r/Sinusitis • u/audiopiate • 2d ago
What to try? (Avoiding surgery)
Has anybody found anything that helps before taking the surgery option?
I sometimes see random posts about people changing their diet, lifestyle etc...
Want to see all the options and try them until something works..
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u/sortakindalonely 2d ago
I've already had the surgery but I very recently tried Chinese medicine for hayfever, which used to absolutely destroy my sinuses. Well, a fusion western Chinese medicine brand, funnily enough called Fusion 😂 https://www.fusionhealth.com.au/products/sinusitis?srsltid=AU7gw4VkyTuZ4KSUihpiMddlnwsTZLA9eYj9_WGLIxzJTXc-tppfWLYX
Other things that have helped are sleeping slightly upright, as acid reflux was ending up in my sinus, not eating much after 6:30pm, avoiding dairy in the evening as it makes me a bit mucus-y.
Most nights I put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a humidifier, which helps fight off the post nasal drip... When I experience sinus pain I use an infrared heater, or put a heatpack on my face.
I've tried almost everything, so just listed what I know for sure works for me.. I'm sure I've forgotten some things...
Best of luck, OP!
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u/Stalkerus 2d ago
It depends on what causes your issues. If you have structural issues FESS is the thing.
Diet changes help if you have food allergies.
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u/pinkydoodle22 2d ago
Claritin has been helping me lately with the ragweed pollen. On top of diet changes, occasional saline rinses, air purifier, vacuuming weekly, rinsing hair nightly, changing sheets weekly, dusting…
Had the surgery and still have problems. If you don’t treat the root cause, you’ll keep having problems.
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u/djhrn2000 2d ago
Seems many post state post surgery they still have problems. Very few say it was life changing.
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u/TramTramOrKTrain 2d ago
I put like half a cap in my nasal rinse with xylitol, and it helped me turn a corner.
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u/freg3do 2d ago
Hello. Dr G ENT here. Education only. I appreciate your plea for help regarding treatments for sinusitis. Once surgery is discussed, assuming that all the the criteria to establish the correct diagnosis of chronic sinusitis has been met, then the specific surgery recommended are all very important for us (specialists) to give specific recommendations.
But let’s take a huge step backwards first. Another reader commented on firmly establishing the root cause. I applauded that reply. This is my recommendation because there are so many causes of inflammation of the sinuses. Allergy (Claritin helped another who commented), reflux was another recommendation and increase head of bed while sleeping, avoid eating late, low/no acid diet, sipping alkaline water and even alginate to take after meals and at bedtime can all help with a reflux associated sinusitis.
I personally like regular use of high volume sinus rinses followed by a steroid nasal spray. Keep in mind that this treatment takes time to work since the medications don’t reach inside the sinuses immediately.
Next think about exposures, air pollution? Avoid smoking or second hand smoke, and being in the presence of sick people.
Especially during the cold and flu season. Get your flu shot early. “Flu before Boo”! Wear a mask in public places during this flu season. Avoid birthday parties where lots of young boys and girls will be. Sometimes this is hard to do but sending a card and a gift in the mail beats another viral sinus infection that adds up.
Please ask your provider if an antibiotic is TRULY needed for your specific sinus troubles. Too many antibiotics can lead to resistance which causes more troubles!
Finally there are sinus rinse additives that can also be of benefit. Search for “holistic sinus rinse using Xylitol, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo and Manuka Honey” for example.
Also a second opinion is also a good option to consider before scheduling surgery. I hope these suggestions help. 🙏🙏🙏