Tried all the usual treatments.....does anyone have any "magic" remedies. Please!
GP checked me out and beyond the usual treatments just said it will eventually clear....meantime I'm nearly climbing the walls!!
Another "curse" of hypothyroidism
Acute Sinusitis.....grrrr!!: Tried all the usual... - Thyroid UK
Acute Sinusitis.....grrrr!!
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DippyDame
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I too have suffered badly from this until someone recommended NeilMed sinus rinse available from chemist or online.
My fiance has the same problem, thinking the same asThyroid 17...cut out dairy
Please be proactive and do all you can to clear this up.
Only saying this as a very close family member had sinus issues that refused to clear. She ended up with her whole face swelling terribly and was admitted to hospital and given huge doses of IV antibiotics.
It's not something I'd like anyone else to go through.
You have probably done this? What about head over a steaming hot basin. Add any oils that remind you of Vick that you have handy - or even Vick.
Once you have a sinus infection it’s too late to use a neti pot.
Went a bit further....put my head over a pan of boiling water on the cooker!!
Yes Vick too
But...Clarityn antihistamine is now helping a bit
Wondering if I have reacted to some of the drops used during laser eye surgery last week
Thank you for replying
I bought a cheap facial sauna from Argos and that works well, no Vick in it - my eyes don’t like that sort of thing. I had a college friend who was steaming her face over a pan of extremely hot water, someone came up behind her and accidentally nudged her, her nose touched the water and she ended up with a nasty burn on it.
I also find dry eye drops help - no idea why but they do. I’ve used the NeilMed sinus rinse in the past too - I noticed the Lloyds Pharmacy in my local hospital had lots on the shelf so I imagine they are widely prescribed.
So facial sauna, eye drops, have in the past used the Neil Med, I’ve also got a spray can of salt water (Sterimar) that I bought from a chemist and that’s ok, I’ve tried antihistamine as well and as a last resort I’ve had antibiotics either from the doctor or from the dentist.
My former GP used to say it must be my teeth which was rubbish - my dentist and I know it’s my sinuses. So antibiotics for my last resort.
Some good suggestions Fruitandnutcase which I will try and thanks for mentioning teeth. I am tortured with this pain in upper back teeth on one side which I know is sinus related. An x ray years ago showed my sinuses were very narrow. I also suffer with post nasal drip which feels constant and horrid and persistent ear problems. ENT problems seem common with hypothyroidism.
I’ve literally just got over a nasty bout of sinusitis with exactly those symptoms.my back teeth on left side … awful pain usual headaches and yes I have nasal drip..you have my sympathy.. what with Hypothyroidism and fybro 😢♥️
You will have been given anti inflammatory drops (steroids) and antibiotics possibly. They might be the trigger
To decrease the amount entering your nose and throat press your forefinger against the inside of your eye (next to your nose). This stops it draining down into the mouth and beyond.
I find peppermint essential oil in nearly boiling water to inhale is helpful. Bit of a shock first few seconds but worth it!
I was recommended NeilMed by a top consultant, the basic kit is cheap and easy to use. I also use it if I have a heavy cold or COVID, there has since been studies showing it is effective.
If it doesn't clear up your GP should prescribe an antibiotic (if they haven't done so).
I've also been trying Sterimar Sea Water Spray...similar to NeilMed
It's reaching the stage of using amoxycillin....was hoping to avoid that.
Tried Clarityn antihistimine....most effective so far but blocking up again after about 4 hours
Thanks Jim
I've found NeilMed better than Sterimar but Sterimar is easier if you are away for a few days or on the move.I was prescribed a different antibiotic, can't remember the name, my impression is amoxicillin isn't the best one for sinusitis.
Thanks Jim
Yes Sterimar makes it easier!
Will need to look at antibiotics I think
I've a feeling this flare up was kicked off by an/some ingredient/s in the various eye drops used during YAG laser eye treatment last Thursday.
It's been flooring me on top of everything else
Onwards I guess!!
snort hot cayenne pepper just a bit, it clears my sinuses makes you sneeze, Sam Biser has a book called curing with cayenne pepper it’s very interesting. Not all cayenne pepper is equal, so the hottest you can find. It’s great for lots of ailments.
Also keep off gluten and cows dairy these are inflammatory. This cleared my sinusitis.
dear Dippy Dame - sounds very mundane but when I got sinusitis always took Sinutab tablets available in any chemist! It always relieved my discomfort!!!
I took Clarityn at lunchtime...did ease a bit but flaring up again. Can only take one in 24 hrs
Will look at Sinutab tomorrow
Thank you
Try Halls extra strong sweets, you can take as many as you like. It may help you when you can’t take Clarityn 🙂
When I kept getting sinusitis recurring the GP threw these x3 things at it and said if not resolved would be ent referral but one of them worked maybe the steroid or antihistamine (which was mega strong and made me very drowsy and nauseous) x
X
Flixonase is no longer manufactured so we are now prescribed a generic Fluticasone Propionate made by Aspire Pharma. The nasules are much smaller and more awkward to handle but, essentially it does do the same job. I use the Neil Med rinse twice a day and the fluticasone once a day for nasal polyps… they tend to work fairly well although I have just had to have a course of Prednisolone to kick them back into submission.
I was put on the same by my go years ago. My herbalist (who is actually a qualified gp) said I needed to get off them as the fexofenadine especially is not good for long term use. I have done that and now when I’m in need I take a piriton (used to take this as a child) and it does help a little.
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Old remedy you have probably tried - rosemary branch or hyssop in that steam, or in the bottom of your shower.
Himalayan salt pipe up each nostril and close the other nostril, breathe in through the salt pipe and the exhale down the recently closed but now open nostril, swap and repeat- that is incredible and was recommended by a kind member here when I had covid last year, seems to work for all my head plumbing related symptoms. We got ceramic salt pipes from Amazon for about £14 and had one each. Salt came included and enough to last for years.
Hope you feel better soon 🤗
Yes been there....but not the rosemary or hyssop in the shower. Lots in the herb bed so will try.
This flare has been horrendous.....been searching for most of the day for things to try!!
Saw GP twice....the words chocolate and teapot come to mind!!
Found a video on Youtube, the doc uses a pressure point on the wrist....( I'm a fan of pressure points!)...and it's getting easier.
I'll need to find the link and try to post it for anyone interested
Maybe I can sleep now!
Thank you for replying
I’ve suffered from sinusitis regularly and it’s so painful so I fully appreciate your distress. The only routine that has worked for me is as soon as I feel the symptoms I blow my nose regularly (basic I know but no sniffing for long periods is essential as getting bunged up makes it so much worse). Also, regular steaming - just literally head over bowl of steaming water with towel wrapped around so no steam escapes several times a day. The relief for me is almost immediate. I also sleep with my bed raised up, so all mucus drains away. Not sure any of this is a magic cure but it’s worked for me xx
Hi DippyDame
I used to have a problem with chronic sinusitis which drove my GP up the wall as she had no idea what to do with me! By chance I went and booked myself in for either a head massage or a facial - I can’t remember which - but they massaged my face all round my forehead, cheekbones and nose, and afterwards everything started to move and clear a little. Lots of clicking and post nasal drip. This carried on for a few days afterwards so think things just needed a helping hand getting moving. Us hypos can have problems moving the cilia (little hair cells) in our sinuses which are supposed to “waft” and clear the mucus. Without going into too much detail (!) it was always clear/white for me so I don’t think I had an infection. Anyway, something to consider. Plus a little pampering is always nice! ☺️.
I also used to try the hot water with vicks in and found that quite helpful, even if a little painful at times!
Yes, I think my GP doesn't appreciate how miserable this is....gave me sleeping pills which I haven't used,.
Thank you!
After having Covid recently I couldn't get rid of the blocked sinuses, causing headaches etc. What worked for me was putting 2 drops of Olbus oil in boiling water in a bowl and putting a towel over your head and inhaling it through your nose. The olbus oil is strong. I could feel it unblocking my sinuses almost immediately. Obviously caution has to be taken as you are working with boiling water but this method works for me ever time. You can also buy an Olbus oil nose spray in the UK, which I found helped but not as much as the hot water treatment.
Not just hypothyroidism - it’s a known problem for anyone who suffers from allergic rhinitis or asthma. My latest bout came on the back of going down with covid a few weeks ago.
I find Neil Med sinus rinse (which I note has been mentioned above) can relieve it. I used to use Karvol capsules which worked like a charm until they were discontinued. It’s infuriating when that happens - you find something that works then it disappears.
I steam every day when it malingers. It softens the mucus, so it should release some of the pain. Beclomethasone anti histamine nasal spray 2 sprays per nostril twice a day. I do after steaming. Olbas oil on tissue by bed. Good luck. I didn’t realise it was a hypo thing. I got it when I was 18 first!
BTW, if you do suffer from allergic rhinitis have a word with your GP. Clarityn was not enough for me and earlier this year my GP decided to try me with Fexofenadine. That has been much more successful at keeping things under control. You can’t get it over the counter though. I think it’s prescription only.
Hi all,
Fexofenadine is sold otc as Allevia. I use it and it helps a lot.
Also available online.
Hi. As someone who has been hypothyroid for 20 years I started to suffer from allergic rhinitis (runny nose and watery eyes) about 3 years ago. The ENT specialist said allergic to ‘something’ ! A nurse friend suggested lactose intolerance. Cut out dairy and improved massively. Also found some lactase enzyme tablets from Boots which I take if I think I might be having anything with cows milk in. They don’t take symptoms away completely but do help.
I too am suffering with this problem. Its been several months. My head feels like its going to explode when I cough or bend over. I've been doing most of the above suggestions. Inhaling steam with menthol crystals helps. Picking up antibiotics today, but I hate taking them as I already suffer with gut problems. Add this to all the other hypo symptoms and my life is pretty miserable.I hope you find something that works x
I put a drop of olbas oil on my finger and rub into my forehead. Works a treat. Don't put on cheeks as your eyes will stream! Also put olbs oil in a diffuser so the air is mentholated at night in the bedroom. I hope you get relief soon. I also use acupressure.
Colloidal Silver has helped me - sprayed up my nose. Have had sinus issues for most of my life. Hope you get some relief soooooon...
Thank you Marz.....I've spend since Friday trying all sorts of things from the web!. It is very slowly easing but seems determined to hang on in there!
Right now I'm trying my father's cure all, hot honey and lemon drink
I didn't realise what a thoroughly miserable thing sinusitis can be!
I have this too. A cold I had went bad but I didn’t realise it was thyroid related assumed it was due to menopause drying out things. I’m not too bad and hoping to avoid antibiotics but find saline spray, a humidifier thingy and sinutab are helping a bit. I once had a bad attack and thought I was dying so really sympathise with you. Funnily my sinuses have been better since starting Armour. I can actually usually breathe much better through my nose now.
Good to know....yes, there have been a few times when I thought my lights were going out!
Tried all manner of things....now having a honey and lemon drink
Thenk you!
Has the doctor checked your ears? Even slight inflammation of the ear canal can aggravate the sinuses.
I have had sinus trouble for years my go-to relief is a wooly hat if you don’t have to go out to work keep it it on for 24 hours it warms up your head and sinuses drain naturally it also takes away the pain.
This might sound a bit bizarre but bear with me - I have had chronic rhinitis for years and always bunged up. I also have bruxism and would grind and clench my teeth/jaw without knowing it. I would wake up with excruciating headache and face/sinus pain everyday. Tried teethguards, etc but nothing worked to alleviate the pain. Someone told me to give botox injections a try in my masseter muscle. It has been a game changer for me. I also had injections in my hairline and between the eyebrows. I’m not saying this have cleared my sinus problems but it has certainly helped with the associated pain. I know when it is wearing off as I wake up feeling dreadful again. If I’m feeling a bit more bunged than normal I take a decongestant tablet (without painkiller in) and always have my bottle of smelling salts handy. This isn’t a cure for sinusitis but I can cope with things much more when I’m not in so much pain. Hope you get some relief soon.
Interesting...thank you Lynnie
Have you been to the Dentist yet? I’m not joking 😊. If the sinus problems persist there might be infection in gums or teeth. All the best
I’m so interested in your replies as I’ve had chronic sinus congestion and infections from childhood. I have tried over the years many many things and given up completely on the nhs solving this. I have recently gone dairy and gluten free and I think that I’ve been a little better. I had no idea it was connected to thyroid, so that’s really interesting. I will try the Neil Med rince as recommended in some replies but I’ve tried so many others I don’t hold out much hope and trying everything is so expensive. That said, I’m so interested to see what everyone has experienced and it’s good to get recommendations that have really worked for people. I have been trying lignosis (a mushroom supplement that is meant to help) for about 6 weeks now. I’m not sure if it’s working or not really 🤷♀️. I still have a lot of congestion and headaches. I hope you find your magic cure and I’ll be very interested to know what it is.
i’ve had the same since July tried all the steam, am dairy free anyway nothing like that Works I had to go on antibiotics in the end which finally cleared it up
Doxycycline
God Bless You, My Heart Goes Out To YouI Suffer Terribly with my sinuses too & have had my newest flare up these past few days
I've ordered some Sudofed because in my experience, it seems Doctors like you to try other methods before they give you antibiotics
I'm personally feeling I'm going to need antibiotics though because it seems to be a sinuses /chest infection which for more than the past year I've been getting oftentimes
Really Hope You Heal Soon
I almost got the medication you mentioned was giving you some relief but the ones I viewed were more for Hayfever 🙏
You're in My prayers fellow sufferer & Sincere Soul 💜
You could try mashing a couple of garlic cloves with some fresh ginger and honey and take it by the teaspoon full. my cure for everything viral, cold like etc. Itis not as bad as you imagine. I quite like it.
I think I've tried everything, have suffered really bad on and off over the years. I saw a consultant who said sterimar spray or another sea water nasal spray to be used as first line of defence as soon as symptoms start going forward. However fluticasone nasal spray for 2 - 3 months and antibiotics clarithromycin sorted me out this time. I find when it's so bad, like when my back teeth hurt, my gums hurt, and I'm completely blocked up in so much pain , only antibiotics help. Goodluck!
Thank you Dippy Dame, for opening this doorway to this problem. Thyroid related indeed, very interesting to read so many solutions as we are all individuals these solutions vary & some sound v similar to some hayfever, solutions I’ve tried over the years. But I still wake at night with blocked sinuses….
My solution has been a saline nasal spray, with a magic vitamin grease and drinking hot water. But Yoga breathing helps me a lot also.
Sterimar helps me with clearing . They do several different ones
I use the one with copper and some time the hay fever one that has manganese
I have had allergies my entire life. Whenever I get a sinus infection or a sinus pressure I start by clearing out my nose with a Netty pot. Then I use a spray, 12 antihistamine along with Tylenol. Every 12 hours seems to work very well.
Sounds a bit of a trial.
This os my first experience....and what a horror it's been. I was fighting to breath and thought I was going mad!!
Thank you.
Have you tried Olbas oil. It’s the only thing that works for me. Sprinkle on a tissue and it seems to open up all my airways.
Only the Olbas inhaler stick....discovered by chance that it works better if held in the hand for a while ....that warms the content and increases the clearing effect!
Thank you!
Try the oil. It’s much better. 😆
Will look for it....thank you!
hi DippyDame, I sympathise with you, I have 2 magic remidies to try, Pineapple especially the core it has Bromelain an enzyme with ability to break up excess sinus mucos, I just use tinned in Pineapple juice (cause I'm lazy ) & add a shake of ginger & turmeric to the juice. I discovered this a few years ago when I had a really bad chest infection even after 3 × antibiotics....it just would not shift, I felt So ill, I started craving Pineapple, my husband went to shop & it worked, started clearing all the gunk off my chest. 🤗
Also raw onion is great if you can manage it? Luckily I luv it, our mum used to give us it when we were wee, if we had a cold... on a sandwich with bit lettuce salt & vinigar...Lovely. Hope these help give you some relief. 🤞
Flixonase nasal drops 400mg 1/2 per day Prednisolone (steroids) 5mg 6xtabs per day/7days.
Top two GP or ENT prescription
Sterimar congestion relief spray (sea water) - can buy over the counter in chemist/pharmacy, helps clear the nose out, easier than trying to swill it with a jug tipping your head upside down.
Currently on all three, had really bad chronic sinus flare up over the weekend, the script meds are short term only - a pity work really well for me.
Good luck and take care.
Pure Berberine helps. It is natural, has anti bac, anti viral and anti fungal properties amongst a myriad of other benefits. Berberine is more widely used to naturally lower blood sugar levels and a natural effective treatment for Candida. In regards to sinusitis, it is caused mostly by fungus build up in the sinuses rather than bacterial, although it can be. Whatever the cause, Berberine is a good natural form of treatment, and no, this is not an advert, it's through experience. There has been several studies on the beneficial effects of Berberine on the sinuses and other infections. I too tried dairy free in the hope to help sinus issues, but to no avail, so I tried this. If I was you, I'd try Berberine first before suffering the dairy free route, you may not need to. You can buy it off Amazon, but make sure it is pure, potent and 1000mg . With acute sinusitis, 1000mg 3 x daily should be enough. It's a little pricey, but worth it if it does the job. Good luck!
Hi DippyDame - sorry to hear you're suffering so much with your sinuses (another fellow suffer here). I hope you've managed to get at least some amount of sleep overnight, since you first posted.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned in all the other excellent offerings above is kimchi! I was also desperate in my last bout and in my reading around, I came across the possibility of using the bacterial strains often found in kimchi juice. I held off posting as I was searching for a specific blog, which I couldn't find, but the information in this website is very similar (apparently you dab the kimchi juice below/around your nostrils):
lactobacto.com/sinusitis-tr...
I have to say, I actually managed to shake off the blockages/infection (steaming, hot drinks, lots of sleep) before I tried any kimchi juice treatment - I eat a lot of kimchi anyway, so maybe that helped too.
Just thought I'd mention this, in case it might help someone.
I suffer badly at times with my sinus’ and I use the Neilmed sinus rinse, which I greatly recommend. When I get an attack it’s the only thing that helps. It takes a bit of getting used to but you’ll never look back, I also found a rollerball by social skin on Amazon that has essential oils that I use at night before sleep, I roll it across my cheeks, I do use sinutabs too. Hope this helps.
I am dealing with my headaches and sinusitis by doing an infusion of eucalyptus and inhale the vapours. Also find very helpful chew some peppermint leaves. Is working fine for me.But they are much more rare since I am gluten and dairy free..
I know your feeling even my teeth would hurt.
Hello
I can't really add to the recommendations of others, but I had sinusitis, almost continually for 2 years as a prelude to being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It was grim and you have my sincere sympathy. I tried everything, believe me, some things helped a bit, but nothing fixed it.
The good news is that eventually it petered out and went away. I have not suffered with it for about 6 years now - although I'm still terrified if a cold is going round. There are some residual issues - pain around the sinuses sometimes, and a stuffy feeling nose, and headaches, too.
Try to be pro-active but patient. I think my stress and impatience made things much worse in the long term.
Best wishes
Hi!
You have my sympathy...& hope all these shares help you.
After decades of sinus infections... I now go directly to Azithromycin 500mg tablets... for 7,10,20 days. I also use Zaditor eye drops as mild antihistamine as the allergy meds to decongest made me too tired & also were very drying....,however, very popular for so many.
I never connected with my thyroid issues until now. Taking T3 only... has also helped now that I equate the 2 issues as I no longer have regular headaches...,just occasional sinus infection during flu & allergy seasons....,so perhaps, the headaches were of sinus origin.
Hope you feel better soon & find a manageable protocol forward.
Thank you,... been mostly in bed for over a week.
I can usually battle on but this has floored me.
I've tried all manner of advised treatments
I felt so awful yesterday that I called the surgery (again!) another GP immediately prescribed Doxycycline 500 for 5 days.....so fingers crossed
Huge thanks for your kind reply
Hope you are keeping well
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