Question 1

i have a stubborn cough that seems to be drainage from possible sinus infection - would like to know what exactly it is. this cough is stubborn mucus that seems to originate from sinuses & drains me of energy. have had this for a couple of weeks. for the

Accepted Answer

It's : It's never possible to know exactly what is wrong with a patient unless you are face-to-face with him or her, but it does sound like you are describing upper-airway cough syndrome.  This is when the lining of the nose is making too much mucous which will then drip back into the throat, occasionally irritating the vocal cords, making them spasm and induce coughing.

This condition is often treated with antihistamines like zyrtec or allegra, however, there is evidence that the older antihistamines like chlorpheniramine may be more effective, but they can also be sedating and cause side effects like dizziness, especially in older patients.  Sometimes a decongestant like sudafed can also be helpful, but this is something that can be very dangerous in older patients or those with heart conditions.  Nasal steroid sprays like Flonase and Nasonex (mometasone) (both prescription only) can also be helpful.  Otc nasal sprays like afrin should be avoided, because while they are remarkably effective at clearing up nasal discharge, when on stops taking them, even after only a few days, the congestion can return even worse than it was.

While upper-airway cough syndrome is a benign condition that typically gets better even without medication, a cough lasting for more than 2 weeks should be evaluated by a physician.  Many other much more serious conditions can present this way.  Pneumonia, lung cancer, and auto-immune lung disease are just of handful of very serious conditions that could be described by your symptoms, but are impossible to diagnose without actually seeing the patient.

Question 2

i have fluid in my right ear and i also have fluid in both of my mastoids, i do not have drainage from ear or sinuses no ear ache no sinus infection o?

Accepted Answer

ME fluid,  no pain: The middle ear and mastoid spaces are connected. Since you are not experiencing any other symptoms, fluid in middle ear and mastoid should be monitored by your ENT, along with you hearing and balance.

Question 3

had bad sinuses, went into bloodstream. doc thinks might've had csf leak. infection clear and no more drainage from nose. can leaks heal on their own?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely leak: A CSF leak can occur by sinus infection where the bone and dura (covering of the brain) is destroyed by the infection. In such a case you would likely develop meningitis and possibly brain abscess. You would be horribly sick and CSF leak would be possible. So, if you were not this sick then it is unlikely your nasal drip was CSF leak. On the other hand, CSF leaks can and do heal on their own.

Question 4

i keep getting sinuses infection?

Accepted Answer

Why?: The most likely scenario is that your nasal congestion has not been under control. Are you using your Flonase regularly and aiming the sprout towards the outside of the nose (instead of pointing to the center)?  First you should consult an allergist who may refer you to an ENT if the ct sinus scan showed obstruction at the sinus opening.  You may also get an immune evaluation.

Question 5

how do i get rid of sinuses pain  infection?

Accepted Answer

Sinus pain: The pain of sinus inflammation or infection can be improved or resolved with the use of saline nasal spray or irrigations, nasal anti-inflammatories like Nasonex (mometasone) or flonase, allergy control if you have environmental allergies, mucus thinners like Mucinex and oral or topical decongestant if you are experiencing severe nasal congestion.

Question 6

how do i know if sinuses are actually sinus infection?

Accepted Answer

Foul colored snot,+: We all have sinus cavaties as part of our anatomy. A sinus infection is characterized by yellow green often foul smelling nasal discharge,  nasal congestion, often pain in the face, or behind the eyes, sensation of pressure and tenderness to the touch. Some will have pain in the upper teeth. After the foul discolored nasal drainage, the other features vary based on which sinuses and the severity.

Question 7

i have a sinus infection. hurts. how can i relieve the pain and clear my sinuses?

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen, warm : Compresses, sometimes sinus flushing but ultimately you should see a doctor.

Question 8

how can using salt water rinses for sinuses give you an infection i'm slightly confused i thought that was to help it from getting an infection ?

Accepted Answer

Sinuses are balloons: saltwater does not give an infection per se but rather the rinsing of the natural bacteria in the nose going into a closed space, like a balloon filling up.

Question 9

can fluid remain in the sinuses for a while, even after the infection is gone?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There is always some mucous production going on anywhere there are mucous membranes.  What matters is how much and how you feel.  Headache, sinus pressure, eye pain, fever, thick/green/bloody mucous are signs of persistent infection

Question 10

can mri without contrast detect infections in sinuses or other facial regions?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, maybe not: Duplicate question. See previous reply. Ask the radiologist doing the MRI and/or the doctor who ordered it.

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Doctor answers about:

Sinuses and infection drainage

A member asked:

I have a stubborn cough that seems to be drainage from possible sinus infection - would like to know what exactly it is. this cough is stubborn mucus that seems to originate from sinuses & drains me of energy. have had this for a couple of weeks. for the

A member asked:

I have fluid in my right ear and i also have fluid in both of my mastoids, i do not have drainage from ear or sinuses no ear ache no sinus infection o?

A member asked:

Had bad sinuses, went into bloodstream. doc thinks might've had csf leak. infection clear and no more drainage from nose. can leaks heal on their own?

A member asked:

I keep getting sinuses infection?

A member asked:

How do i get rid of sinuses pain infection?

A member asked:

How do i know if sinuses are actually sinus infection?

A member asked:

I have a sinus infection. hurts. how can i relieve the pain and clear my sinuses?

A member asked:

How can using salt water rinses for sinuses give you an infection i'm slightly confused i thought that was to help it from getting an infection ?

A member asked:

Can fluid remain in the sinuses for a while, even after the infection is gone?

A member asked:

Can mri without contrast detect infections in sinuses or other facial regions?

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