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Blocked nose and now toothache from Sinus infection

Hussainboltzz profile image
14 Replies

Hi all

I suffer from a blocked nose and have done for 4 years now. I feel totally failed by the NHS, they sent me for a CT Scan and didnt seem to know what to do. I told the I wanted a steroid injection because I had a breathing problem in the 90's and had one and the problem went away. Now for almost a week Ive had really bad toothache, I visited my dentist on Wednesday and he gave me Amoxcillin 21 tablets, Ive nearly finsihed them but no difference in my condition. Can any of you suggest any help and what long term solution to my blocked nose ?

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Hussainboltzz
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14 Replies
Poobah profile image
Poobah

Do you know what the results were from your CT scan and did you see an ENT specialist? They need to rule out aspirin sensitivity and /or infection. A certain percentage of asthmatics go on to develop an aspirin sensitivity in adulthood, which can result in chronically blocked nasal cavities. If it's not this or an infection then something else is going on and ENT can identify the problem and address it. Inflammation can be caused by a few things, so time to ask for a referral to ENT.

In the meantime, don't use over the counter decongestants as prolonged use can only exacerbate the condition. The basic treatment is a steroid nasal spray and antibiotics, if an infection is identified. NB that the infection may be secondary and not the cause, hence the need to see a specialist if you've had this condition for 4 years.

It's easy to underestimate the effect poor nasal health can can on one, and the effect on the whole respiratory system can really take its toll. It can also affect your hearing if left untreated.

I had chronic nasal inflammation for years and long term, daily steroid rinses and dietary changes eventually addressed the problem - but I stress that was my own experience. Fellow sufferers I know have had to have surgery. It really boils down to diagnosis in order to pin point the right treatment.

Hussainboltzz profile image
Hussainboltzz in reply to Poobah

Thank you for this reply, interesting you say about hearing because a few years back they gave me hearing aids. Im now convinced my heaing is related to the same problem. The CT scan showed nothing really, but they seem to think I could have a operation for polyps before the pandemic. I seem to have been forgotten about since. Im quite distressed with the toothache now I need to stop it if I can

Poobah profile image
Poobah in reply to Hussainboltzz

If they've definitely identified polyps are the issue, then have a look at the website below, which gives the best and latest information about asthma related aspirin sensitivity. I really turned a corner once I had worked out which foods and drink to avoid - the steroid nasal spray was only half the answer for me. Treatment does differ from country to country, with biologics not yet approved in England, but are in Scotland for this disease.samterssociety.org/

Definitely ask for a follow up via your GP as to what's happening about your op.

Hussainboltzz profile image
Hussainboltzz in reply to Poobah

Thank you for this, I havnt taken Aspirin

Poobah profile image
Poobah in reply to Hussainboltzz

I haven't taken aspirin or any NSAID for 40 years, but I still have aspirin sensitivity and the symptoms of the disease. The full name is Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease. It's a bit misleading as it suggests that just avoiding aspirin is the answer. The Samters Society website gives all the information you need, to start with.

peege profile image
peege

Hi, a severe toothache is often the main reason my sinuses are inflamed and infected. The last time I was under stress at the time and had forgotten the sinus angle. The pain was so severe I couldn't tell which tooth was causing the pain, it was 3 days before I remembered so immediately began my regime of relieving the pressure by pressing acupressure points - it really helps, see youtube. I was taking ibuprofen 4 x daily for the inflammation (I know I shouldn't but needs must sometimes when it'shard to get gp advice). Years ago I had a facial CT scan which showed the 4 big sinus cavities in my face were totally blocked with ancient debris from yukky stuff so solid there was no way it could ever empty, I also had nasal polyps.

Had an op in 2007 & since then been fairly ok with daily use of steroid nasal spray. Consultant also advised saline nasal rinse daily and/or Sterimar (sterile sea water from pharmacist or supermarket) .

You may have already noticed which food or drink trigger inflammation to your sinuses so you can at least avoid those.

These days we have to be proactive in seeking GP support so I urge you to get an appointment ASAP.

Good luck

PS I'd been treated for migraine for several years before the full sinuses were discovered to be causingthe debilitating pain.

Hussainboltzz profile image
Hussainboltzz in reply to peege

Thank you for your reply, I have aDoctors appointment at 9 30 this morning. I saw my dentist last week, he confirmed my teeth & gums are fine. He knew straight away the problem was sinus. I had a steroid injection in the 90's and that stopped the problem. Now when I ask for a steroid injection they say they can't give them ! Nothing has stopped the toothache so far its been a week of pain

peege profile image
peege in reply to Hussainboltzz

Have you tried steroid nasal spray? You can buy it over the counter now.Also do try the acupressure points, it's amazing at releasing a bit of sinus mucus giving a bit of relief. Good luck at GP, at least you've now got the ammunition of dentist report. P

Itswonderful profile image
Itswonderful in reply to Hussainboltzz

Have you tried Neilmed sinus wash? You can get it on aMazon. It may take a while to help as you have infected sinuses but it might be helpful?

Thomas45 profile image
Thomas45

I hope your GP can help you. I've has nasal polyps twice in 40 years and have had them removed twice. The last time, about twenty years ago I was told to there was a total of 50 polyps removed.

Snickers72 profile image
Snickers72

Do you really mean, that you have a blocked eustachian tube? - I suspect, this this is what you mean. What dental issues have you had, since the “blocked nose”, situation began? Tooth issues and dry mouth, can contribute to certain particular bacteria getting behind the ear drum - and possibly causing/contributing to a blocked eustachian tube. Chronic sinus drainage and allergies, can also cause/contribute to a blocked eustachian tube - which can lead to decreased hearing. A stubborn blocked eustachian tube, can be treated with nasal decongestants, steroid nasal spray such as Flonase, increasing your fluid intake, yawning, or using a device where you blow up a balloon with your nose - or surgical procedures releasing trapped fluids from behind the ear drum - or another procedure to open up the closed eustachian tube, or sometimes an office procedure - where they can go up into your sinus, and force the tube open. I am in the US, and not certain if that office procedure is offered in the UK. Always consult your doctor, prior to initiating any of the things I mentioned. Tooth and dry mouth issues can contribute to ear and nasal issues - and vice versa - no doubt about it. ALSO - some medications you may be taking - may be contributing to your eustachian tube and dental issues - so do some real homework on all medications you are taking. If the antibiotic is not clearing up the toothache - a different antibiotic may do the trick - OR Regular Amoxicillin may need to be changed, over to Augmentin - an enhanced version of Amoxicillin - or the dose originally prescribed, was not strong enough. I would ask to be switched over to Augmentin, at a higher dose - prior to being switched to a different antibiotic. Amoxicillin used to be the first go to drug for a tooth ache - but there are others now generally reached for now - rather than Amoxicillin. Augmentin does clear up tooth aches much more quickly than plain Amoxicillin. If antibiotics don’t clear up the tooth ache, another issue is going on - and you need to be seen by your dentist and health care professional. The 2 may need to collaborate with each other - in order to get your situation figured out. I would like to know exactly what your dental problems have been for the past 4 years - I hope that I have helped you - I am a retired Registered Nurse in the US - and have helped others to navigate similar issues. FYI - Steroid nasal sprays to address the blocked eustachian tube issue - can make the sinuses too dry - which can lead to other issues - discuss this with your doctor.

Hussainboltzz profile image
Hussainboltzz in reply to Snickers72

Thank you for your reply. No I don't think it is this. I first stated with a blocked nose around 4 years ago, I tried several nasal rinse stuff and other things nothing made any difference. Around 8 days ago I started with toothache and still have it

Hussainboltzz profile image
Hussainboltzz in reply to Snickers72

I have just re read your reply and appreciate such level of detail. I am not one for taking anything as a rule. I am a fit and otherwise healthy 59 year old who runs and cycles / swims. I take no medicine as a rule. For over 4 years I have suffered with a blocked nose, we bought a Shih Tzu and it seems to be around this time the problem occured, I couldnt possibly blame the dog lol. I have tried various nasal rinses with no effect and had a CT Scan prior to the pandemic, but have been forgotten ever sionce. My dental issue arose just over a week ago and mild pain or sensation of sensative teeth felt at first, I just innitially thought sensadine would deal with it, but it didnt. A day or two later was in distress with tooth ache in abundance to the point I sat outside my dentist doorstep until they saw me. He confirmed mu gums & teeth to be fine but immedietly confirmed it was a nasal issue. The anti biotic you mention was the one prescribed but appears to have done noting. I am taking Ibuprofen which is alleviating the pain You sound like you know my issue, do you know of a permanent cure ?

HowNowWhatNow profile image
HowNowWhatNow

how are you now?

I’m suffering from a similar issue - think I may have a staph infection, at any rate I have nasal passage inflammation and blocked nostrils and ear pain / spots from what seems to be an extremely waxy ear (on the same side as the worst blocked nostril).

If anyone can advise - I’ve been put on muciprocin (sp?) 3 x a day for 10 days - what scans or tests or swabs i need, I’d be very grateful.

Thanks

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