Never ending bacterial infection?

[bignose956]

-Problems with the Infection-

I am 13 years old, and in pretty good health. But for the past 2 or 3 years I keep getting sinus infections. At first my infection would leave after I was prescribed some antibiotics for a few weeks, and then would come back in a few months (Quite normal). But at this point, I get the same infection a week after I empty by prescription bottle.

-Details about the Infection-

I first start realizing I am infected when I start smelling things I never smelt before. About a day after the strange smells I get an irritated throat, and by mid day it starts to get a bit sore. By the time it reaches night I feel no different, until I go to bed. I will wake up in the middle of the night with the most awful sore throat that will keep increasing in pain until I am sure I will die (But I never do). Also, my body does not seem to be fighting this because I do not get a runny nose.

-How I try to Fight the Infection-

By the time I feel a sore throat (Which to me is the worst pain in the world[worse then stomach flu]) , I start begging my mother to let me see a doctor so I can be prescribed antibiotics. I will try to stay on my antibiotics until the bottle is empty, and while that is happening I try to use a NetiPot regularly and drink things like Kefir to keep my healthy bacteria from being killed by the antibiotics (Unfortunately, my NetiPot disappeared lately).




So please, if you know the cause or the cure, please help me!
At this this point my throat feels like it will just burst and start oozing puss everywhere.

[caregiver222]

These sinus infections become encapsulated in biolfilms and become a bear to get rid of. Because of the biofilm the antibiotic cannot reach the bacteria. Often the only answer is surgical debridement. This isn't as bad as it seems. Some protocols use a tiny high pressure jet of water and a suction. Try to get an appointment with an ENT and explain the situation.

[bignose956]

That would explain why now and then I find little balls of yellow stuff (bacteria) in my mouth. I will look into that. Thank you!

[jemma116]

It is a shame you can't find your NetiPot.  But you can still do steam inhalations without a NetiPot.  Get a large bowl and boil up a kettleful of water.  Taking care not to get scalded, pour the hot water into the bowl.  Put a small amount of Vick or a few drops of any menthol drops into the bowl of hot water.  Have a large towel and bend your head over the bowl  and cover your head and the bowl with the towel.  Breathe in the steam through your nose and out through your mouth.  You can also breathe in the steam through your mouth, but breathing in through the nose (or trying to, if it is blocked), will help to loosen up any congestion.  You need to do this 4 times a day for a duration of 10 minutes each time, but any is better than none.

For the sore painful throat, drink plenty of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey to taste.  You can also try having some honey off a spoon, if you do not have an allergy to honey.

It is not a good idea to keep eating antibiotics like sweets.   It may be that the antibiotics you have been prescribed  are not killing off the bacteria that is causing the problem.   Do be aware that antibiotics will not kill of viruses.  If your throat and sinus infections are caused by a virus, the antibiotics will not help.  Antibiotics will only be useful if the infection is caused by bacteria.   As your throat is persistently unwell, it may well be that you have a problem with the tonsils.  

Another home help remedy to help ease sore and painful throats is to gargle with salty water.  Just dissolve some salt into a cup of water, gargle and spit it out.

Ask your parent to book you in to see your doctor.  Ask the doctor for you to have a swab taken from the throat to be sent to the laboratory to identify the bacteria or virus and also ask for a referral to a Ears Nose and Throat specialist.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.