Sinus questions

claudine19 · 07-18-2012, 06:02 PM

Recently I developed a slight swelling in one cheekbone, rather near my eye. It doesn't hurt at all; I have no symptoms of congestion, and I've been using my allergy spray regularly. (Strangely, the heat hasn't seem to have affected my allergies).

I did not bang into anything, and none of my dogs accidentally bonked me. I don't have any dental abcesses.

I am going to the doctor on Monday (as curlypearl insists), but am wondering if anyone has ever experienced anything like this. I do use a NeilMed irrigator when I feel blocked, but it doesn't seem to make a difference in the swelling. I also don't believe in taking antibiotics for everything, as they upset my stomach (and this hot weather is sickening enough).

I'd like to hear about it if anyone has ever experienced anything similiar.

TIA

auntcurly · 07-19-2012, 09:08 AM

Yes, do go to the doctor. As a chronic sinus sufferer, you may have an infection. I just had one last month, my first in almost 10 years. I, too, use the Neil/Med irrigation system, but sadly, I had a short spell where I didn't take the time to use it at least once/twice a week and when your nasal passages get dry, you are more susceptible to infection.

I hate antibiotics as well. If they upset your stomach mention this to the doctor. But when you have an sinus infection, shortterm antibiotic therapy is the solution. After you finish the entire regimen of antibiotics, take acidophillus and eat yogurt and your intestinal flora will be back in no time.

But the swelling could mean you have an infection. Have you tried a personal steamer? Vicks makes one. (V1200 Vicks Electric Personal Steam Inhaler ) Also, alternating with hot, then cold compresses on the area, may help.

I also swab a dab of tea tree oil in my nose. But be careful as this can burn so don't insert it deeply into your nose, just a dab at the bottom. I usually follow this with a very warm washcloth placed on my face to create a steam-like effect and inhale deeply. If it burns use a little vaseline at the bottom of your nose.

Here are a few products you might want to keep on hand in addition to the Neil Med if you are a chronic sinus suffer:

Welcome | Boroleum Soothes and Relieves Nasal Irritation, Itching, Redness and Dry Nasal Skin! Better than vaseline for irritation and lightly moisturizing nasal passages. Not as strong a menthol effect as Vicks. It's also multi-purpose and great for babies and kids.

Alkalol Company: A natural, soothing nasal wash, mucus solvent, and cleaner. An amazing product and very versatile. Also, great for minor mouth irritations. It can really thin mucous. And the ingredients are all natural.

Make sure to get their really inexpensive irrigator, designed to work with the product. Although you can use a neti pot, I find the irrigator is better.

How do I care for my nasal irrigation device? It

Mucinex® – Mucinex In. Mucus Out.™ I use Mucinex occasionally to thin mucous. It's way better than decongestants and antihistamines. A doctor recommended it and I've used it with great results. Remember to drink a full glass of water with it and keep hydrated.

Ayr | B.F. Ascher & Company, inc. AYR Sinus Spray, convenient saline solution when in a hurry and AYR Nasa Gel, keeps noses moisturized.

To get your stomach back into shape after a regimen of antibiotics, this product works well. But regular powdered acidophillus is fine, too.

Aloe Vera 80 Stomach Formula by Lily Of The Desert - LV-1022 - at The Vitamin Shoppe

HTH

kdelish · 07-19-2012, 12:32 PM

My niece had one that started out like that then both her eyes were swollen shut we didn't know wAt was rong she had to stay in the hospital for bout a week and have surgery she was so badly infected in her sinus cavity it was going down her throat please go to dr you never know wats going on in there

claudine19 · 07-19-2012, 03:45 PM

OMG!

First, such thoroughness! Thank you very much. I don't see how I can have an infection and feel fine, but I guess it's possible. Also, it's hideously steamy outside, so it seems counterproductive to steam inside, as well. I thought maybe I should be using my air conditioner more, just to dry out the air. Now I'm confused.

Finally, and humorously, the Vicks steamer reminds me of the contraption Miss Adelaide used in "Guys and Dolls" when she sang, "A person could develop a cold."

I'm going to save your post for after my diagnosis. Thank you again --- very much.

As for the hospital, no way! I'm a terrible, non-compliant, get me the hell out of here kind of patient, so there is no way that scenario is happening to me. Seriously --- they'd have to drug the bejesus out of me to keep me there, and no hospital has ever offered me enough morphine or other opiate to shut me up, let alone sedate me.

Thanks, curlies!