid retention) activity in a number of tissues, and that its anti-inflammatory effects are superior to other proteolytic enzymes.
Besides reducing inflammation, one of serrapeptase's most profound benefits is reduction of pain, due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues.
Serrapeptase and Sinusitis
Due to its inflammatory properties, serrapeptase has been shown in clinical studies to benefit chronic sinusitis sufferers.
In this condition, the mucus in patients' nasal cavities is thickened and hypersecreted. This thickening causes mucus to be expelled less frequently.
Japanese researchers evaluated the effects of serratiopeptidase (30 mg/day orally for four weeks) on the elasticity and viscosity of the nasal mucus in adult patients with chronic sinusitis. Serratiopeptidase reduced the viscosity of the mucus, improving the elimination of bronchopulmonary secretions.
Other clinical trials support serrapeptase's ability to relieve the problems associated with chronic sinusitis. (continued....)
Carol
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Thank You Carol! I never heard of that so I will absolutely look into it... Anything right now to get rid of this nagging problem Posts: 437 | Registered: Sep 2004
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
lymetoo; was just wondering ,did you try manosteen and did it help you.?
I went to all the sites and am undecide.The ingidients sound very healthy.
You have to buy by case and it's pretty pricey.Although I have paid alot more for added therapies.
Thanks Take care
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
I had chronic sinus problems for several years before being diagnosed with lyme disease. I am still deciding whether to take antibiotics or not, however through changing my diet and taking vitamin/herb supplements my sinus problems have improved by 95%. One night I was just lying in bed and my sinuses cleared - just became clear as a bell and they have largely stayed that way ever since - about 18 months so far.
If I eat foods that I am allergic to I will have short-term stuffiness but other than that, it has been one of my most improved symptoms.
posted
Okay, you can probably file this under "too much information", but as far as the pushing it into your ear part, when you use the neti pot, it DOES seem to affect the ears to me too. And it is uncomfortable. But I have found that this only happens to me when I try to blow one side of my nose at the time (closing off the other side).
What I read somewhere is (and this is not really easy cause it goes against what you instinctively want to do) that you are NEVER supposed to blow one side of your nose at the time. BECAUSE it does something to your ear canals (and I can't remember what the article said). Something like causing too much pressure or whatever.
Hope you find some relief soon.
CAT
Posts: 61 | From SE | Registered: Apr 2004
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Mayo clinic did a study that showed in 95% of people with allergies, they had large quantities of fungus. This explains why everytime I took Diflucan for yeast infections, my stuffy head would clear up. My doctor is also treating me for fungus and I can now be around environmental inhalants without reacting to them.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Queen of the sinus infection here!!
This was my first symptom, which lead to long term abx treatment (pre-Lyme dx). I would rebound back into infection within 24 hours of stopping abx.
I am convinced it was fungal. 150mg Diflucan for 40 days turned me into a new person.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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I'll make my experience with mangosteen brief. I've been on the product for a little more than a year.
At least 95% of my pain is gone...and I had plenty! I've spent years on this board where typing put me in agony...but I did it anyway. Now I can type away!
I had severe sciatic nerve pain. Occasionally it flares, but those instances are rare and the other times, I have no pain at all there....I used to be in pain ALL the time from it.
My feet used to hurt so bad that I had to wear shoes with orthotics and my left shoe had a lift in it. Now I can wear any shoes I want and am happily wearing sandals this summer [again!]
My allergies are non-existent and I no longer use Flonase, which I had used for YEARS.
I no longer have an astigmatism, which I've had for at least 40 yrs. You heard right! No astigmatism! I had to have my lenses changed because my vision had improved so much and I wear my ONE contact now! I used to wear TWO, of course!
My depression is GONE! I still take trazodone to help me sleep, but I feel WONDERFUL in the mental area! I didn't know I had any depression left...but now that it's gone, I feel amazing!
I used to ONLY be able to sleep flat on my back because of back and hip pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. I now can sleep any position except on my left shoulder! That means alot to me!
My bladder pain is MUCH IMPROVED! I have Interstitial Cystitis, which causes alot of pain. Now I can wait 2-3 hrs if I have to before heading to the potty!
That's all I can think of right now!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses due to viral and bacterial infections or allergic reactions. The forehead or cheeks may be tender and swollen. Common symptoms are frontal headaches, pain behind and between the eyes, or a "splitting" headache. There may be fatigue, fever, chills, and loss of smell. A yellow or greenish discharge is common. If a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more persists for more than 2 days or if there is constant, bloody discharge or numbness, see your physician.
The most common predisposing factor in sudden onset sinusitis is the common cold. In long-term sinusitis, an allergic background is commonly present, and in many cases, there is an underlying dental infection. If in doubt, see your dentist.
AS GENERAL MEASURES:
1. Rest until your symptoms improve. Bed rest is better.
2. Drink at least 10 cups of fluids per day, preferably water, diluted vegetable juices, soups, and herb teas.
3. Avoid simple sugars, such as candy and pastries.
A PROPER DIET FOR SINUSITIS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
* Stop all milk and milk products - They aggravate the problem by producing more mucus.
* Another consideration is food allergies. Certain foods seem to be more likely to cause sinusitis. Eliminating these foods from the diet is a good way to determine if one or several of them are responsible. The main problem foods are dairy products (including milk, cheese, ice cream), eggs, wheat, corn, and sugar.
After eliminating all of those foods from the diet, and the symptoms have gone away, one food at a time can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms reoccur. A new food would be introduced each week. If you need more information, you may want to refer to the article on Food sensitivities.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR SINUSITIS, AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Vitamin C - 500 milligrams every 2 hours for the first 48 hours. After this, reduce to 1,000 milligrams 3 times a day.
2. Bioflavonoids - 1,000 milligrams per day.
3. Vitamin A - 25,000 Units per day.
4. Beta-carotene - 100,000 Units twice per day.
Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of either vitamin A or Beta-carotene a day.
5. Zinc lozenges - 1 lozenge containing approximately 20 to 25 milligrams of Zinc every 2 hours. After one week, reduce the dosage to 3 times a day. Zinc gluconate and zinc gluconate-glycine are the forms which have demonstrated the greatest effectiveness in studies.
HERBS FOR SINUSITIS:
* Golden Seal is the most effective herb for acute bacterial sinus infections. You can take it in 3 forms.
1. Capsules - 2 capsules, 4 times a day.
2. A tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract - 1 teaspoon , 3 to 4 times a day.
3. Dried root - 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water. Simmer 5 minutes. Steep 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup, 4 times a day.
Caution: Pregnant women should not take Golden Seal.
* Echinacea - used in the same dosage as Golden Seal. These can be taken together.
* Ephedra - 1 teaspoon of herb per cup of boiling water or 1 capsule 3 to 4 times a day. Do not use in cases of high blood pressure or insomnia.
LOCAL APPLICATIONS FOR SINUSITIS:
1. Steam inhalation - breathe over a pot of steaming hot water, and drape a towel over your head to prevent steam loss. A quarter teaspoon of Eucalyptus or Bitter Orange oil can be added for a soothing sensation. If you are not using a commercial steam inhaler, be very careful not to burn yourself.
2. Nasal washes are very effective. Use either cooled Golden Seal tea or salt water (mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of water). Tilt your head back and introduce the solution into one nostril at a time with an eye dropper or a squeeze bottle. Spit out through the mouth. Repeat this a few times.
3. Local water therapy - Place a hot, moist towel over the sinus area for five minutes. Then place a cold, moist towel over the sinuses for 1 minute. Repeat this cycle 3 times. This can be done 3 to 4 times a day. Remember to always start with hot and end with cold.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue.
* Kali bic 12c: Use it for a yellow or greenish discharge that is thick or stringy. There may be lots of sneezing and loss of smell. Use 3 times a day.
* Hepar sulph 12c: For sinusitis that is painful to touch and worse from cold air. Use 3 times a day.
* Silica 30c: For chronic, long-term sinusitis. Use once a day for 1 week.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with chronic or recurrent sinusitis. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.
Posts: 35 | Registered: Oct 2002
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1. I like the Neilmed sinus rinse bottle better than neitpot. Gives really complete flush. www.neilmed.com
2. I read that drinking milk increases mucosal thickness and aggravates sinus problems. I went off milk and my sinus problems have decreased. You may want to try it for a month.
Best Regards
Posts: 67 | From Fredericksburg, VA USA | Registered: Jun 2005
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Sorry to hear about your sinus infections. They can be no fun at all. Our LLMD told us sinus infecton come from the gut. In other words if you have GI problems, you'll have sinus problems. Diet, probiotics, digestive enzymes can help. My son tried these things before he was diagnosed with Lymes. He said it made a difference for him.
Mom in WI
Posts: 12 | From Fremont, Wisconsin | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
Hubby has chronic sinus problems. He takes oregamax which has been the only thing that has brought him any relief. He also has hpb so most otc & perscription meds conflict.
I also take oregamax and oreganol - North American Herb - to help keep yeast under control along with probiotics. Oregano is a good anti-fungal, anit-viral, anti-bacterial herb.
[ 25. November 2005, 05:59 PM: Message edited by: elle ]
-------------------- When I feel blue . . . . . . its time to take another breath Posts: 296 | From East Coast | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Cave - my main problem is that I have almost NO sinus drainage at all....nothing green, yellow, or clear ( not to be gross)
I was told that the bacteria is packed in my sinuses.... So far nothing has helped, but there are some great suggestions on this thread I am going to check out as well as a new nasal spray called "sinucare" Its a specially compounded spray with antibacterial and antifungal meds in it.....supposed to help but I have no idea what the cost is or if insurance accepts it.....
But to answer your question, yes I believe you do not need the discharge to have sinus infection.... Have you gone to an ear, nose and throat Dr?
Posts: 437 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
If it's an aenorobic infection then swelling is the main symptom. There is a severe ignorance with ENT's and their knowledge of these organism. In all my times my swelling was written off as allergies and nothing to be worried about. wrong. sinusitis can kill you (google subdural empyemas).
My treatment was c silver in a grossan type irrigator. I continually irrigate my sinuses (which have been obliterated) with c silver and to this day have not had any sinus problems whatsoever. I also take oil of oregano orally which seams to help. One can also irrigate with traditional abx but if it's fungal the problem will only get worse.
Posts: 731 | From Humble,TX | Registered: Feb 2005
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