Sinusitis - Rhinitis

[Baht Simpson]

For the last three weeks I've had terrible blocked sinuses. I'm not sure whether it's sinusitis or rhinitis. I went to the doctor who prescribed anti-histamines which have had little or no effect on clearing the problem. If I use Nasol the problem disappears but only for a few hours and I don't like to keep using it. It's worse when I lay down to sleep at night. Both sinuses become totally bloked and I can only breathe through my mouth. It's beginning to worry me now. Before I go and see another doctor does anyone else have any experience of this?

Edited August 30, 2007 by Baht Simpson

[cathyy]

It's your sinuses. You need a Neti pot. You use salt water in it to rinse out your nasal passages and sinuses. It sounds ghastly, but it's actually not unpleasant. It works like a miracle to keep sinuses clear and uninfected if used daily.

Stop the nasal spray NOW. You are probably now suffering from what is called rebound; your nasal passages are more narrow when the spray wears off than they were before you began using it. You probably also need a round of antibiotics to clear the infection.

[Pink Mist]

I use horseradish and garlic pills, they are available from pharmacies in Oz, might be able to get em here though.

It takes about a week to kick in and you take one a day for the duration.

I reckon I have seen radishes here and they certainly have the garlic, having said that a dose of garlic every day is good for you anyway

[ratchabuild]

For the last three weeks I've had terrible blocked sinuses. I'm not sure whether it's sinusitis or rhinitis. I went to the doctor who prescribed anti-histamines which have had little or no effect on clearing the problem. If I use Nasol the problem disappears but only for a few hours and I don't like to keep using it. It's worse when I lay down to sleep at night. Both sinuses become totally bloked and I can only breathe through my mouth. It's beginning to worry me now. Before I go and see another doctor does anyone else have any experience of this?

If you are in a city perhaps its a reaction to pollution in which case wear a mask in town traffic and stay out of traffic as much as possible. Ask cathyy wher to get a neti pot and how precisely to use it

[gregybn]

I had a similar problem years ago in China (probably mold related) - I was totally blocked - nothing was working.

Once I started on a corticosteroid nasal spray - the problem was almost immediately resolved.

Good luck

• Antihistamines block the action of the histamine (the substance which triggers the reaction). They are considered the "mainstay of treatment." They are more effective when taken around the clock. They can cause you to become drowsy, especially if you combine them with alcohol. Other side effects include dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, tremors, nausea and dry mouth. If any of the side effects are a problem, discuss them with your practitioner.

• Decongestants can give short-term relief from nasal stuffiness. However, many decongestants promote histamine release. This can cause a "rebound" effect that ultimately makes you even more congested than before. Use them only on a short-term, special occasion basis (i.e., unable to sleep for several nights, a test, a date, etc.).

• Corticosteroids may lessen your allergic reaction by preventing body cells from responding to histamine. For allergic rhinitis, these compounds are administered via a nasal spray. Minimal side effects have been found even with chronic use at customary dosage. For profound allergy symptoms, a one-time very short course of systemic cortisteroid may be considered as a last resort.

[ProThaiExpat]

I have lived with moisture activated sinusitis for forty years and it is amazing how few physicians will take this condition seriously. I have had specialists roto-root my sinuses, ad nauseaum.

I consider myself an expert on my sinuses and will share what keeps me free from your current reported condition, one I suffered from a great deal years ago before I learned my lessons.

It matters not what causes your sinuses to inflame, congest with fluid and fail to drain, it only matters what to do about it when it happens. Immediate treatment with antihistamines works for me. The moment I feel the onset of sinus headache, or a filling of the ears or post nasal drip, I immediately medicate with generic antihistamines. I stay medicated until all of the above symptoms are gone.

If you fail to head off an attach of sinusitis and the antihistamines don't clear your head, it is likely you have an infection in your sinuses, which needs to be treated with antibiotics.

If you don't treat your infected sinuses with antibiotics, chances are you will develop pharyngitis, when I got it in the past, I couldn't speak, swallow and was practically disabled.

When you sleep, your sinuses fill up more readily due to the fact that their drainage is dependent on you head being more or less in its erect position. Sleeping with many pillows behind your head so it stays more or less in the vertical position will help a lot. Believe me, when you are hacking and spitting up constantly during the night, you learn to sleep sitting up in bed.

I use a locally available generic antihistamine that works well for me and usually doesn't take more than a couple to forestall a full term attack. My sinus drainage fluid actually tastes acidy and if I allow them to drain, I will awake with a awful sore throat on the side I was sleeping on, as the drainage falls on that part of your throat. The sinus drainage is certainly toxic and you will get stomach nausea if you draining a lot.

I have tried every combination of anti-histamine based remedy available in many countries and I have yet to find anything that works better than just plain old generic ones. Often, products such as Sinaid and the like have paracetamol or aspirin in them that only make you sleepy. Also there a few different chemical combinations sold as antihistamines, so buy a sample of each one and sees what works for you. Taken in mild dosages, you will be able to compare their effectiveness on you. It does seem to be quite individual. Some common antihistamines literally make my head spin, others have no effect and the generic one I use now is my mainstay, works every time. and is well tolerated. I stay away from antihistamines combined with anything else. If I need pain relief for headache, I take paracetamol independent of a anti-histamine. If your antihistamine of choice does not relieve a sinus headache after an hour, you know you need a headache remedy.

Going from air-con to no aircon is a great trigger for sinuses. If the air is dry due to aircon and then you go into moisture laden air, like outside in Thailand, your sinuses are suree to let you know it soon if your sinuses are the kind that are activatdd by moisture.. Thus staying in a largely air conditioned dry enviroment helps my sinuses the most and I am down to only a few antihistamine pills a month here in Thailand after six years. Don't ask what my aircon bill is!!!

Edited September 5, 2007 by ProThaiExpat

[Baht Simpson]

Many thanks for the replies. I went to another doctor who prescribed a similar set of antihistamines. I'm now on Actifed - 3 pills daily, Pseudoephedrine - 3 pills daily and one Cetirizine pill before sleep. I've felt better over the last couple of days and have only used the nasal spray once when the blockage triggered off an asthma attack. I'm feeling quite drowsy during the day but luckily I'm not working so I can just rest up.

ProThaiExpat, I'm mindful of your comment on the aircon and agree that I feel better in the cool than in the heat. I think also the changeable weather has a lot to do with it. I live up-country so I don't think it's pollution, although they've been cutting corn here recently and I think that gets into the air too.

I'm trying to drain as much as possible after the dosage and this helps with the breathing.

I read on the internet about saline drainage and tried that. It wasn't too unpleasant but only gave relief for a short time.

Fortunately I've always slept with a couple of pillows due to breathing problems with the asthma. I've noticed if I sleep on my back the problem is exacerbated, but I naturally switch from side to side in any case.

I'll finish the course of antihistamines and take it from there. Were getting some dryer weather now so I hope that helps.

Once again many thanks for all your helpful comments.

Take care

Kevin

[cathyy]

Aha! You didn't mention the asthma previously. In that case, I second the idea of a nasal corticosteroid, like Nasacort. You should already be on an inhaled one for the asthma.

As I mentioned previously, the saline rinses need to be at least daily -twice a day would be good for now with the infection- and the infection should be cleared up with antibiotics. Still, the rinsing will eventually get rid of the infection if practiced regularly. The best benefit comes from daily use once the infection is gone. You may never get another sinus infection!

Here's a website with more info: Neti pots

[thaigene2]

Yes, like others my situation differs a bit. Lying down is only a problem when I have a cold, etc. But EVERYDAY I awake to the hacking and spitting. I'd fit right in on a Beijing bus..

Rhinitis, Sinusitis? Whatever - there is no cure - and the doctors make a killing out of people like us!

I too find an issue with leaving the aircon for the polluted environs of BKK. It starts up again then and off goes the cough, etc..Is Asthma a complication for others?

Edited September 6, 2007 by thaigene2

[jfchandler]

As a longtime sinusitis sufferer, and veteran of three laser sinus operations, I think the medical community, especially in the U.S., is terrible about this. The surgeons only do surgery, but seemingly will do little else, except prescribe antibiotics. And every doctor seems to have their own different diagnosis and different remedy, which is hardly reassuring or helpful. From this painful maze of experience, a few simple things seem clear:

1. Steaming your nose a couple times a day is good, either with straight clean water or with added pure oils like eucalyptus. A sinus specialist at Bumrungrad Hospital in BKK I saw recently prescribed Kamillosan, which is easily available at drug stores (about 140 baht per bottle) and is a mixture of various oils. She recommended a half capful in 200 ml of water, about 10 minutes of inhaling the steam per time. I just heat 200 ml in the microwave, and then add the oil and inhale. It does help.

2. Also good is the recommendation for rinsing your sinuses with warm saline solution. There are several ways to do this. One is the Neti-pot referred to above. Another is with a specially designd (and simple) plastic squirt bottle specially designed to fit into your nostril. See www.neilmed.com for more info.

A third way (and one that I use) is a Water-Pik unit with a specially designed tip also specially designed for nasal rinse. The pulsating effect of the Water Pik device is supposed to be good for your nasal cilia, which help clear mucus. You can buy a regular Water Pik unit at the store, and then buy the sinus tip separately. Or you can order a combined unit together. See the following as an example:

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/h...-irrigator.html

In general, doctors recommend using about 16 oz of water per session, half into one nostril and the other half in the other. (The water drains out the other side, each time). You usually want to add a mix of non-iodized salt (or sea salt) and a bit of baking soda to pure water, to get a saline solution, which matches your body's fluid Ph. A teaspon or so of salt per 8 oz is normal, though people adjust that up or down depending on their sensitivities and preferences. More salt tends to have a greater drying effect, but it can also cause stinging for some people.

The sinus doc I saw at BH hospital also presscribed Maxiphed, which is a version of pseudoephedrine, as a decongestant (two a day), Zyrtec as an antihistamine (one at bedtime), and Danzen/serrapeptase as an anti-inflammatory (3 a day) to reduce sinus swelling/inflamation. The combination of the above seemed to work nicely, without any side effects that I've noticed.

--John in BKK

[luumak]

Have you tried Loratadine? works great w/ little side effects it was a real miracle for me and really cheap in thailand (claratin in usa). I had bad sinus (headaches) propblems for years then it just all went away???

think about these:

radically cut down on the spray (only emg)

food alergies

dirty bedding, esp pillows

dirty room (dust)

dirty aircon unit

dusty roads or crap stirred up in the environment

dontuse psudephredrine - its really crap and will speed you out. its old medicine. its also whats used to make yah-bah

ps: i get a crap head and stuffed up in the rainy season when the air is stagnant and high humidity - headaches and all stuffy. also when its very dry and dusty - maybe similar to yor problems. claratin did it.

Edited November 2, 2007 by luumak

[moldy]

This is a really common problem out here. At best it's painful at worst downright awful. Most likely the root of the problem is irritated nasal linings. The irritation is most often caused by traffic pollution and big atmospheric pressure changes. The problem is exacerbated by dry air, air conditioning and of course smoking (although second hand smoke is probably even worse). Unfortunately, when the nose swells, it provides a wonderful breeding ground for bacteria, some of which are naturally present in the body all the time (Staph A /Steph aureus). Your sinuses may be infected but you could just be suffering from blocked sinuses which is actually just as painful. This is because the swelling in the nose covers over the drainage outlets that lead in to the nasal cavity. You may also be prone to more colds, adeno virus, and all manner of URTI. The same bacteria may also cause boils and minor stomach upsets. The condition is also cyclical such that you may feel that you keep catching a cold. You are likely to have a hot body and maybe feel a bit puky, and havea low grade headache. All in all not very nice.

You should do the following: not necessarily in sequential order.

1. Get allergy tested - skin prick test at any hospital, as you may be a hay fever sufferer or be prone to dust mites.

2. Start nasal rinsing. It's easy and actually quite pleasant. I'm a head back one shot man. I buy normal saline solution from a pharmacy which comes in a squeezy bottle.

3. Ditch the anti histamines. They really don't work with this type of swelling, which is basically direct corrosion.

4. Nasal decongestants are great at the first sign of excessive mucous use them b4 bed. Don't, I repeat don't use them for more than a few days.

5. Consider consulting a doctor- for a dose of oral antibiotics to heal up your sinuses. Speak to a doctor first though. Amoxycillin Claveat is a good safe all round bet. No point using pain killers as they won't work for the level of pain you are likely to be suffering.

6. Reduce the time you spend outside, even if the air seems clean, believe me it's not (in Bangkok anyway). Totally avoid busy junctions and thoroughfares. If you must go out buy a surgeon's mask.

7. Long steamy showers are great for easing the nasal passages. Train the water on the back of your head and your nose should free up too. Likewise try a small steam tent- fill a small cereal bowl full of hot water (not boiling- repeat not boiling). Drape a towel over your head and stay there for 5 mins even if watching paint dry suddenly seems more appealing.

8. At home, humidify your room by placing a wet towel or sheet in front of a fan, not too close obviously. Or buy a fish tank, or a few pot plants. Try to minimise air conditioning as this makes the nasal membranes even more irritated.

9. Still no use- you need a topical nasal steroid used judiciously.

10. Still no use- get the hel_l out of Bangkok, the air here is lethal. There's nothing wrong with you, it's just that the human body was not designed to live in a toxic environment.

[mauiguy90]

For the last three weeks I've had terrible blocked sinuses. I'm not sure whether it's sinusitis or rhinitis. I went to the doctor who prescribed anti-histamines which have had little or no effect on clearing the problem. If I use Nasol the problem disappears but only for a few hours and I don't like to keep using it. It's worse when I lay down to sleep at night. Both sinuses become totally bloked and I can only breathe through my mouth. It's beginning to worry me now. Before I go and see another doctor does anyone else have any experience of this?

1. Limit use of decongestants-they only temporarilly address symptoms. Meds like actifed/sudafed tend to dry out mucous which eventually buildup. The mucous buildup can be problematic if you continually use decongestants.

2. I use a simple penicillin called ampicillin which you can get at the pharmacists when I have a sinus infection. If that doesn't work, then I will use something stronger like curam, which is a fortified amoxcillin.

3. Saline rinse with sodium bicarbonate. If you can get the sinus rinse kit from NeilMed, it probably works the best. Soda water (not soda) contains sodium bicarbonate as well, which can help clear up sinuses. Try it, it works!

4. Have used NacLong, which breaks down the mucous buildup albeit slowly. However, in a few days, it does clear up sinuses.

5. Hot baths, vaporizers, saunas, etc. all work but tend to be short term fixes.

Good luck! I had sinusitis for almost a year before I got long term relief. Good information and doctors who know how to address these problems are hard to find. If one doc doesn't work, by all means, change doctors!!!

P.S. If you get really desperate, PM me and I can share a few packets of sinus rinse with you. You will have to purchase some type of squeeze bottle to apply the sinus rinse.

Edited December 26, 2007 by mauiguy90

[jfchandler]

Mauiguy, good advice for everyone here. Had two questions for you...

1. You mentioned NacLong...I've never heard of that. What exactly is it, and where do you get it?

2. I've been seeing a sinus doc at Burumgrad. But if you've had good experience with a sinus doc you'd recommend, please pass that along.

Thanks very much, John.

1. Limit use of decongestants-they only temporarilly address symptoms. Meds like actifed/sudafed tend to dry out mucous which eventually buildup. The mucous buildup can be problematic if you continually use decongestants.

2. I use a simple penicillin called ampicillin which you can get at the pharmacists when I have a sinus infection. If that doesn't work, then I will use something stronger like curam, which is a fortified amoxcillin.

3. Saline rinse with sodium bicarbonate. If you can get the sinus rinse kit from NeilMed, it probably works the best. Soda water (not soda) contains sodium bicarbonate as well, which can help clear up sinuses. Try it, it works!

4. Have used NacLong, which breaks down the mucous buildup albeit slowly. However, in a few days, it does clear up sinuses.

5. Hot baths, vaporizers, saunas, etc. all work but tend to be short term fixes.

Good luck! I had sinusitis for almost a year before I got long term relief. Good information and doctors who know how to address these problems are hard to find. If one doc doesn't work, by all means, change doctors!!!

P.S. If you get really desperate, PM me and I can share a few packets of sinus rinse with you. You will have to purchase some type of squeeze bottle to apply the sinus rinse.

[geriatrickid]

So much help for me here. I've had rhinitis forever made worse by seasonal allergies and of course my furry buddies. The specialist said I had a lot of scar tissue in the nasal cavity. I guess that comes from years of irriation and my bet is there a few of you with the same problem. Has anyone ever had the tissue removed and does it help? I read the previous post about the sinus "excavations" and am wondering if this was the same thing.

I get freebies of Nasonex which does nothing for me and I use a decongestant in 1 nostril only and alternate days to avoid the rebound effect, lmiting it to 2 days of does max. Not ideal, but at last I can breathe for the night and live to sniff another day.

[Samuian]

Avoid any dairy food stuff!

regular steam inhalations with added KAMILLOSAN is very helpful! (has been mentioned already, it's very helpful...)

Ever considerd a Chinese Doc or Indian Ayurveda ?

Well and Horseradish and Garlic have been mentioned as well - stay as natural as possible, some of antibiotics may even CAUSE MORE mucus build up!

And remember it's not the Doc who suffers - it's you!

[moldy]

Avoid any dairy food stuff!

regular steam inhalations with added KAMILLOSAN is very helpful! (has been mentioned already, it's very helpful...)

Ever considerd a Chinese Doc or Indian Ayurveda ?

Well and Horseradish and Garlic have been mentioned as well - stay as natural as possible, some of antibiotics may even CAUSE MORE mucus build up!

And remember it's not the Doc who suffers - it's you!

Good posting. But are you sure about the antibiotics. I think they can dry the nasal linings, which can be quite painful in itself, and it's also surmised that over a long period they might lower immunity to URTI, but I've never heard of them contributing to mucous build up.

In my honest opinion the approp. antibiotic does a lot of good when used correctly , especially where infected sinus is suspected. The trouble it's difficult to distinguish viral from bacterial infection. A swab really needs to be done.

I'm going to give Kamillosan a go I think.

One thing I've noticed about BKK is the rather large numbers of otherwise robust people who seem to suffer from nasal, sinus, throat or bronchial problems. I'm surprised this thread has attracted such little attention. It's a much needed thread and a general discussion on these matters is so needed I reckon.

Personally, my problems begin and end with exposure to traffic pollution, although I can't deny that smoking has something to do with it, as does air conditioning.

I've found that markedly reducing my exposure to air pollution, judicious use of nasal decongestants, frequent nasal rinsing, and yes sometimes antibiotics, has slowly resulted in cessation of my symptoms for the time being anyway.

If I could choose only one option it would be avoiding traffic fumes. I was told to do this by a doctor at Rama 9 hospital who also explained it was not so much an allergic reaction as a toxic one. She said that she'd lived in BKK all her life, and had learnt never to walk down a busy street and to generally stay outside for no more than 5 minutes at a time. She even gave me a free surgeon's mask along with her rather high consultation fee. Notice, many Thais use taxis as soon as they have enough money to do so. Maybe it's not just laziness as I thought.

Being the nit that I am I thought that it would be a good idea to only breathe through my mouth when outside. Sure, my nose stayed clear that night, but was replaced by creature from the bog wretching from my throat when I had a shower.

Still, like a lot of my ill fated notions, it seemed a good idea at the time, and I quickly recovered.

[mauiguy90]

Mauiguy, good advice for everyone here. Had two questions for you...

1. You mentioned NacLong...I've never heard of that. What exactly is it, and where do you get it?

2. I've been seeing a sinus doc at Burumgrad. But if you've had good experience with a sinus doc you'd recommend, please pass that along.

Thanks very much, John.

Hey John,

Sorry didn't see your post until now. NAC long is Acetylcysteine, used for diseases of the respiratory tract used for addressing severe mucous secretions. I had it prescribed by a doctor from Phyatai Hospital, however, I didn't get his name. You can get it from most pharmacies but seems like writing it for the pharmacists is the best way to get what you want.

I got a lot of information from the following website: http://www.sinuses.com/faq.htm#treatment . Good luck!

Edited December 29, 2007 by mauiguy90

[moldy]

Mauiguy, good advice for everyone here. Had two questions for you...

1. You mentioned NacLong...I've never heard of that. What exactly is it, and where do you get it?

2. I've been seeing a sinus doc at Burumgrad. But if you've had good experience with a sinus doc you'd recommend, please pass that along.

Thanks very much, John.

Hey John,

Sorry didn't see your post until now. NAC long is Acetylcysteine, used for diseases of the respiratory tract used for addressing severe mucous secretions. I had it prescribed by a doctor from Phyatai Hospital, however, I didn't get his name. You can get it from most pharmacies but seems like writing it for the pharmacists is the best way to get what you want.

I got a lot of information from the following website: http://www.sinuses.com/faq.htm#treatment . Good luck!

acetylcysteine is available in any paharmacy, eg, fluimical. It costs about 12 bt a sachet as I remember. I bought mine from Tesco Lotus. It's a mucolyte and antixidant. In large doses, it is used for people with smokers lung, or immune deficiency syndromes. In small doses it is believed to work for bronchial problems (note- believed only). I don't think it helps with nasal probs. but I didn't take it more than a week.

[Jockstar]

I too have a very similar problem. Mine started as the OP. Now after going for scan etc. I need a polyp removed from my nose. I am currently on the waiting list in Oz that could take up to a year. I use a nasal rinse to help a little. Sorry no help. Just my experience

[zeusbheld]

upon skimming, i didn't see it mentioned, but if it was, it bears repeating:

if you use aircon, have your aircon(s) cleaned. they are a great source of really nasty mold that gives you all sorts of airway problems otherwise.

[zeusbheld]

Aha! You didn't mention the asthma previously. In that case, I second the idea of a nasal corticosteroid, like Nasacort. You should already be on an inhaled one for the asthma.

As I mentioned previously, the saline rinses need to be at least daily -twice a day would be good for now with the infection- and the infection should be cleared up with antibiotics. Still, the rinsing will eventually get rid of the infection if practiced regularly. The best benefit comes from daily use once the infection is gone. You may never get another sinus infection!

Here's a website with more info: Neti pots

neti pot is totally great. just be careful if you're nasal passages are actually blocked as it may make it worse for a day or two under those circumstances.

[moldy]

I too have a very similar problem. Mine started as the OP. Now after going for scan etc. I need a polyp removed from my nose. I am currently on the waiting list in Oz that could take up to a year. I use a nasal rinse to help a little. Sorry no help. Just my experience

Yes this is a minor problem with a BIG EFFECT. More than likely it's made it easier for one side of your nose to block and form bacterial build up. So I'm guessing you can feel hot, a bit sick, and suffer from sinus pain/infection too. See a doctor but surely a steroid spray, low dose antibiotics, and good old nasal rinsing will stave off most problems.

[moldy]

upon skimming, i didn't see it mentioned, but if it was, it bears repeating:

if you use aircon, have your aircon(s) cleaned. they are a great source of really nasty mold that gives you all sorts of airway problems otherwise.

I keep hearing references to mold. It seems it's a pertinent factor in sinusitis. How would one know? I mean allergy test, swab, etc?

I'm now pain free in the nasal area and can not overemphasise the importance of avoiding traffic fumes too.

Regarding anti histamines, I've not got much positive to say about them. The only one that seems to have an effect is the old style HCI. But this may just because it sedates me. Rest and relaxation seems to be a very important factor in Naso/sinus problems. Modern anti-h, may as well take a sugar pill from my experience in fact the sugar pill might be better.

[mauiguy90]

I've used NacLong or acetylcysteine for several years since it was prescribed to me by the doc at Phyathai Hospital... only recently became it was used essentially for lung decongestion. I want to emphasize that it does work, not miraculously quickly, however, reliably. It is the only thing that has worked reliably for me besides antibiotics and fluids containing sodium bicarbonate.

Problem with sinusitis in general is that there are very few doctors that have taken it seriously enough to become proficient in its treatment.(Probably because few patients die from it.) Those that are knowledgeable are probably the ones who have personal experience with it. Those are far and few between. Consequently treatment of the condition is rarely effective or long lasting. Unfortunately, it leaves those of us that are affected by it, with essentially do it yourself treatments.

Edited December 30, 2007 by mauiguy90

[moldy]

I've used NacLong or acetylcysteine for several years since it was prescribed to me by the doc at Phyathai Hospital... only recently became it was used essentially for lung decongestion. I want to emphasize that it does work, not miraculously quickly, however, reliably. It is the only thing that has worked reliably for me besides antibiotics and fluids containing sodium bicarbonate.

Problem with sinusitis in general is that there are very few doctors that have taken it seriously enough to become proficient in its treatment.(Probably because few patients die from it.) Those that are knowledgeable are probably the ones who have personal experience with it. Those are far and few between. Consequently treatment of the condition is rarely effective or long lasting. Unfortunately, it leaves those of us that are affected by it, with essentially do it yourself treatments.

Wise words. I think I'll get back on it at the very least it's an antioxidant. I've also heard good news about Danzan.

[mauiguy90]

I've used NacLong or acetylcysteine for several years since it was prescribed to me by the doc at Phyathai Hospital... only recently became it was used essentially for lung decongestion. I want to emphasize that it does work, not miraculously quickly, however, reliably. It is the only thing that has worked reliably for me besides antibiotics and fluids containing sodium bicarbonate.

Problem with sinusitis in general is that there are very few doctors that have taken it seriously enough to become proficient in its treatment.(Probably because few patients die from it.) Those that are knowledgeable are probably the ones who have personal experience with it. Those are far and few between. Consequently treatment of the condition is rarely effective or long lasting. Unfortunately, it leaves those of us that are affected by it, with essentially do it yourself treatments.

Wise words. I think I'll get back on it at the very least it's an antioxidant. I've also heard good news about Danzan.

FYI, don't know if it makes a difference but Nac Long comes in an effervescent tablet form, normally in tubes of 5/10 tablets.

[moldy]

I've used NacLong or acetylcysteine for several years since it was prescribed to me by the doc at Phyathai Hospital... only recently became it was used essentially for lung decongestion. I want to emphasize that it does work, not miraculously quickly, however, reliably. It is the only thing that has worked reliably for me besides antibiotics and fluids containing sodium bicarbonate.

Problem with sinusitis in general is that there are very few doctors that have taken it seriously enough to become proficient in its treatment.(Probably because few patients die from it.) Those that are knowledgeable are probably the ones who have personal experience with it. Those are far and few between. Consequently treatment of the condition is rarely effective or long lasting. Unfortunately, it leaves those of us that are affected by it, with essentially do it yourself treatments.

Wise words. I think I'll get back on it at the very least it's an antioxidant. I've also heard good news about Danzan.

FYI, don't know if it makes a difference but Nac Long comes in an effervescent tablet form, normally in tubes of 5/10 tablets.

Thanks, my friend says it makes a big diff. They are stronger it seems. More power to you- you are a good poster.

[ignoramus]

Video on nasal lavage / neti potting....

Have only had sufficient patience to skim thru' posts - lotsa good stuff tho' (I don't have the prob).

I get newsletters from npr. org (National Public Radio, from the US). Their latest refers to the above.

They quote both N.L. and N-P, with a pic of the N-Pot.

If you look up nasal lavage on Google, there's a ton of stuff, but the first entry is for the Mayo Clinic. They mention a video, which may (or may not) be of use.