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What Causes Recurring Sinusitis Along With Bloody Nose And Neck Pain?
Question: I have had 4 sinus infections in the past 5 months that resolve briefly but then come back. I have been treated with Augmentin each time (clearly it's not working.) I have also had swollen glands, ear pain, bloody noses, neck pain and swollen cheeks. I have made an appointment with an ENT for March but am in a lot of discomfort. Im concerned that I have sphenoid sinuses. I read that it was life threatening. Should I revisit my Primary Care Doc? Is meningitis a concern, blood clots etc?
Brief Answer:
Unresolved sinusitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
After going through the history, I do feel you could be having recurrent sinusitis with mild allergic component. Do not worry! None of your symptoms are suggestive of meningitis. In this era of antibiotics the incidence of meningitis has reduced drastically. As you have already taken a course of antibiotics, it is very unlikely that you may develop meningitis.
The symptoms described by you are typical of unresolved sinusitis which requires a complete evaluation and appropriate management.
I would suggest you to get back to your doctor and request for CT scan of the paranasal sinuses and brain. This investigation can provide us information regarding the status of the sinuses and any inflammation in the brain. Also, you will require a change in antibiotics.
Do not worry! With appropriate measures and medications, this can be solved.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times in a day. Steam helps in reducing the nasal congestion and relieving the nasal and ear block.
3. Try using saline nasal spray as frequently as possible.
4. A steroid nasal spray (such as fluticasone or momentasone) can be tried to reduce the inflammation of the sinuses.
5. A broad spectrum antibiotic (such as levfloxacin or cefuroxime) can take care of bacterial infection.
6. If there is any thick discharge coming from the nose or from the mouth, you can add a mucolytic (such as ambroxol or bromhexine).
7. Finally, avoid chilled food and beverages/coffee/smoking.
With the above measures you should definitely feel better. Revert back to me if you have any further queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Unresolved sinusitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
After going through the history, I do feel you could be having recurrent sinusitis with mild allergic component. Do not worry! None of your symptoms are suggestive of meningitis. In this era of antibiotics the incidence of meningitis has reduced drastically. As you have already taken a course of antibiotics, it is very unlikely that you may develop meningitis.
The symptoms described by you are typical of unresolved sinusitis which requires a complete evaluation and appropriate management.
I would suggest you to get back to your doctor and request for CT scan of the paranasal sinuses and brain. This investigation can provide us information regarding the status of the sinuses and any inflammation in the brain. Also, you will require a change in antibiotics.
Do not worry! With appropriate measures and medications, this can be solved.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times in a day. Steam helps in reducing the nasal congestion and relieving the nasal and ear block.
3. Try using saline nasal spray as frequently as possible.
4. A steroid nasal spray (such as fluticasone or momentasone) can be tried to reduce the inflammation of the sinuses.
5. A broad spectrum antibiotic (such as levfloxacin or cefuroxime) can take care of bacterial infection.
6. If there is any thick discharge coming from the nose or from the mouth, you can add a mucolytic (such as ambroxol or bromhexine).
7. Finally, avoid chilled food and beverages/coffee/smoking.
With the above measures you should definitely feel better. Revert back to me if you have any further queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2543 Questions
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