Chronic Sinusitis

[mkm413]

I'm 17 years old and I get sinus infections several times a year, especially when I'm home in ultra-humid Michigan. I have a pretty bad one right now that was acute onset and is accompanied by the usual symptoms - fullness in the face and forehead, congestion, coughing up mucus - but I also have a terrible headache that gets worse when I cough. This is the first time I've had a headache this bad with a sinus infection and it's making me dizzy and weak. I can barely walk to the bathroom without feeling like my head is spinning. I have an appointment with the doctor this afternoon and I'm just curious what questions I should ask to get to the bottom of this problem... I'm already planning to ask about hypothyroidism because of another health issue, but what else should I ask about?

[mkm413]

Thank you for your advice. I actually do have acid reflux, especially when I eat foods with tomato sauce - sometimes it causes me to throw up several times consecutively. I've been avoiding tomato sauce since mid-2009, but I do still occasionally have acid reflux symptoms. I will ask my doctor about these possibilities and hopefully I'll get an answer.

[bsmsl]

I would discus allergies and acid reflux.  Both can cause repeated  sinus infections.  You may also want to request to see and ENT.  An ENT will be able to scope your nose better and find any structural issues that maybe contributing to the problem.  You may eventually need a sinus CT to really get to the bottom of it.  

If allergies are the problem and he can't help you control them, you may need to see an allergist for testing and shots at some point.  

You may be thinking that you are too young for reflux and that you don't have any symptoms.  There is a form of reflux called laryngeal-pharyngeal reflux (LPR).  LPR is a different kind of reflux that does come at earlier ages.  With this, you will reflux up into the pharynx and possibly the sinuses which can cause sinus infections and if aspirated, bronchitis or asthma like symptoms.  So be sure to talk to your doctor about this possibility.

I hope that gives you some other ideas to discus with your doctor.

I pray that you feel better soon.