Uh! Not An Allergy Or Sinusitis!

[moldy]

I am one of the many allergy/sinusitis sufferers on this board or so I thought. However, having come to the end of my tether I consulted a specialist at Rama 9 whose English was very good. He passed a thin camera up my nostrils and within a short period of time diagnosed chronic nasal infection, because I have narrow nasal passages and a deviated septum. He says the allergic reaction is probably quite small, and the pain in my sinuses is because they get blocked every few days or so.

I thought it important to emphasise the importance of a proper physical. Thinking about it it should have come first not last. Am I alone in making this error I wonder.

So now, I'll need to regularly use a corticosteroid, and decongestant (sparingly of course). And I may need surgery. I'll start saline rinsing again too.

Any further tips on keeping nasal passages free ?

And for dealing dryness too?

[Ijustwannateach]

Well, it sounds like you *do* have allergies and sinusitis, but the symptoms are compounded by the deviated septum, for which you will probably need surgery (and which I will probably have to have again someday). It's not fun, but it does let you breathe!

I would use the steroids more sparingly than the decongestant... some nasty side-effects sometimes. The saline rinse is good; sounds like you've already been there & back & bought the T-shirt!

"S"

[londonthai]

as a general - avoid air conditioning, especially those places with the central cooling system and with no opening windows, as the air is not filtered properly and germs are breeding. Stay away from cigarettes and from the air pollution, wear a mask.

[wpcoe]

as a general - avoid air conditioning, especially those places with the central cooling system and with no opening windows, as the air is not filtered properly and germs are breeding. Stay away from cigarettes and from the air pollution, wear a mask.

After 45 years, I had my (congenital) deviated septum corrected by surgery, and the difference in breathing ability was significant and immediate. I would often get, and still do, get one clogged sinus (if that is the correct term ... I can breathe out of one nostril but not the other), and before the operation if my right sinus was obstructed I got very very little air through my left nostril so had to breathe through my mouth ... dry throat, snoring, etc resulted. After the surgery, I can still breathe easily through one nostril ... either nostril. Even with no blockage I still seem to intake more air much more easily than before.

So, to the OP, have you considered having the surgery to "un-deviate" the septum? What does the doctor say about it?

[moldy]

as a general - avoid air conditioning, especially those places with the central cooling system and with no opening windows, as the air is not filtered properly and germs are breeding. Stay away from cigarettes and from the air pollution, wear a mask.

After 45 years, I had my (congenital) deviated septum corrected by surgery, and the difference in breathing ability was significant and immediate. I would often get, and still do, get one clogged sinus (if that is the correct term ... I can breathe out of one nostril but not the other), and before the operation if my right sinus was obstructed I got very very little air through my left nostril so had to breathe through my mouth ... dry throat, snoring, etc resulted. After the surgery, I can still breathe easily through one nostril ... either nostril. Even with no blockage I still seem to intake more air much more easily than before.

So, to the OP, have you considered having the surgery to "un-deviate" the septum? What does the doctor say about it?

Thanks for your interest. Yes I'm strongly considering surgery and it has already been muted. I am seeing the doctor in another few weeks to see if the condition can be held at bay. I can't stand the pain any longer to be honest, infection after infection, month after month- sheer misery. Like you I have one particular part of one nostril where the infection occurs. It sounds exactly the same as you. I gave up smoking a few months ago (I'm glad I did this but it hasn't changed anything), I wear a mask, and avoid pollution. Coming from cool climate I really need air conditioning although it causes me probs.

[MsFigure]

as a general - avoid air conditioning, especially those places with the central cooling system and with no opening windows, as the air is not filtered properly and germs are breeding. Stay away from cigarettes and from the air pollution, wear a mask.

After 45 years, I had my (congenital) deviated septum corrected by surgery, and the difference in breathing ability was significant and immediate. I would often get, and still do, get one clogged sinus (if that is the correct term ... I can breathe out of one nostril but not the other), and before the operation if my right sinus was obstructed I got very very little air through my left nostril so had to breathe through my mouth ... dry throat, snoring, etc resulted. After the surgery, I can still breathe easily through one nostril ... either nostril. Even with no blockage I still seem to intake more air much more easily than before.

So, to the OP, have you considered having the surgery to "un-deviate" the septum? What does the doctor say about it?

Did you have the surgery in Thailand, and if so who was your surgeon or who do you recommend? I've got a deviated septum that needs correction

[wpcoe]

Did you have the surgery in Thailand, and if so who was your surgeon or who do you recommend? I've got a deviated septum that needs correction

Yes, I had the surgery at BNH Hospital on Soi Convent in Bangkok, and my doctor (who I can recommend) was Dr. Pasakorn.

[Jockstar]

I have sinus problems also. I am currently waiting for an op to remove a polop(sp). Some days are better than others. I use a nasal rinse and also a spray before bed. Cant wait to have my op.

[moldy]

Did you have the surgery in Thailand, and if so who was your surgeon or who do you recommend? I've got a deviated septum that needs correction

Yes, I had the surgery at BNH Hospital on Soi Convent in Bangkok, and my doctor (who I can recommend) was Dr. Pasakorn.

Is it possible to describe what happened? the procedure, how long it took, and what the pain was like. Also I'd be greatly indebted if you could tell me the price.

[moldy]

I have sinus problems also. I am currently waiting for an op to remove a polop(sp). Some days are better than others. I use a nasal rinse and also a spray before bed. Cant wait to have my op.

What medicine are you using? I use nasocort steroid spray, and also use a decongestant called iliadin. The latter is very effective but can only be used once a week really (maybe twice). If I could use it all the time I wouldn't have a problem. So I'd be interested in hearing about other things availablethat might be equally as effective.

[petercouz]

as a general - avoid air conditioning, especially those places with the central cooling system and with no opening windows, as the air is not filtered properly and germs are breeding. Stay away from cigarettes and from the air pollution, wear a mask.

After 45 years, I had my (congenital) deviated septum corrected by surgery, and the difference in breathing ability was significant and immediate. I would often get, and still do, get one clogged sinus (if that is the correct term ... I can breathe out of one nostril but not the other), and before the operation if my right sinus was obstructed I got very very little air through my left nostril so had to breathe through my mouth ... dry throat, snoring, etc resulted. After the surgery, I can still breathe easily through one nostril ... either nostril. Even with no blockage I still seem to intake more air much more easily than before.

So, to the OP, have you considered having the surgery to "un-deviate" the septum? What does the doctor say about it?

Did you have the surgery in Thailand, and if so who was your surgeon or who do you recommend? I've got a deviated septum that needs correction

I dont know if I have a septum issue, but seem to have a problem - every day blockages, runny nose, sneezing, reaction to AC/fans, overt pollution, temperature changes - if I clean the inside of my nose with tissue it sends me into paroxysms of sneezing - this started at the beginning of 07 and has hardly let up - but no pain - does anyone recognize these symptoms and does anyoner have a good doctor that I should go and see about it - name and mobile please! i have to do something.

[moldy]

as a general - avoid air conditioning, especially those places with the central cooling system and with no opening windows, as the air is not filtered properly and germs are breeding. Stay away from cigarettes and from the air pollution, wear a mask.

After 45 years, I had my (congenital) deviated septum corrected by surgery, and the difference in breathing ability was significant and immediate. I would often get, and still do, get one clogged sinus (if that is the correct term ... I can breathe out of one nostril but not the other), and before the operation if my right sinus was obstructed I got very very little air through my left nostril so had to breathe through my mouth ... dry throat, snoring, etc resulted. After the surgery, I can still breathe easily through one nostril ... either nostril. Even with no blockage I still seem to intake more air much more easily than before.

So, to the OP, have you considered having the surgery to "un-deviate" the septum? What does the doctor say about it?

Did you have the surgery in Thailand, and if so who was your surgeon or who do you recommend? I've got a deviated septum that needs correction

I dont know if I have a septum issue, but seem to have a problem - every day blockages, runny nose, sneezing, reaction to AC/fans, overt pollution, temperature changes - if I clean the inside of my nose with tissue it sends me into paroxysms of sneezing - this started at the beginning of 07 and has hardly let up - but no pain - does anyone recognize these symptoms and does anyoner have a good doctor that I should go and see about it - name and mobile please! i have to do something.

Yes. It's called non allergic rhinitis (may also be vaso motor rhinitis) and is quite common in Bangkok. There is no quick fix. Mine only gets this bad when I also have a nasal infection, and by the sound of it this is might also apply to you.

A trip to any hospital doctor should get a correct diagnosis- I have used St Louis (Sathorn), and Rama 9, and others seem to concur that these are good well priced alternatives. You need to have an allergy skin prick test, and a camera inside the nose to check out the internal architecture.

You need more than an antihistamine tablet by the sound of it.

It won't get better unless you start tackling it.

[petercouz]

as a general - avoid air conditioning, especially those places with the central cooling system and with no opening windows, as the air is not filtered properly and germs are breeding. Stay away from cigarettes and from the air pollution, wear a mask.

After 45 years, I had my (congenital) deviated septum corrected by surgery, and the difference in breathing ability was significant and immediate. I would often get, and still do, get one clogged sinus (if that is the correct term ... I can breathe out of one nostril but not the other), and before the operation if my right sinus was obstructed I got very very little air through my left nostril so had to breathe through my mouth ... dry throat, snoring, etc resulted. After the surgery, I can still breathe easily through one nostril ... either nostril. Even with no blockage I still seem to intake more air much more easily than before.

So, to the OP, have you considered having the surgery to "un-deviate" the septum? What does the doctor say about it?

Did you have the surgery in Thailand, and if so who was your surgeon or who do you recommend? I've got a deviated septum that needs correction

I dont know if I have a septum issue, but seem to have a problem - every day blockages, runny nose, sneezing, reaction to AC/fans, overt pollution, temperature changes - if I clean the inside of my nose with tissue it sends me into paroxysms of sneezing - this started at the beginning of 07 and has hardly let up - but no pain - does anyone recognize these symptoms and does anyoner have a good doctor that I should go and see about it - name and mobile please! i have to do something.

Yes. It's called non allergic rhinitis (may also be vaso motor rhinitis) and is quite common in Bangkok. There is no quick fix. Mine only gets this bad when I also have a nasal infection, and by the sound of it this is might also apply to you.

A trip to any hospital doctor should get a correct diagnosis- I have used St Louis (Sathorn), and Rama 9, and others seem to concur that these are good well priced alternatives. You need to have an allergy skin prick test, and a camera inside the nose to check out the internal architecture.

You need more than an antihistamine tablet by the sound of it.

It won't get better unless you start tackling it.

Cheers for that - yes someone recently said rhinitis -dont tak antihists' - occasionally sudafed max just to dry things up and it seems to work, but hate taking this sort of stugff in a scattergun approach - I will definitely get an appointment with the doc soon for the internal camera -sounds hideous! Thanks again

[geriatrickid]

For those of you that had surgery, how long was your recovery period?

[Macx]

Recovery, for me, was 3 days for the swollen nose, and then 3 weeks for rising nasal passages with saline (& not breathing normally), and then about 2 months later all good with marked improvement (I still have allergies from time to time at night).

Before the surgery, I used all sorts of over the counter medications as well as prescribed ones. They all eventually lost their effectiveness on me and at the end it was pretty much hopeless. The problem simply got worse every year. I spent sleepless nights just laying in bed gasping.

Had the procedure done at Bangkok Phuket Hospital for around 120,000bhat, about 4 yrs ago before the hospital's big renovation and price increase.

Glad I got the surgery.

[Jockstar]

I have sinus problems also. I am currently waiting for an op to remove a polop(sp). Some days are better than others. I use a nasal rinse and also a spray before bed. Cant wait to have my op.

What medicine are you using? I use nasocort steroid spray, and also use a decongestant called iliadin. The latter is very effective but can only be used once a week really (maybe twice). If I could use it all the time I wouldn't have a problem. So I'd be interested in hearing about other things availablethat might be equally as effective.

Nasonex is a new spray. Works very well.

[moldy]

I had a follow up with the doctor last week. I really am very impressed with him.

He confirmed that in his opinion I had allergic rhinitis caused by dust, and am generally effected by pollutants and irritants, such as car fumes, and the chemicals in the materials I have to handle, but that really I am no more effected than anyone else. The problem is the narrowed nasal passages that might lead easily to infection.

Happily simple medication and following a cleansing routine dilligintly has meant no reoccurrence- which is significant because I've had to be out and about quite a lot recently and the wet weather gives me the sneezes too. He is rotating use of Telfast and Nasocort, and is hopeful that I will be able to take medication breaks too. With luck, no surgery.

I thought I had been using nasal decongestants sparingly, but he told me not to use them at all for 1 month as they cause long term damage.

Certainly finding the right doctor who knows his stuff has made all the difference. In some ways it's a bit like having a trainer too.

[wpcoe]

Did you have the surgery in Thailand, and if so who was your surgeon or who do you recommend? I've got a deviated septum that needs correction

Yes, I had the surgery at BNH Hospital on Soi Convent in Bangkok, and my doctor (who I can recommend) was Dr. Pasakorn.

Is it possible to describe what happened? the procedure, how long it took, and what the pain was like. Also I'd be greatly indebted if you could tell me the price.

Sorry, Moldy, but for some reason I didn't re-visit this thread until now. From your last post it sounds like surgery might not be in your future?

My surgery involved minimal pain. I was totally unconscious during the procedure and whatever tablets they gave me to take post-op (I think they might have been codeine?) numbed things sufficiently. I don't recall how long the procedure took, and I only stayed in the hospital one night, for observation mainly.

After the procedure, your nostril is packed with a looong wad of cotton, that you must keep moist by dripping a saline solution into it periodically. I was shocked to see how long the wad of cotton was when they finally removed it.

I'm not in Thailand right now, but if you want more info on the price, etc, let me know and I'll post more details after returning.

What doctor did you choose?

[moldy]

Did you have the surgery in Thailand, and if so who was your surgeon or who do you recommend? I've got a deviated septum that needs correction

Yes, I had the surgery at BNH Hospital on Soi Convent in Bangkok, and my doctor (who I can recommend) was Dr. Pasakorn.

Is it possible to describe what happened? the procedure, how long it took, and what the pain was like. Also I'd be greatly indebted if you could tell me the price.

Sorry, Moldy, but for some reason I didn't re-visit this thread until now. From your last post it sounds like surgery might not be in your future?

My surgery involved minimal pain. I was totally unconscious during the procedure and whatever tablets they gave me to take post-op (I think they might have been codeine?) numbed things sufficiently. I don't recall how long the procedure took, and I only stayed in the hospital one night, for observation mainly.

After the procedure, your nostril is packed with a looong wad of cotton, that you must keep moist by dripping a saline solution into it periodically. I was shocked to see how long the wad of cotton was when they finally removed it.

I'm not in Thailand right now, but if you want more info on the price, etc, let me know and I'll post more details after returning.

What doctor did you choose?

I speak too soon.

Just got an infection, usual place on the left. Not so bad this time. Nasal rinsing seems to mitigate it a lot.

I'll hunt out his name, my girl has alll the details, lol. I just go along, look doleful, ask a few questions and pay.

He's at Rama 9, and is the ENT specialist.