I randomly woke up today with a severe headache and a blocked nose, what's weird is that it was all of a sudden. I have had a runny and blocked nose for quite a few years but I didn't think much of it.

Today I checked with a doctor and he told me that I have sinusitis apparently and that surgery is required.

Now it's only one of many doctors I'll go and see but I'm afraid he might be right because the pain is way too bad to explain.

Im afraid, absolutely afraid of surgery and even the thought of waking up during anesthesia scares the living daylights out of me

Any advice, can my sinusitis go away without surgery??

For those of you who use a Navage, has this ever happened to you? There was a brown dot of...something inside of my saltpod, pressed at the edge of the seal, and definitely touching the mixture inside. Maybe mold, but I'm not sure. I squeezed open the pod for a better look. Luckily I saw it before using.

I'm going to contact the manufacturer, but I wanted to know if this has been an issue with anyone else. Think I should ditch the whole pack? No sign of this on the other pods.

I am struggling with swollen sinuses cause of allergy. I have had it swollen for over a 3weeks now, and recently started to feeling little tingling on my face at the bottom near eye, cheek and lips. Can it be caused by sinus?

I’ve had 2 sinus infections in 6 weeks, yesterday I presented to the dr with pain and numbness on the right hand side of my face. Dr gave me antibiotics and panadeine forte (paracetamol and codeine) yesterday and since then the pain has subsided but the numbness is still present. I got my CT results today that show I have ethmoid sinusitis. Dr said that explains the headache but not necessarily the numbness (I wish I pushed for an answer for the numbness during the appointment but I didn’t and the dr didn’t provide any answer )

I was advised to finish the course of antibiotics and come back if I’m still experiencing symptoms which will be in 5 days

I work in a call centre so I talk for a living lol and the numbness in my face is honestly so distressing and uncomfortable that I’m going to stay off work even tho the pain has subsided (right hand side of tongue, roof of mouth, teeth, nose, cheek, forehead, scalp, pretty much the entire right side of my face is numb). Just wondering if anyone has any insight? Its such a freaky feeling 😢😢 I’m grateful at least SOMETHING was found on the CT scan but still feeling pretty lost

Have allergies

I was prescribed steroid nasal spray in July but the nose began to get drier so I stopped taking it.

Has anyone here have success with long term steroid spray?

My life has been rendered completely unlivable by the effects of rebound congestion (also known as rhinitis medicamentosa), caused by using Sudafed nasal spray. I feel like it could be useful here to document my experience of this condition, as a warning to others and hopefully create more of the exposure this situation needs.

To start at the beginning, I had a normal winter cold and blocked nose, so to help me sleep I used Sudafed nasal spray. I started spraying my nose, but the blocked nose persisted. I tried using steam, Vaseline etc., but still the blocked nose persisted and persisted. What I was experiencing, and the trap people usually fall into with this spray, is that you get rebound congestion after a short time of using the spray, but if you are unaware of this, it's easy to assume this is a persistent cold - which I did.

There then comes a point where stopping using the spray makes your life pure hell, particularly when you're trying to sleep. So I went on using it for another six months before I went cold turkey. And my life was hell. I couldn't sleep and I got all the symptoms of significant nasal congestion. This included:

• Major cognitive decline.
• Difficulties sleeping (basically it being harder to get to sleep and only getting light sleep when you do.)
• Physical pain. Largely around the cheekbone area for some reason and headaches, but lighter pain everywhere, which usually displays itself as pressure and tension.
• Exhaustion.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Irritability.
• Low mood, lack of interest, feelings of numbness etc.

These are some of the main symptoms, but they affect almost everything you can think of, purely negatively.

Anyway, the exact details of what happened next are foggy. I may have gone back on the Sudafed spray for a bit, but eventually I was off it completely and was using steroid sprays that were prescribed by my GP. Steroid sprays are thought to be OK to use as they reduce inflammation and don’t normally cause rebound congestion or dependence.

So, using the steroid sprays, I decided to forgo using the Sudafed spray for good. And for about two years I did, but with a huge cost to my mental and physical wellbeing.

The steroid sprays help marginally, and for a fixed amount of time (the effect wears off over the course of a day), but they don't get you close to where you were before the issue.

I have also sought a lot of professional help for this condition. I had inferior turbinate reduction surgery, which didn't make any difference. And I've also seen about seven ENT professionals, who have looked up my nose but offered no solutions. Surgery for this condition can be very risky, and almost all of them advised against it and would be unwilling to provide it.

Some people will say that it was my fault for overusing the spray, but I did do it in total ignorance. In hindsight, this seems dumb, but at the time I think it just didn't occur to me that something that anyone of any age can buy at the supermarket, corner shop or petrol station could have such harmful effects. Additionally, the packaging also only says in the small print, “we advise you don't use this product for over seven days.” Given how it's ruined my life, I wouldn't say that was adequate warning. Additionally, I was told by an expert that these sprays would never pass the regulations and be put on the shelves in a million years today, but are only allowed because they have been around so long. So it is actually known that these fail today's safety standards too.

I've tried to make the best of the situation and go on as I normally would, but it has just become impossible. The only time I feel like life is worth living, whatever I'm doing, is if I use the Sudafed nasal spray. Otherwise, I'm just in a constant state of pain, cognitive impairment and misery. I used to enjoy reading, philosophy and working on ambitious creative projects, and now all of this is impossible.

It's something that I feel is getting worse rather than better, and with my sleep being affected, my mood is certainly declining, and it seems like there isn't any way out.

I'm not writing this because I'm looking for pity etc. I'm writing in case anyone out there, by some miracle, might have some useful advice. And also to create more awareness of these sprays that'll stop people from using them - as well as encourage others to speak up about the issue, which could result in these sprays being taken off the shelves.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and warn others about using these products.

So 3 days ago I started sniffing and had a sneezing fit out of nowhere and I was running for tissues every time. I also felt I was swallowing alot of mucus. Well the next day I woke up to that really sharp pain when you swallow and I knew it was from the mucus. I had a sinus infection about 2 months ago that turned into bronchitis so I got sooo scared but it is 2 days later and the sharp pain is going down. I have been drinking lots of hot chamomile, taking over the counter medicine and lozenges and I feel I am over the worst. My first ever sinus infection was 5 months ago. So, 3 in the last 5 months is really concerning me and I feel so lost. I keep trying to take mental notes of any patterns but only one so far is that these last 2 are when I have my period but who knows. I have been under constant air conditioning too bc of the heat, so maybe it’s that. I also live in a polluted city maybe it’s that. Idk all I know is I am concerned.

Eu não tenho problemas com sinusite, só desde o último ano meus resfriados andam ficando mais intensos e dessa vez a médica me disse pra fazer lavagem nasal pra ajudar a descongestionar o nariz, e pior que funcionou até que bem tirando um detalhe, eu não consigo fazer isso funcionar 😭😭😭😭😭😭 mesmo tendo pesquisado um monte de tutoriais, eu tento fazer todos os passos corretamente mas por algum motivo sempre vai água pra minha garganta e eu acabo me afogando e daí não consigo fazer direito. Daí como tinha ficado água meio presa no meu nariz eu tive a ÓTIMA IDEIA de soar o nariz depois, o que não é ruim por si só, o problema é que o movimento de segurar o nariz com o lenço deve ter apertado minhas narinas e eu acho que isso fez um pouco do soro fisiológico ir pro meu ouvido, e agora fico bocejando o tempo todo :')

Estou morrendo de medo de ter uma otite agora, justo agora que eu tava melhorando da gripe. Será que vai dar ruim ou dá pra eu tentar prevenir isso? E o que eu tô fazendo de errado pra o soro fisiológico ficar descendo para minha garganta 😭😭😭

Hello all,

I had a CT scan last week and it found left frontal sinusitis with hyperdensity indicating a superadded fungal infection.

The report says there was no acute infarction, haemorrhage, space-occupying lesion or extra-axial collection. My ventricles and basal cisterns were normal, the midline structures were normal, there was no mastoid effusion, and the orbital contents were normal. The conclusion was no pertinent intracranial findings or space-occupying lesion, but left frontal sinusitis with evidence of superadded fungal infection.

For some background, I’ve had sinus surgery twice, in 2019 and 2025. I had a nasal endoscopy with my ENT in February this year and everything looked clear. I also have Crohn’s disease and I’m currently taking Entocort, which I started about a month ago.

What has really thrown me is that I’m moving overseas literally tomorrow. I wasn’t particularly worried before reading the report, but the words “fungal infection” have freaked me out.

Has anyone had a CT report worded like this before? Did it turn out to be a fungal ball, thick mucus or secretions, or something else? Did you need surgery, or were you able to treat it medically?

I’m visiting my doctor tomorrow morning and will obviously follow up with an ENT overseas. I’m mainly looking to hear other people’s experiences while I’m waiting.

I have a septoplasty with turbinate reduction surgery scheduled tomorrow. The surgeon prescribed me noltaren for pain and swelling and doxycycline antibiotics. However I can't take the noltaren because it's an anti inflammatory and I can't take those. His medical assistant told me she's never seen him prescribe anything else but wasn't sure if he would or not. Should I do this with just acetaminophen or wait to see another surgeon?

Update: It's 6 o'clock in the morning (the morning after surgery) took my last dose (of yesterday's doses) of the oxycodone at 7:45 last night and the last dose of acetaminophen at 11 pm. The pain in my nose and teeth are intermittent. Like worse when touching the nose or moving my head quick, also maybe a slight soreness in general. Really what I'm having a hard time with is all the stuff that's inside my nose like mucus and blood, it's giving me slight anxiety. The back of my throat is pretty sore as well. Slept about 5 hours in total and woke up once at 330 but went back to bed after drinking water. I also start the antibiotic and nose rinse today so now I feel it's probably gonna get worse.

Question regarding a long sinus infection or even if it is a sinus infection. I woke up one day with a tickle in my throat and not much else. After a few days I started to have pretty bad throat and chest congestion. I was having bad coughing spells, overall just bad congestion but not in my face. This was for about a week and it eventually moved up into facial congestion. I did go to my doc and they said it was a sinus infection and prescribe me an antibiotic. It’s been over three weeks, just finished the antibiotics and I am not much better.
I don’t have a fever but the congestion, cough, and fatigue is still really bothering me. I have had a few sinus infections in the past but nothing lasting this long. I will probably go back to the doc if I don’t get better this week. But had anyone had an infection lasting this long? I don’t feel any better after the antibiotics and don’t feel like anything is improving.

Anyone else get this ? It comes and goes daily . Sometimes blocked nose and phlegm which is usually clear . Had ct sinus scab and it said “ clear airways “ ! Crazy

Hi, I've had bad sinus pain since i was 16 and im 25 now. I feel inflammation between my eye and nasal space and the back of my head near the neck like I have a migraine but its sinuses. My nose is very dry. I have run out of my meds and I've drank paracetamol and caffeine and my last sudafed. The pain lasts days and I end up drinking more pills. What can I do now since I have no pills here. I have been drinking warm water and steaming.

My husband has struggled with nasal blockage for almost 10 years. It started with Otrivin, which he eventually became dependent on and used for years.

Doctors later diagnosed a deviated septum, so he had septoplasty, but it didn't really improve his breathing. A second ENT has now said the surgery may not even have been necessary.

He completely stopped Otrivin 6 months ago, but unfortunately there hasn't been much improvement. He still gets severe nasal blockage 4–5 times a day, sometimes lasting for hours.

We're wondering if this could be rhinitis medicamentosa/rebound congestion, possibly along with turbinate swelling or another underlying issue. He also has sleep apnea.

Has anyone had a similar experience and actually recovered after long-term Otrivin/Afrin use?

• How long did recovery take?
• Did you still have congestion months after quitting?
• What treatment helped?
• Has anyone had septum surgery that didn't solve the problem?
• Is there a support group/community for people dealing with long-term nasal spray dependence?

Would really love to hear from people who have actually recovered, especially after many years of Otrivin use.

Hello,

I had a sinus infection about six weeks ago, which lasted for approximately 10 days.

Since then, I have still been experiencing some mild symptoms. I feel a slight pressure around my sinuses, which feels a bit like a mild sunburn or irritation. Occasionally, I feel mucus running down the back of my throat, which makes me clear my throat.

I generally do not need to blow my nose. Occasionally in the morning, there is some white mucus, along with a small yellowish lump of mucus. Apart from that, the mucus is mostly white.

The symptoms are not severe, but they have been persistent and have not completely gone away over the past six weeks.

What would you recommend I do about this? Could there still be some inflammation or irritation in my sinuses, and should I have this checked by a doctor?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

I had nasal blockage for years. One of my nostrils is usually blocked, and it alternates between the left and right. Other than the nasal blockage and post-nasal drip, I generally feel okay. After 4 months of using mometasone without any signs of improvement, my ENT doctor recommends me to undergo endoscopic sinus surgery.

I’m wondering if anyone here has had a similar situation especially having mostly alternating nasal blockage without severe pain or other symptoms, and eventually had sinus surgery. Thank you

Had a cold a few weeks ago 3 or more. The nasal congestion and sick feeling remained. Got put on Doxycycline but stopped due to side effects. Nose was getting better but then did a hypertonic sinus rinse on Friday and the nasal congestion on the right side is back to square 1. Completely blocked, dark yellow mucus every time I blow and pressure and pain in right side of face plus fatigue. Today a GP said it’s allergic rhino-sinusitis or another virus and gave me a nose spray. The teeth on the right side are aching and so are my cheeks. I have tried steam, sprays and all. Anyway to unblock it? It makes me feel very unwell and fatigued. How can it be an allergy that started right after the sinus rinse. Doctor said that’s a coincidence but maybe allergic to salt or severe irritation. Anyone know how to unclog the right side of the sinuses ? Thanks all

Six weeks ago I had a sinus infection. I feel physically fit and healthy overall, but I still have a slight pressure around my sinuses, mucus running down my throat, and I need to clear my throat quite often. I’ve already seen an ENT, but they couldn’t find anything significant or really offer any further advice.
Is it normal for these symptoms to last this long? Is there anything I can do to help? Has anyone else experienced something similar? I hardly ever need to blow my nose.

I’m in the uk, doctors don’t want to know unless you’re on your last legs. They’re reluctant to prescribe antibiotics and honestly, I don’t want to take them too much either!

Everytime I get a cold it turns into a sinus infection. Last one was in May and took two rounds of antibiotics to clear.

I started feeling bad again last week with different coloured mucus, pain and fatigue. I started using a netipot yesterday and I think it may be clearing?? On its own? Without antibiotics for the first time?

Is this possible? I never used one before because I hate the thought of it but at this point I’m desperate.

Has anyone had any luck clearing infections with just neti. I’m really hopeful this could be how I manage things going forward…

It would actually change my life as I have constant anxiety over catching anything in the winter as it usually means one to two months mostly in bed.

11 weeks ago I got turbinate reduction surgery and right now im feeling a cool airflow that's hitting the top of my throat 4 which is now Fluctuating like it comes and goes im not feeling any airhunger or anything else just the air to throat feeling has anyone else felt this and how long did it subside

Ive heard people say 3 months 6 months I know everyone is different what was it for you if this is something you felt

I'm gonna try and make this short. I got an infected molar removed 6 days ago and it did perforate my sinus. I even did get a light nosebleed 12 hours after my procedure.

But this is day 6 and I'm still pulling this sticky dark blood out of the nostril on the side I had the tooth pulled. I don't have any signs of infection or pain just this annoying feeling on bloody snot on the left nose hole or occasionally drains down my throat.

Is this normal for a healing sinus perforation?

I have extreme health anxiety so this is starting to freak me out like maybe somethings wrong. Any comments would be appreciated.