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Chronic Sinus Congestion

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November 25th, 2005
Hi,

lately, and probably for a long time without realizing it, I have been experiencing a state of intense sinus congestion. I went to my gp a few months ago about a hearing test. In the cursory exam, she noticed my nasal passages were indeed quite congested for some reason. She gave me a prescription nasal spray. After using it for at least a month, the congestion is actually worse. Initially after the spray it goes away, but then it comes back full force.

Because breathing is slightly more laborious, it causes serious, ongoing headaches and body aches. It is not actually so severe I can't breathe, just noticeably more of an effort. Otherwise I have no cold or flu of any kind. I don't feel any other cold symptoms, I move about, I go to work, etc. I am 33, physically fit and healthy with no other health problems that I am aware of.

I have avoided following up with my gp because frankly I am a bit cynical and don't expect any new ideas or solutions. Most visits to the gp are quite useless: "it could be this, it could be that, eat healthy, take a hot shower, etc." with the exception of perhaps a referral to a specialist.

Anything this could be? How can I work on this for good?

Thanks
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kayakmom
replied November 27th, 2005
Experienced User
Do you have allergies? Ever been tested? Could be something like that...
Have you tried decongestants to see if that helps? I have a lot of allergies, and a lot of sinus problems that go with that plus cysts that keep growing.....


Hoping you can find relief....
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seeeker
replied November 28th, 2005
I don't have any allergies that I am aware of. In fact, I have pretty much avoided allergies altogether in my life so far, while noticing friends and relatives around me being allergic to cats, pollen, etc.

But is it possible for allergies to develop in adultood?

Possibly a decongestant tablet would work better than a spray? Meaning the congestion would be less likely to return?...

Thanks for finally a response!
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kayakmom
replied November 28th, 2005
Experienced User
The pill would not necessarily keep it from coming back if you do not know the cause. Many of my allergies have started as an adult.

I am sorry the doctor is not able to figure this out for you. Some kinds of over the counter nose sprays lead to rebound stuffiness because you become dependant on the spray. I do not think the percriptions do that though......
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seeeker
replied November 30th, 2005
Well in this case the presecription spray has indeed done that. So how can you determine if the ocngestion is casued by an allergy?
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kayakmom
replied November 30th, 2005
Experienced User
Can you try over the counter decongestants? Trying a saline spray can loosen congestion and help without that rebound too. I find that if I am really congested and I work to drink more water it helps loosen things up and allows it to be blown more easily and gotten rid of....

Sorry you are having so many problems. Some of my allergies I found by having contact with things and reacting (ie, cant walk by a perfume counter without itchy eyes and asthma getting bad...) one of my allergies I found with testing through an allergist.

Hope you can find relief soon.
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