Emails From Sinus Sufferers
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I was recently contacted by a couple of ladies who have severe sinus problems. They were looking for advice, but I am not a physician and am not qualified to give medical advice. I am sort of an “expert patient”, however, and I tried to send them in the right directions. We’re posting the emails of Emily and Mary and my responses on the web site in the event that there are others out there like who might be in a similar situation and need help. Thanks to both of them for their emails, and I hope the advice was helpful.
Emily’s Email- |
that every couple of days, I get these big white chunks of...stuff that come up from my throat where the mucus has sat there. I cannot cough it up either. I have tried everything, and I mean everything to at least slow down the post-nasal drip. I haven't had surgery, but I was considering it. I went to a specialist who said I have a deviated septum and that surgery was the only way to correct it. But I am looking for any and every bit of advice before I go through with a painful surgery like that, considering I stay at home with my 2 little ones. Have you any advice for me and this horrible post-nasal drip I'm having? I am tired of taking medicines and antibiotics because once I stop taking them, the stuff comes right back. It also causes me pretty bad ear pain too. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am suffering! :)
Sincerely,
Emily”
Walt’s Response-
“Emily,
I think the best thing I could do is refer you to two books:
1. Sinus Relief Now by Dr. Jordan Josephson
2. The Sinus Cure 7 Simple Steps by Dr. Murray Grossan.
You can find them both on Amazon. I wrote book reviews on both to get you started.
http://www.postnasaldrip.net/sinus-relief-now-1.htm.
http://www.postnasaldrip.net/bookrev1.htm.
Have you tried Dr. Grossan's nasal irrigator (affiliate link)? That is the single best thing I could recommend. Both the books will speak about this as well. I don't recommend a neti pot or a nasal wash bottle. Neither worked for me, but I still use the Grossan irrigator every day and have for 6 years.
Also, read about Dr. J's surgery technique- it is called FESS- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. He uses an endoscope and does not require nasal packing. Also, be sure your surgeon, no matter who, does not cut out your turbinate tissue. If he/she does, it could lead to ENS- Empty Nose Syndrome- which is horrible. You can find articles on surguries and ENS on our web site in the article directory.
Good luck and hope this helps.
Walt Ballenberger”
Mary’s Email-
“I'm sitting here reading your blog while suffering with my second sinus infection in two months, and second round of anti-biotics. It has been encouraging to read some of the success stories your subscribers have had, and I plan to look into the irrigation system and the books you recommend. I too, have suffered with sinus/allergy problems for years. I have had sinus surgery to remove polyps and was recently told by my long time allergist that I have another "massive polyp" growing and should have surgery again...I really don't know if I can go through that a second time! I am very interested in the Mayo clinics work as I am allergic to mold and live in a very humid climate that is conducive to mold growth. I also suffer from colitis which is linked to an over reaction of the immune system.
Anyway, my question is, do you think an ENT doctor is better suited to help sinus sufferers than an allergist? Also, what is the best way to find a Doctor who specializes in Sinus problems in a specific city? I currently live in Houston, TX. which has a large medical community, but I don't know if it has any kind of Nasal/Sinus center. Any suggestion's would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time,
Mary”
Walt’s Response-
“Mary,
If memory serves, I'm pretty sure there is a colleague of Dr. David Sherris from the Mayo Clinic who is trained in the anti-fungal therapy and who lives in Houston. I don't recall his name, but here is what I suggest. Pls call Dr. Sherris' office next week- he is in Buffalo, NY (716-887-6101). Tell the receptionist you live in Houston and you understand there is an ENT there who was trained by Dr. Sherris. They are very nice, and I'm sure they will help you out.
As for ENT's vs. allergists, I really can't say. I have always seen ENT's, and my allergies are not major.
If you have to have polyps removed (they say it is not unusual for them to grow back), there are surgical procedures out there that can accomplish this without nose packing, which is really the worst part. Dr. Jordan Josephson describes what he calls FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) in his book. With endoscopy the surgeon has an excellent view of what is going on. I definitely suggest you read the book. Also, make sure that whoever does the surgery does not cut out major sections of your turbinates. If this happens you could come down with ENS (Empty Nose Syndrome) which is awful.
Good luck. Sorry you are having sinus infections. You really should try the Grossan irrigator.
Walt Ballenberger