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Can Sinuses And Post Nasal Drip Be Controlled After Salivary Gland Removal?
Question: I have cranial nerve damage, # 5 and 12. I could eat after surgery removed a saliva gland. That was 5 years ago.I now only eat baby foods and Ensure liquid drinks. My sinuses and saliva mix and makes it hard to eat. Have lost 59 pounds. My question is: Can sinuses, post nasal drip, be controlled somehow? I have had a throat stress which has help. I constantly have thrush. I have excess, thick saliva. The only time I have comfort is when I lie down flat and get dry mouth.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It might have been useful if you indicated what pills you have tried so that we do not risk repeating what has already been tried and failed. I also am not sure what do you mean by sinuses and saliva mixing, the nerve damage doesn't affect the sinuses, perhaps you mean that there is also associated sinusitis.
Regarding the excessive thick saliva there are a couple of options which could be tried. One alternative may be the use of amitriptyline (usually used for depression). It produces dry mouth, which is commonly regarded as a side effect. However in cases with excess saliva this side effect may actually be beneficial and has really helped some of my patients. Another alternative could be the use of scopolamine patches. They are commonly used for motion sickness and also cause dry mouth as a side effect which in your case might actually turn out to be advantageous.
The possible downside of these two alternatives could be side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness etc, at your age they are not commonly employed for that reason, so could be tried only as a last resort.
Options such as nasal decongestants for the sinus secretions may also be used, but I have a feeling that such a basic option has already been tried by the Mayo ENT.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It might have been useful if you indicated what pills you have tried so that we do not risk repeating what has already been tried and failed. I also am not sure what do you mean by sinuses and saliva mixing, the nerve damage doesn't affect the sinuses, perhaps you mean that there is also associated sinusitis.
Regarding the excessive thick saliva there are a couple of options which could be tried. One alternative may be the use of amitriptyline (usually used for depression). It produces dry mouth, which is commonly regarded as a side effect. However in cases with excess saliva this side effect may actually be beneficial and has really helped some of my patients. Another alternative could be the use of scopolamine patches. They are commonly used for motion sickness and also cause dry mouth as a side effect which in your case might actually turn out to be advantageous.
The possible downside of these two alternatives could be side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness etc, at your age they are not commonly employed for that reason, so could be tried only as a last resort.
Options such as nasal decongestants for the sinus secretions may also be used, but I have a feeling that such a basic option has already been tried by the Mayo ENT.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What nasal products would you recommend? I have tried Claratin ,Allegra,and Zytec. Nose drops, such as Azellastine HCI I have used. Have tried Homopathic products. Nothing seems to work help for me. What do you recommend? Also, I have a constant problem with thrush. How do I stop it? MY mouth is my nose. Not pleasant.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Those products you mention are valid ones, they all belong to the same antihistamine class. Additional products which may be tried are decongestants such oxymetazoline or phenylephrine. As I said though I would be surprised if the ENT at Mayo hasn't considered those in the past.
As for the oral thrush topical antifungal medications which can be tried include nystatine, miconazole, gentian violet.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Those products you mention are valid ones, they all belong to the same antihistamine class. Additional products which may be tried are decongestants such oxymetazoline or phenylephrine. As I said though I would be surprised if the ENT at Mayo hasn't considered those in the past.
As for the oral thrush topical antifungal medications which can be tried include nystatine, miconazole, gentian violet.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I should have mention that the Mayo ENT said I can not help you and walked out the room. After 5 years I need to stop nasal discharge into my mouth. When it enters the mouth is when all the problems start. This has been a slow deteriorating process. The medicine you have mentioned, amitriplyline and scopolamine i have not used. i use nystatine and miconazole. They work but thrush keeps coming back. The bottom line to my problem is: KEEP NASAL MUCUS, MUCK OUT OF MY MOUTH. HOW?????WHICH DECONGESTANTS SHOULD I TRY -- OXYMETAZOLINE OR PHENYLEPHRINE? I BELIEVE THE SECOND ONE IS A 3 DAY USE ONLY. CAN SURGERY STOP POST NASAL DRIP??
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Oxymetazoline and Phenylephrine work more or less in a simiar way, there are no major differences. It is true that they can't be used non stop, not advised to be used more than 5 days at a time. They can be used intermittently, combined with the regular use of saline solution irrigation which helps thin and eliminate the mucus, administered 2-4 times a day, should help with preventing thrush as well. There are also saline nasal sprays (Ocean, Ayr a couple of brands).
As for surgery, yes it can help in some cases. However to say whether that is your case direct examination of the nasal and sinus cavities is necessary. I am assuming though that the ENT at Mayo must have considered that possibility and not considered it feasible.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Oxymetazoline and Phenylephrine work more or less in a simiar way, there are no major differences. It is true that they can't be used non stop, not advised to be used more than 5 days at a time. They can be used intermittently, combined with the regular use of saline solution irrigation which helps thin and eliminate the mucus, administered 2-4 times a day, should help with preventing thrush as well. There are also saline nasal sprays (Ocean, Ayr a couple of brands).
As for surgery, yes it can help in some cases. However to say whether that is your case direct examination of the nasal and sinus cavities is necessary. I am assuming though that the ENT at Mayo must have considered that possibility and not considered it feasible.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am told that EMAILS to me are not coming thru. What should be done to correct this problem??
Brief Answer:
Contact support
Detailed Answer:
I am afraid I can not help much about the email issue, I know about it no more than you. I am not a site administrator, only a member registered and verified as a doctor who can answer queries, but I do not have any additional privileges or knowledge about how the site is run, do not have access to any additional option. You should contact support about that issue.
Contact support
Detailed Answer:
I am afraid I can not help much about the email issue, I know about it no more than you. I am not a site administrator, only a member registered and verified as a doctor who can answer queries, but I do not have any additional privileges or knowledge about how the site is run, do not have access to any additional option. You should contact support about that issue.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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