Sinusitis link to asthma

[swfc-dan]

Hi, just wondering do many people on here suffer with periodic sinusitis also. I've been ill lately (got a negative PCR Covid result) with a lot of congested airways (initially nose, now feel mucus at back of throat), fatigue and very sore throat. Didn't visit my GP in the end as they wouldn't see me before I had the Covid test, and afterwards I realised it must be sinusitis again.

This is at least the 3-4th time I've had it now, and it always takes some time to clear up. I see from google searches that it is common to suffer worse with this for asthmatics, don't know why I've never been told that by my asthma nurse/GP before though.

It's logical it would but at least it doesn't make my asthma worse, hope it doesn't with others here? I am getting a dry cough coming on now from the sinusitis, but it doesn't cause too much trouble generally.

On the plus side I recently changed from Flutiform to Seretide preventer and it's definately making me less wheezy- my main trigger is fumes (exhausts, cigarette smoke, or even frying/burnt food fumes!) and it really doesn't seem to be causing as bad a response to those now which is a big relief

I'm reading regular nasal sprays usage can help as a preventative measure? Might discuss that with a GP sometime.

[Itswonderful]

Hi. Have you considered a sinus rinse?

[swfc-dan in reply to Itswonderful]

Didn't know much about them but reading now, I think I'll try one thanks! They seem like quite an effective treatment, for nasal congestion anyway- doubt it helps with back of throat mucus?

Curious that it seems like it has to be sterile water (boiled/cooled) that you use, not even a mixture of boiled and cold water out tap. Is there a reason for this? The nose being more susceptible to any impurities?

[Itswonderful in reply to swfc-dan]

I guess the manufacturer doesn’t want to risk us getting any bugs from water that hasn’t been boiled. I boil and leave to cool. No problems. It did help with back of throat hunk for me though I also used breathing exercises to help shift it which help a lot. Also got on top of any reflux by changing what I eat and when I eat also how much. Good luck!

[twinkly29 in reply to Itswonderful]

I agree that it does help anything linked to the sinuses as it reduces gunk in the nose/nasal passages and helps to reduce any going down the back of the nose to the throat. If throat gunk is caused by something else other than sinuses then it won't help that - so as you mentioned, with reflux it would need a different or additional approach.

[Poobah]

I used to have permanently blocked sinuses for years and I was miserable, to say the least. After much research (the medical answer was a steroid nasal spray) I cut out foods & drink that caused inflammation for me (sulphites, nitrates, omega 6, aspirin related meds, aerosol inhalers) and that made enough of a difference to start learning how to breath through my nose and do daily breathing exercises. I still have to practice as my default is to mouth breath. Practising nose breathing helped enormously. The less we breath through the nose, the more likely we are to have lung inflammation and sinus problems - a bit of a vicious cycle.

At the first sign of a cold, I usually get a sore throat first, I start gargling several times a day with Listerine, take high dose VitC & Zinc supplements, drink more fluids and start Beconase if my sinuses start to feel stuffy.

I would say it's about 20 years since I had chronic nasal issues, but I'm always prepared with my emergency treatment, just in case. I never want to go back to that misery. I hope you find a resolution for your sinuses soon.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Poobah]

Sinus rinse is great and helps, I mix up a pinch of baking soda and salt in a mug of boiled water. If you feel uncomfortable and it’s an uncomfortable sensation in your nose try to add more boiled water and use water at room temperature. I use this bottle: lloydspharmacy.com/products.... Ask the pharmacist for Neilmed adult rinse bottle.Don’t use the starter pack as it is more expenses with the sachets, instead you can prepare more salt and baking soda in a plastic box and keep for whenever you need it. If your nose is stuffy you just add the pinch of mixture into the water. Don’t use it for too long, it can affect your lining inside the nose. Maybe 1 month. You can restart using it after another mknth. But after 1 week your nose is clean and already feel the breath getting better. I also use tablets against allergy.

After I managed to clean my sinus I use continuously allergy tablets. If I have a pain attack to my sinus because of windy and wet weather I place hot salt to my forehead and nose. I warm up in a frying pan sea salt, any kind of salt would make it, and wrap it in a kitchen towel, roll it up 2 times and apply it to the skin, maybe wait a few minutes, otherwise you burn your skin, but the hot salt makes wonders. You feel the relief straight away. Also have you tried the Buteyko breathing exercises ? It really helps. Good luck and stay safe and happy !

[Poobah in reply to Sunflower_2017]

I totally agree about Buteyko breathing exercises!

[Tree20862]

I have allergies and asthma. My asthma is better controlled when my sinuses are healthy. I have had the best experience with Saline rinse and then prescription nasal sprays, one steroid, one for allergies.

I use Saline spray every day because my condition warrants it. The prescription stuff seasonally.

This is my experience. I have had allergies for my whole life... 55 years.