Headaches with sinus issues

[sadyboo]

I had a CT scan a couple of weeks ago because I had such a horrible episode of headaches, which I have battled off and on.  The CT revealed a sinus infection.  Went through 10 days of antibotic, Cipro, which I felt it would not work becuase I had it with a UTI, and I had the sinus problems then, so I felt if it was going to work that it would have then.  Anyway still having problems headaches are coming back, and the sinus is still dripping in the back of the throat.  Mostly the right side.  So any recommendations, I see my doc on Monday for a re-check.  What is the next step recommended when sinus will not heal. What question should I ask, and how firm should I be with my doctor.  Also can pressure from sinus not only cause headaches, but also a feeling of panic.  Not horrible, but certainly not good.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Your CT scan  result showed the presence f polyps in your right nose. This could be a differential. However, there are other possible conditions that should be ruled out such as cervicogenic headache, hemicrania continua, chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, occipital neuralgia, migraine and tension headache.  Ask the working diagnosis and the management plan. It is important that yu understanc everything and ask for clarifications. Take care and do keep us posted with your ENT consult.

[sadyboo]

I though I will update you.  My CT Scan showed

Mucosal polyps arising from the posterior aspect of the right inferior nasal turbinate.

Mild chronic ethmoid and maxillary sinnus disease No evidence of acute sinuitis.

I am still having blurred vision with normal blood sugars, (I was the diabetic) eyes have been checked no change in perscription for two years good blood flow.

Ice pick pains as if someone is stabbing me in the head wih a ice pick.  Different areas of the head, and behind the ears.

Sinus still draing expecially when lying down.  Headaches worsen still when lying down.  I also am feeling like my personality is just not me.  On edge, impatient, not caring much about anything.  

My muscles have been huring alot, along with the back of the neck where it meets your head feels soar, almost bruised, and it itches at times.  Pressure in the  eyes along with the puffy eye look.

I am going to see a ENT.  Any suggestion on the questions I should ask.  Could this bee serious, or is this common.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Sinus headaches do occur and presents with pain over nasal area that increase in severity throughout day. It can be due to an acute infection producing blockage of sinus ducts preventing normal drainage. However, this is uncommon and sometimes migraine and cluster headaches are often misdiagnosed as sinus in origin. Aside from infection, it can be caused by nasal polyps, or anatomical deformities, such as a deviated septum. Antibiotics, decongestants, and surgical drainage may be done to provide relief. Check with your ENT doctor for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.

[sadyboo]

Hey thanks, I have a follow up Monday the 10th.  I will see where I am at after that, I do have Fluticasone Propionate, but maybe I should be treating more with it.  I was a little nervouse about them being a steriod. If no progress, I will see a ENT.

[Londres70]

You can also post in the ENT Forum too.  

[Audrey_M]

Sinus infections can be either bacterial or viral. If the infection is viral, abx won't cure the infection. You might want to consider asking for Flonase or a similar corticosteroid. This can reduce the swelling in your sinuses, helping them to drain more freely and may help to resolve the infection. If the viral sinus infection does not resolve itself, a bacterial infection may set in and abx may be needed.

If you don't see improvement, I second Dame as far as seeing an ENT.

[dame_wilbur]

I'm assuming that you're doc is a GP? It might well be time to see an ENT specialist. I had a 6 month sinus infection several years back that just would NOT respond to anything. We ended up going with surgery to remove my adenoids (the tonsils of the nose), and I haven't gotten a sinus infection since. I also had my mucus glands messed with so that they stopped producing mucus long enough for the surgery site to heal, and the mucus that was so congested to drain. It was a huge help.

Good luck and keep us posted,

~Dame