Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedy For Persistent Sinus Infection
Question: For many years my sinuses, especially the frontal sinuses, have been affected whenever the weather becomes very dark and cloudy before rain actually arrives. In fact this just happened again in the last half hour. I knew that rain was coming because I started to feel congestion in my sinuses. Of course I get immediate relief from pseudoephedrine.
I have noticed it happens more frequently in the last year or so than in previous years, especially if the weather gets cloudy early in the morning. It use to be less frequent than before.
I have found that spray doesn't entirely solve the problem because it seems spray doesn't reach the frontal sinuses, which is why I take pseudoephedrine. What practical suggestions would you have to try to avoid this or stopping it as soon as the dark clouds arrive? If the weather is especially dark and cloudy (and windy) I also usually have to take Tylenol. Then I feel fine. Thanks.
I have noticed it happens more frequently in the last year or so than in previous years, especially if the weather gets cloudy early in the morning. It use to be less frequent than before.
I have found that spray doesn't entirely solve the problem because it seems spray doesn't reach the frontal sinuses, which is why I take pseudoephedrine. What practical suggestions would you have to try to avoid this or stopping it as soon as the dark clouds arrive? If the weather is especially dark and cloudy (and windy) I also usually have to take Tylenol. Then I feel fine. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
It appears to be allergic sinusitis or rhinitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.
Based on the history you have shared, it seems as if you are suffering from allergic sinusitis which is geting triggered by increasing humidity or cold temperatures.
Like you said temporary relieves are being achieved by pseudoephedrine and Tylenol. As far as permanent cure is concerned, the treatment of allergies is to avoid allergens and exposure to those triggers which can stimulate an allergic reaction. Many treatments for permanent solutions and to overcome hypersensitivity have been tried but have shown less benefits than expected.
In your case, you can use non sedating anti histamines like cetrizine or loratidine preumptively before catching the infection. Keeping yourself warm and confine yourself indoor for the starting hours before rain may help. Using hot beverages and saline neubilisations may help at such times. Using vitamin C have shown to have advantage in such circumstances. Using medicines which keep mast cells in check which are responsible for allergic responses, like leukotriene inhibiters or monteleukast sodium or chromolyn may have some benefits in such cases. Long term relieves can also be discussed with allergic diseases specialist.
Hope this has answered your query. If you dont have any more questions, please close the discussion. You can also reach me directly through my profile in future, in case of any more questions, Regards.
It appears to be allergic sinusitis or rhinitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.
Based on the history you have shared, it seems as if you are suffering from allergic sinusitis which is geting triggered by increasing humidity or cold temperatures.
Like you said temporary relieves are being achieved by pseudoephedrine and Tylenol. As far as permanent cure is concerned, the treatment of allergies is to avoid allergens and exposure to those triggers which can stimulate an allergic reaction. Many treatments for permanent solutions and to overcome hypersensitivity have been tried but have shown less benefits than expected.
In your case, you can use non sedating anti histamines like cetrizine or loratidine preumptively before catching the infection. Keeping yourself warm and confine yourself indoor for the starting hours before rain may help. Using hot beverages and saline neubilisations may help at such times. Using vitamin C have shown to have advantage in such circumstances. Using medicines which keep mast cells in check which are responsible for allergic responses, like leukotriene inhibiters or monteleukast sodium or chromolyn may have some benefits in such cases. Long term relieves can also be discussed with allergic diseases specialist.
Hope this has answered your query. If you dont have any more questions, please close the discussion. You can also reach me directly through my profile in future, in case of any more questions, Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you for your reply. This month I had an infection that lasted teo weeks and ended up taking Azinthromax after one week, but don't know if it was viral or bacterial. I feel fine, but am back to the congestion that occurs before the rain and feel fine after taking occasional pseudoephedrine and Tylenol. Perhaps there is an allergic element, and I always get the URI around the beginning of October.
You recommended some products, but what are their generic names that you would recommend? I could also try Benadryl at bedtime when I expect rain, but does cloudy weather promote allergies?
Thanks.
You recommended some products, but what are their generic names that you would recommend? I could also try Benadryl at bedtime when I expect rain, but does cloudy weather promote allergies?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Clarification of your concerns in the detailed answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for sharing your concerns. Yes cold weather or humidity can trigger allergies and allergy is a very complicated term in the sense that it can encompass hypersensitivities to variety of triggers which are otherwise normal to other people.
Since you mentioned repeated Upper RTIs so it also favors the diagnosis of allergic reasons. Once inflammation sets in, then it can attract secondary infections which can be viral or bacterial, but in both cases antibiotic cover is recommended. Since repeated infections are being experienced, you can use long term anti histamines as prophylaxis
Cetrizine which i mentionex is available as zyrtec and monteleukast as Singulair.
Hope this has answered your query. If you dont have any more questions, please close the discussion. You can also reach me directly through my profile in future, in case of any more queries. Regards.
Clarification of your concerns in the detailed answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for sharing your concerns. Yes cold weather or humidity can trigger allergies and allergy is a very complicated term in the sense that it can encompass hypersensitivities to variety of triggers which are otherwise normal to other people.
Since you mentioned repeated Upper RTIs so it also favors the diagnosis of allergic reasons. Once inflammation sets in, then it can attract secondary infections which can be viral or bacterial, but in both cases antibiotic cover is recommended. Since repeated infections are being experienced, you can use long term anti histamines as prophylaxis
Cetrizine which i mentionex is available as zyrtec and monteleukast as Singulair.
Hope this has answered your query. If you dont have any more questions, please close the discussion. You can also reach me directly through my profile in future, in case of any more queries. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Thank you. Should I take it now as preventive or to clear the sinuses, and for how long? No clouds today and I feel fine. Should I take it for a few weeks before. October as preventive?
Brief Answer:
It can be taken as prohylaxis in months with increased frequency of illness
Detailed Answer:
Hi! You can use these, including non sedating anti histamines in the months in which chances of infections are high. Prevent yourself from direct exposure to cold weather and rain. Using monteleukast during acute attacks is of no benefit and is used during prevention or prohylaxis purposes. Use nasal decongestants alongwith anti inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen during attacks along anti histamines for greater benefits.
Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you dont have any more questions, please close the discussion. You are allways welcome in future through my profile as direct queries towards me. I would love to be of any help to you. Regards.
It can be taken as prohylaxis in months with increased frequency of illness
Detailed Answer:
Hi! You can use these, including non sedating anti histamines in the months in which chances of infections are high. Prevent yourself from direct exposure to cold weather and rain. Using monteleukast during acute attacks is of no benefit and is used during prevention or prohylaxis purposes. Use nasal decongestants alongwith anti inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen during attacks along anti histamines for greater benefits.
Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you dont have any more questions, please close the discussion. You are allways welcome in future through my profile as direct queries towards me. I would love to be of any help to you. Regards.
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
