ijk@houxt.UUCP (I.KINAL) (03/21/84)
As a long-time sinus sufferer myself, I thought I would offer my experiences. I've undergone two operations - the first corrected a slightly deviated septum, enlarged the openings for improved drainage, and removed some polyps (non-cancerous growths). In the second, they went up between my gums and lip and scrapped out infected tissue. It's hard for me to recommend either for/against surgery for anyone. These operations did help somewhat, the pain afterwards wasn't too bad, but surgery should always be approached carefully (Statistically, a small number of people DIE even from the most simple operations. And lately, there have been news articles about doctors with faked credentials, etc. It makes you wonder.) Also, I have yet to undergo the final step, where they cut openings in the roof of your mouth and allow the sinuses to drain more freely (I doubt I ever will). Even after these two operations I still have considerable problems, although lately things seem to have gotten better. I recommend that all the alternatives be tried before surgery is considered. Here's what I found to be useful over the years. 1. BECONASE - a prescription spray with hydro-cortisone. Not like conventional decongestants, but it does seem to help. In general, avoid normal sprays; if impossible to go cold-turkey, then taperr off by using children's/infant's strength sprays. 2. VITAMIN C - mixed results. Best seems if you take your doses spaced over the day, or in timed-release form. I take 1000-2000 mgrams a day (of course, that's quite a lot. Some studies have claimed possible kidney stones, and even impairment with blood cell production. I would gradually increase the dosage - in you get diarrhea, you're taking too much. Also, once you increase, you supposedly develop a greater need, and must taper off if you decide to decrease your intake. 3. STEAM INHALATION - various cosmetic/ health places sell these things, usually as facial saunas. When things get bad, the steam usually helps, especially with some medicated inhalants. When my sinuses act up, a half-hour really helps (usually while watching the evening news). The heat may also weaken the germs in your respiratory tract. 4. HEATED SINUS MASKS - when things get really bad, I sleep with one. It helps to improve the drainage, and allows me to get to sleep. May also have preventative value, if you can put up with it every night, and your mate doesn't object to sleeping with 'the creature from....' These are obtainable from surgical supply drugstores and some mail - order firms. (I use a portable ground-fault interrupter for added protection against electrical malfunctions). 5. RADIANT ELECTRIC HEATERS - when things get really rough, I alternate with item 3. The heat really loosens up the junk. Use as much as you can stand, and goggles to prevent cooking the eyes. 6. HATS - if the temperature is below 60, I've noticed a hat is essential, or at least a head band. Below 40, a heavier hat is used. Below about 20, I even use a face mask to cover my lower sinuses. You may look silly, but it's a small price t pay!!! 7. GLASSES - depending upon the type used, I found that glasses tended to radiate the heat away from my face, and increase the effects of the cold. Switching frames to ones with minimum contact on my face seemed to have helped. 8. EXERCISING - when I jogged 5 miles a day, or regularly played racketball I was much healthier overall and my sinus problems were less severe. Unfortunately, I've been deliquent, but I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. Make sure you keep the head warm, and you can jog in all but the worst weather. 9. VAPORUB/ MENTHOLATUM: Before I shower or exercise, I put a little on my nose. It helps the steam loosen things up and keeps the sinuses clear. That's it for now. I hope this helps my fellow suffers!!!!!! Ihor Kinal houxt!ijk
pcl@hlexa.UUCP (Paul C. Lustgarten) (03/23/84)
Luckily, my sinus problems are not anywhere near the level of requiring surgery. However, I do have persistent low-level problems, and thought I would mention one practice that I've found to be quite helpful. That is, I keep my *eyes* well lubricated with artificial tears (not to be confused with products like Visine). The frequency of application varies, depending on things like the humidity, how much sleep I've been getting, how much my allergies are being bothered, etc., but it seems to range from several drops per hour to several drops per day (in each eye). In any case, what I've discovered is that this additional lubrication has a significant effect on how much my sinuses are congested. It took me a while to learn just when they were needed, but I am now aware of a distinct feeling indicating the need for another application. On those occasions when I for some reason disregard that feeling (e.g. when I've left the tear bottle at home, or don't want to apply them in the middle of a meeting), I've observed a very reliable, immediate (10-30 minutes) effect of congestion, sneezing, etc. (If I persist in not applying any artificial tears, this soon settles down into the 'generally congested but not aware of anything really wrong' state that I used to think was normal.) I've described this to my allergist, but got little response (although he did write a letter for the insurance company saying that I used artificial tears as part of the treatment for my allergies). Has anyone else ever observed this? Is it possible that it is an acquired dependency, as happens with asthma sprays? There are several brands of artificial tears, and they are sold over the counter. Be advised that I have found a very significant difference in effectiveness among the different brands - the one I use is called "Tears Naturale", and is manufactured by Alcon. The reason I began using them was for the relief of dry eyes (after I had already given up my contact lenses); this is also their purpose according to the manufacturers' literature. Note: wearers of *soft* contact lenses may want to check with their specialist before using any type of eye drops. Paul Lustgarten AT&T Bell Laboratories, Short Hills, NJ ihnp4!hlexa!pcl