Sinus problem. Could it be where I am living that's not helping?

[RichardThailand]

Is there anyone out there with sinus problems who has noticed a difference when living in or out of the city?

I have four places I have lived or am considering:

1. Bangna ( away from the busy roads )
2. Hua Hin or Cha Am ( away from busy roads )
3. Chiang Mai ( not living there during burning months )
4. Downtown Bangkok ( away from the worst roads ) 20th floor.

I'd appreciate advice from anyone here who has had sinus problems and found them to be better or worse depending on the area where they lived.

Thank you

[NickJ]

I lived and worked in Bkk for 12 years and developed a sinus issue. I have been near the beach now for 12 years and never have problems. I think living high in Bkk would only help if you never left your condo. If you can live where the air is clean.

[Sheryl]

Tons of TV members have newly developed sinus and other respiratory problems, or had pre-existing ones worsened, as a result of air polllution here.

Of the locations you mention I would only suggest considering Hua Hin/Cha Am. Bangkok or CM are going to be bad, and that certainly includes BangNa which has terrible traffic congestion.

[aussiandrew]

Have had serious nasal respiratory issues all my life it can be struggle for a start I have nothing to do with any person who choose to smoke, try and work and live a healthy life style by the ocean.Touch wood.

[manarak]

Tons of TV members have newly developed sinus and other respiratory problems, or had pre-existing ones worsened, as a result of air polllution here.

Of the locations you mention I would only suggest considering Hua Hin/Cha Am. Bangkok or CM are going to be bad, and that certainly includes BangNa which has terrible traffic congestion.

I'm one of the exceptions then.

I have chronic sinus infection which got a bit better when I moved from Switzerland to Pattaya.

The reason might be twofold: The air in Swiss cities contains a lot of dust and the second reason are pollution filters/particle crackers. Particles in Swiss air are much smaller, I wonder if this has an effect.

[inbangkok]

I have horrible congestion during allergy season every year in both California and BKK. It is worse in BKK and is currently the worst is has ever been..... I struggle to breathe through my nose lately. I just got back from the Dr. a few hours ago. He is an ENT specialist and he is running about a dozen blood tests to see if he can find out what I am allergic to.

[Longtooth]

Yep, Cha Am. We went just north of it to "EurAsia Lagoon" last year to escape the smoke. My daughter, who has asthma, and I, improved to normal in only DAYS. My sinuses are so plugged up right now that my hearing in both ears is messed up. Clogged eustation tubes ( or however you spell that. The tube from middle ear to throat. I've got fluid in my middle ear that is not yet infected.) Chiang Rai has the smoke now. Timing is right. I can only guess it's related.

[Longtooth]

I forgot to add: There is no "mountain" high enough in Chiang Rai to escape the smoke. I've checked it out. It's the same high or low. My aunt used to say you could get bad poison oak by being in the smoke of it burning. I guess I'm allergic to whatever bad stuff they're burning, then, because what I have is more than just smoke irritation. Either just south or just north of Hua Hin/ Cha Am was nice. Sea breeze at night, warm, lovely. The cities themselves were WAY too crowded for my taste.

[Searat7]

I have bad sinus problems in Bangkok...even after having radio frequency turbinate reduction done twice...also have asthma here which I do not have in the USA. I wear a carbon mask on street (available from Wassons) but the best thing I have done is to regularly use a Netipot several times a day, flushing out sinuses through the nose with salt/water mix.

[lgnmt]

I've had sinus problems/infections, allergies for many years.

Been splitting my time between Thailand & Los Angeles for 10 plus years and rarely have had a problem here.

The one major exception was years ago when I was living in Korat.

The curtains in the house had developed mold which made me want to rip my eyes out.

It took awhile to figure out that was the problem - so beware of mold during the rainy season...

[SOTIRIOS]

....mountain air is good ...but not in a 'basin' where pollution might accumulate...and become concentrated....

[Iamemjay]

I live in Fang, Chiangmai.

I never ever had sinus problems until I moved here. When I got my first bout the dr said it was allergy related (I never had allergies before either) and was probably related to the farm chemicals they sprayed around here.

Its interesting that it is now a few years since I had my last sinusitis bout - none in recent years at all. The difference? It may be coincidental, but it coincides with the farms around us being cleared of their tangerine trees (Lots of nasty chemicals sprayed!!) because of the spread of a horticultural virus.

[Pepper1959]

No sinus problems until I moved to Thailand, and in particular Nakhon Phanom. Lot of burning coming from Lao, but I don't think that is the problem. Finally a doctor with a bit of a specialty in the issue told me it was due to having a 'caucasian nose'. So I am on the look out for an 'Asiatic nose' to relieve the problem.

[F4UCorsair]

No sinus problems until I moved to Thailand, and in particular Nakhon Phanom. Lot of burning coming from Lao, but I don't think that I'd the problem. Finally a doctor with a bit of a specialty in the issue told me it was due to having a 'caucasian nose'. So I am on the look out for an 'Asiatic nose' to relieve the problem.

Yep, those Caucasian noses are the problem. Way TOO BIG, and suck in too much air with too many pollutants. There's your answer from an astute doctor.

[MichaelJohn]

I guess you've ruled out food/drink allergies.

Dairy products (mil from cows, cheese etc) and alcohol all have a tendency to cause sinus, nasal problems. Having moved to soya and cut back the alcohol :-( my nasal problems have all but dissapeared :-)

[Krataiboy]

No sinus problems until I moved to Thailand, and in particular Nakhon Phanom. Lot of burning coming from Lao, but I don't think that is the problem. Finally a doctor with a bit of a specialty in the issue told me it was due to having a 'caucasian nose'. So I am on the look out for an 'Asiatic nose' to relieve the problem.

If you find one, remember to remove the plastic bridge before wearing.

[realenglish1]

1. Bangna ( away from the busy roads )
2. Hua Hin or Cha Am ( away from busy roads )
3. Chiang Mai ( not living there during burning months )
4. Downtown Bangkok ( away from the worst roads ) 20th floor.

I have asthma and sinus problems as well From the mouth of my doctor he said Hua Hin and Cha AM are good because by the sea and less pollutants in the air

[NickJ]

Thats to bad inbangkok. I know how that goes. I had debilitating seasonal allergies in the U.S. An Acacia tree could kill me. Lucky here for 24 years zero response to pollens.

Look on the Bright Side....people with hayfever and asthama are less likley to get cancer...studies have shown.

Edited February 17, 2016 by NickJ

[pogal]

I have also developed sinusitis in the last 5 years or more here.
I finally found that it was stomach related after receiving treatment for GERD which I am now almost able to control without drugs, my sinuses have gotten better with the occasional flareup, (normal in conjunction with a stomach flareup).
There are so many reasons for sinus problems and so it is near impossible to pinpoint many of them. Clean air can also contain lots of pollen if you're living in the countryside so it's really all hit and miss.
Saline rinses with a neti-pot or extra large syringe (what I use) give a lot of relief and also "help" with clearing up any infections. (also add drops of iodine to it).
Studies have shown that people can clear their sinuses without antibiotics (80% in the same amount of time as with antibiotics), which I have stopped using for the last 3 years (after the first 2 years of constant antibiotic use, prescribed by "doctors" here).
Apparently if your infection looks like clearing after 5 days then returns with a vengeance, it is time to use antibiotics. I have not taken antibiotics for up to 10 days, even with this recommendation.
For stomach related sinuses (which apparently are the biggest cause of sinuses) simple diet changes (not too drastic), eating on time, etc, can make a huge difference. I also use Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda ("seems" to help). Keep away from other antacids if possible to control gastric re-flux.

But in the end everyone is different and you will have to take careful note of your body and habits whenever sinus problems occur to find out what is best for you. I really pity sinus suffers after suffering myself for a few years. I feel lucky I can now control them (just!).

[Mot Dang]

Tons of TV members have newly developed sinus and other respiratory problems, or had pre-existing ones worsened, as a result of air polllution here.

Of the locations you mention I would only suggest considering Hua Hin/Cha Am. Bangkok or CM are going to be bad, and that certainly includes BangNa which has terrible traffic congestion.

I get sinus problems in Bangkok during the dry season, and also up at home in Buriram same time of year, probably due to air-born dust. But the problem disappears when I'm in my condo in Pattaya. I strongly believe that its because of the sea breeze. I use Beconase for it, plus good old Poy-Sian. When really bad I have to use Clarentyne. I have noticed a lot more Thais than usual are getting sinus issues.

[PETERTHEEATER]

As a long term asthmatic I elected to retire into Hua Hin in anticipation that the cleaner sea air would help and it has. I live 11 kms south of the town a few hundred meters in-land from the beach.My wife's sister lives in Suan Phung, Ratchaburi close to the Burmese border. I will not travel to there in March/April because it is guaranteed to cause me SOB and nasal/sinus problem due to fine dust suspended in the air. I had the same reaction many times in the Middle East.

I also have suffered with sinus infections and a repeat curse, nasal polyps. I control the latter topically with a nasal corticosteroid spray but the cause is allergic reaction .Recently I suffered nasal blockages at night and finally got around to cleaning my wall mounted AC unit the cylinder fan of which was clogged with dirt. Result the nasal problem cleared over two nights.

Different folk react differently to airborne pollutions natural and/or man-made so if you can live somewhere where the air is freshened such as near the sea or a lake it should make a difference.

[humqdpf]

I have also developed sinusitis in the last 5 years or more here.

I finally found that it was stomach related after receiving treatment for GERD which I am now almost able to control without drugs, my sinuses have gotten better with the occasional flareup, (normal in conjunction with a stomach flareup).

There are so many reasons for sinus problems and so it is near impossible to pinpoint many of them. Clean air can also contain lots of pollen if you're living in the countryside so it's really all hit and miss.

Saline rinses with a neti-pot or extra large syringe (what I use) give a lot of relief and also "help" with clearing up any infections. (also add drops of iodine to it).

Studies have shown that people can clear their sinuses without antibiotics (80% in the same amount of time as with antibiotics), which I have stopped using for the last 3 years (after the first 2 years of constant antibiotic use, prescribed by "doctors" here).

Apparently if your infection looks like clearing after 5 days then returns with a vengeance, it is time to use antibiotics. I have not taken antibiotics for up to 10 days, even with this recommendation.

For stomach related sinuses (which apparently are the biggest cause of sinuses) simple diet changes (not too drastic), eating on time, etc, can make a huge difference. I also use Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda ("seems" to help). Keep away from other antacids if possible to control gastric re-flux.

But in the end everyone is different and you will have to take careful note of your body and habits whenever sinus problems occur to find out what is best for you. I really pity sinus suffers after suffering myself for a few years. I feel lucky I can now control them (just!).

There is a product like neti pot but is more expensive - it is called Sterimar - pasteurised/sterilized sea water. There are several versions, one for kids, one for blocked nose and one for sinusitis.

[hspace]

No sinus problems until I moved to Thailand, and in particular Nakhon Phanom. Lot of burning coming from Lao, but I don't think that is the problem. Finally a doctor with a bit of a specialty in the issue told me it was due to having a 'caucasian nose'. So I am on the look out for an 'Asiatic nose' to relieve the problem.

Hahaha. As you've surmised, that is a laughable diagnosis. A large percentage of Southeast Asian-born people have sinus issues. And someone also observed more Thai's seem to be developing sinus issues as well.

[AlexRRR]

Sinus issues can be many and varied if it comes down to dirty and still air then living near the ocean is the way to go, I've been diagnosed with rinitus, can't be cured, for me stale, dirty and pulled air and that can be pollen as well will cause me too go off...

Ive learned to take vitamin B/C and multi vitamins help too, i ran a job 400 meters from the sea for a year and while l was living there i didn't have a problem, again second last trip to Thailand while at Ko Saumai my hotel was 50 meters from the sea...no problem but once i got to Chiang Mai i felt ill almost every day, less in BKK and last few days in Hua Hin again no issues.

[ableguy]

I have bad sinus problems in Bangkok...even after having radio frequency turbinate reduction done twice...also have asthma here which I do not have in the USA. I wear a carbon mask on street (available from Wassons) but the best thing I have done is to regularly use a Netipot several times a day, flushing out sinuses through the nose with salt/water mix.

Can you give more info on this.?

[ableguy]

Tons of TV members have newly developed sinus and other respiratory problems, or had pre-existing ones worsened, as a result of air polllution here.

Of the locations you mention I would only suggest considering Hua Hin/Cha Am. Bangkok or CM are going to be bad, and that certainly includes BangNa which has terrible traffic congestion.

I get sinus problems in Bangkok during the dry season, and also up at home in Buriram same time of year, probably due to air-born dust. But the problem disappears when I'm in my condo in Pattaya. I strongly believe that its because of the sea breeze. I use Beconase for it, plus good old Poy-Sian. When really bad I have to use Clarentyne. I have noticed a lot more Thais than usual are getting sinus issues.

I got sinus problems when I moved to Thailand , lived in Hua Hin four years no change, now live in Korat, gives me the most problems when I eat no difference farang food or Thai Chillie loaded, any advice appreciated.

[AlexRRR]

I have bad sinus problems in Bangkok...even after having radio frequency turbinate reduction done twice...also have asthma here which I do not have in the USA. I wear a carbon mask on street (available from Wassons) but the best thing I have done is to regularly use a Netipot several times a day, flushing out sinuses through the nose with salt/water mix.

Can you give more info on this.?

You can buy a nasal flush from local drug stores you will want the one that you pour a saline powder into a bottle fill with warm water and place up your nostril and squeeze pushing the solution through your sinuses and out through the other nostril, then repeat flushing the other nostril.

Don't bother with the simple ones that just do a mild flush like ...there helpful but really don't do the job well...

If you have a nasal allergy increasing vitamin B complex to boost immune system helps, Nasilex, can buy but your best to see a doctor first as last time i bought one there it was close to 1000B since there dropped to half price in AU due them not being a prescription only can buy over the counter now, Nasilex, one squirt up each nostril each day but takes around 2 weeks to kick in, won't stop you getting ill but will help a lot,

[inbangkok]

I have bad sinus problems in Bangkok...even after having radio frequency turbinate reduction done twice...also have asthma here which I do not have in the USA. I wear a carbon mask on street (available from Wassons) but the best thing I have done is to regularly use a Netipot several times a day, flushing out sinuses through the nose with salt/water mix.

Can you give more info on this.?

You can buy a nasal flush from local drug stores you will want the one that you pour a saline powder into a bottle fill with warm water and place up your nostril and squeeze pushing the solution through your sinuses and out through the other nostril, then repeat flushing the other nostril.

Don't bother with the simple ones that just do a mild flush like ...there helpful but really don't do the job well...

If you have a nasal allergy increasing vitamin B complex to boost immune system helps, Nasilex, can buy but your best to see a doctor first as last time i bought one there it was close to 1000B since there dropped to half price in AU due them not being a prescription only can buy over the counter now, Nasilex, one squirt up each nostril each day but takes around 2 weeks to kick in, won't stop you getting ill but will help a lot,

Yes, these are good but you must use distilled water or boil the water (or buy sterile water mixed with saline). Using tap water to irrigate your sinuses is very dangerous and can cause meningitis in the brain.

[AlexRRR]

I have bad sinus problems in Bangkok...even after having radio frequency turbinate reduction done twice...also have asthma here which I do not have in the USA. I wear a carbon mask on street (available from Wassons) but the best thing I have done is to regularly use a Netipot several times a day, flushing out sinuses through the nose with salt/water mix.

Can you give more info on this.?

You can buy a nasal flush from local drug stores you will want the one that you pour a saline powder into a bottle fill with warm water and place up your nostril and squeeze pushing the solution through your sinuses and out through the other nostril, then repeat flushing the other nostril.

Don't bother with the simple ones that just do a mild flush like ...there helpful but really don't do the job well...

If you have a nasal allergy increasing vitamin B complex to boost immune system helps, Nasilex, can buy but your best to see a doctor first as last time i bought one there it was close to 1000B since there dropped to half price in AU due them not being a prescription only can buy over the counter now, Nasilex, one squirt up each nostril each day but takes around 2 weeks to kick in, won't stop you getting ill but will help a lot,

Yes, these are good but you must use distilled water or boil the water (or buy sterile water mixed with saline). Using tap water to irrigate your sinuses is very dangerous and can cause meningitis in the brain.

They say to use what you say i never bothered but I've since moved on its taken about 3 or 4 years to over come this problem and it did get to chronic after slowly building for about 6 years previous to the diagnosis, I've learned my triggers i have a range of options including Nasilex, nothing stops it better than living seaside for me and thats where I'm headed.

Your body will tell you what you need....all my life I've eaten an orange almost every day but not long after the allergy became an issue....and i wasn't aware of it till much later i began wanting to eat bananas, I've always liked them just didn't eat them much, when i eventually started to pay attention to my problem i realised bananas are a very good source of vitamin B, that the body can't store but needs to help with the immune system, taking a B complex every day and lately added a multivitamin...there has been a notable change, i do use Nasilex every day as well, but here in Melbourne no matter what i suffer from the start of spring until mid summer about 4 months, i work in construction, can get very dusty, before going to work and even on weekends if its a windy day i put vaseline up both nostrils to trap dust particles. These days i can go long periods without it affecting me its all about learning what triggers it and learning how to manage it.

Paint, floor polish, furniture polish, carpets vapours plus stale air are just some of the things that can send you off, i built my house 8 ys ago and the carpet i can still smell, these days i leave windows open so there is a steady change of air.

[fvw53]

I live in Thailand since 1986 and during about 20 years I suffered from regular sinus infections (mostly with bleeding requiring to take antibiotics ) and about 10 years ago I finally learned that I had developed an allergy for the nose drops/spray that I used all the time (I had a kind of a "rebound" that closed my those totally so that I wanted always to use more of the old nose drops/spray).

A "nose ear throat" doctor prescribed me a new generation of nose spray which was expensive but did not provoke the allergic "rebound" : since then my damaged sinus cavities improved gradually and for the last 4 or 5 years I had no more sinus problems

If some TVF members want to know what kind of new generation nose spray initially improved my situation and finally cured my sinus cavities they can contact me.

I am aware that sinus infections can be caused by many things but I wanted to share this with the long term suffering people (but they still should see a doctor and not try all kind of over the counter drugs I used for many years)