Hi all,Does anyone else have sinus symptoms.  It's not the usual thing like during a cold or a sinus infection - this is more an intemittent thing, and it is just like a stuffed up feeling without the mucus (yuk, sorry).  Sometimes, maybe a few times a day, I get a feeling that my breathing through my nose is restricted.  Am wondering if it is peri-meno or allergy (food or air).  I've never suffered with allergies before.Just curious....Mary P.

This thread is old I see, but I was doing a search on sinus problems and it popped up.  I've always had nasal allergies, but this is a whole different thing.  I've been stuffy, runny, intermittently strangely "clear", so clear that my nostrils feel parched and dry.  This has been going on for a month, and antibiotics didn't help, just cause gastrointestinal distress.  The doctor denied that perimeno has anything to do with it.  I use vaseline in my nostrils for the dry, parched feeling, Sudafed for stuffiness, saline spray or Nasonex for the running.  Sometimes when I blow my nose, there's blood.  I live in a cold climate, Pennsylvania.  I see I have plenty of company here with these problems.

Nel,

I have found the OPC-3 pycnogenol has helped with the nasal stuffiness.   It is a natural antihistamine too.

I found with the winter heat my allergies were worse and the OPC does really help.   I can even breathe out of both nostrils and usually I can't and noticed this as a change right away.

 

Nancy V - what is this OPC-3?  Is it something I can get at the health store, or is it a prescription?  Is it a nasal spray or pill?  Thanks for the recommendation!  

Nel,

I get OPC-3 from my doctor.   It is sort of expensive though.   It is a powder...mainly pycnogenol and grapeseed.    It is a strong antioxidant much stronger that C and E.    I have even used it for pain as it is a natural antiinflammatory.

Just do a search on OPC-3 on the web and you can order from the internet.    There is also a cheaper version I may order in the future called Ultra OPC which contains C and E.   You can do a search on that also.

You just mix it with water at bedtime...tastes sort of fruity.   I think it is better than using the drug form of antihistamines.    The health food store sells a form of pycgenol which is cheaper but that form does not seem to get absorbed like this powder.

My doctor says the research on it suggests it helps fight free radicals in the body and thereby helps prevent cancer.    The sheet he gave me about how anecdotally it helped many things people reported was impressive.    I do know one case where the liver was dramatically improved even.

Since I don't react well to drugs, I think this is a good alternative for antihistamine due to allergy.

nel:  Your symptoms sound exactly like mine this winter!  I'm from NE Pa., and it's been so cold and air so dry in house.  I'm with Nancy on the natural approach though.  I take a supplement called Kan Jang and absolutely swear by it.  It will stop a pounding sinus headache for me.  It's also for allergies.  It's from Sweden, you can look it up for further info.  Nancy's supplement sounds promising also.  I hollar at my husband when he take Sudafed, have read it isn't good for you and only makes you more congested.  (not just Sudafed, but products containing that active ingredient).  I find my EFA's also help the dried up membranes, even my dry skin.  Have you ever tried salt water irrigation?  You can get a neti pot, or just put some warm salt water in your hand and sniff it.  Takes some getting used to but really flushes you out.  Try the natural approach first, in my opinion.

Thanks, girls, for your advice.  Nancy, it sounds like you have a one in a million doctor who is open to alternative treatments.  I wish I had one of those.  I did a search on the OPC-3, but it looks like I would have to order a minimum of 6 bottles for over $300.  Geez, wish I just had a sample!  I react to many things, and would never take a gamble like that not knowing if I would react negatively.  I may have to look into the holistic store and find the brand that's not as potent.

Susey, I'm in western Pennsylvania, but we have the same weather as you.  Thanks for your advice too, have already tried sniffing the salt water, and it helps.  

I have also experienced a marked increase in nasal and throat congestion for over a year.  At first, I attributed this to spring allergies, but when the symptoms continued well into summer, I suspected they were probably peri-related.  My symptoms present themselves in various ways.  Sometimes both my nose and throat are congested, while at other times, one or the other is congested.   The throat congestion can feel like something is constricting my throat, making it difficult to talk.   My nose and throat are always congested after getting out of bed.  I've tried several remedies, including NasalCrom, Rhinocort Aqua, Zicam Homeopathic Nasal Gel, saline sprays, Vick's VapoRub, Sudafed, nettle leaf capsules, Evening Primrose Oil and grapeseed extract(GSE).  I've had the most success with Sudafed, although occasionally, it doesn't help much.  The Rhinocort Aqua worked very well for the first month, or so, then lost its effectiveness.   According to the sources I've consulted, GSE is regarded as being extremely safe, without any known side-effects, contraindications or drug interactions. Therefore, I plan to increase my dosage to 200mg/day to see if that helps.

I'm also about to embark on an allergy elimination program offered at a very progressive osteopathic practice, specializing in integrative medicine called Osteomed in Strongsville, OH.  They claim a nearly 100% success rate  in eliminating allergies and an 85% success rate in eliminating or reducing pain.  They also offer menopausal services, facial rejuvenation and empathology sessions.  The physical therapist who referred me, described Osteomed as being in the forefront of their field, saying that there are very few facilities in the world that offer the types of services available there.    Hopefully, I'll realize relief after availing myself of their services.  I'll post updates on my progress.

Krista

[quote]Originally posted by Krista I have also experienced a marked increase in nasal and throat congestion for over a year.  At first, I attributed this to spring allergies, but when the symptoms continued well into summer, I suspected they were probably peri-related.  My symptoms present themselves in various ways.  Sometimes both my nose and throat are congested, while at other times, one or the other is congested.   The throat congestion can feel like something is constricting my throat, making it difficult to talk.   My nose and throat are always congested after getting out of bed.  I've tried several remedies, including NasalCrom, Rhinocort Aqua, Zicam Homeopathic Nasal Gel, saline sprays, Vick's VapoRub, Sudafed, nettle leaf capsules, Evening Primrose Oil and grapeseed extract(GSE).  I've had the most success with Sudafed, although occasionally, it doesn't help much.  The Rhinocort Aqua worked very well for the first month, or so, then lost its effectiveness.   According to the sources I've consulted, GSE is regarded as being extremely safe, without any known side-effects, contraindications or drug interactions. Therefore, I plan to increase my dosage to 200mg/day to see if that helps.

I'm also about to embark on an allergy elimination program offered at a very progressive osteopathic practice, specializing in integrative medicine called Osteomed in Strongsville, OH.  They claim a nearly 100% success rate  in eliminating allergies and an 85% success rate in eliminating or reducing pain.  They also offer menopausal services, facial rejuvenation and empathology sessions.  The physical therapist who referred me, described Osteomed as being in the forefront of their field, saying that there are very few facilities in the world that offer the types of services available there.    Hopefully, I'll realize relief after availing myself of their services.  I'll post updates on my progress.

Krista Krista, I was wondering if your "allergies" have improved on your treatment that you posted about? My allergies are a lot worse now that I am in Perimenopause!

I just asked Pete the pharmacist, if natural hormones could help sinus congestion and he claimed it could. Has anyone found that natural hormones helped their "sinus" problems?

Krista, I was wondering if your "allergies" have improved on your treatment that you posted about? My allergies are a lot worse now that I am in Perimenopause! Buzziebrown Hi Buzziebrown, Thanks for asking about the treatment outcome. I apologize for not responding sooner, but I wanted to avoid assessing my condition prematurely. In September of 2003, I completed the last of 16 allergy elimination treatments at Osteomed II and also had 6 acupuncture treatments using beads rather than needles. In addition, we installed a central humidifier in January, which helped my breathing immediately. In the last month I have noticed further improvement in the congestive symptoms, but don't know if this is attributable to the allergy treatments or the acupuncture. I am still having congestive troubles, however. Since physiological changes occur in all bodily functions for 6 months to a year after the allergy treatments, it can take a while to experience improvement. My other most problematic peri symptom has been severe IBS, which was so bad that I was eating very little due to extreme bloating, cramps, etc. For several months I have been taking Culturelle and digestive enzymes, which have helped, but I have noticed further improvement in my digestion within the last several weeks. Overall, I have noticed the most improvement in the digestive area, followed perhaps, by a reduction in the congestive symptoms. My acupunturist recommended a Chinese herb by Health Concerns called Clear Phlegm, that I found quite helpful, especially when I first started taking it. The doctors at Osteomed II suggested using digestive enzymes with every meal since we lose our natural enzymes as we age. I am very thankful to be doing so much better and hope to have other improvements. Osteomed II, which recently relocated to Middleburg Heights, OH, has a website describing their services. Thanks again for your interest, Buzziebrown. I wish you and everyone all the best in finding ways to reduce and hopefully eliminate these terrible symptoms. Krista

Krista I am curious about your IBS symptoms. I have been having terrible gastro issues for the past two months (gas, bloating as a result of trapped gas, slow motility and at times constipation). These symptoms have coincided w/my missing my periods for the past 3 months so I believe there's a connection. However, the other symptom of peri that I experience is hypochondria/medical anxiety and of course I'm concerned that this is something more. I turned 50 last October and find it hard to believe that on that date, all of my med problems have come to a head. I have made an appt w/a Gastroenterologist for a consult and will be scheduling a colonoscopy as well. Was your IBS diagnosed? BTW, I have terrible post nasal drip that I attribute to hormonal changes since there is no other reason to explain this. Take care, EJ

[quote]Originally posted by ej Krista I am curious about your IBS symptoms. I have been having terrible gastro issues for the past two months (gas, bloating as a result of trapped gas, slow motility and at times constipation). These symptoms have coincided w/my missing my periods for the past 3 months so I believe there's a connection. However, the other symptom of peri that I experience is hypochondria/medical anxiety and of course I'm concerned that this is something more. I turned 50 last October and find it hard to believe that on that date, all of my med problems have come to a head. I have made an appt w/a Gastroenterologist for a consult and will be scheduling a colonoscopy as well. Was your IBS diagnosed? BTW, I have terrible post nasal drip that I attribute to hormonal changes since there is no other reason to explain this. ej, Thanks for your response. It sounds as though we have very similar symptoms in terms of the IBS and congestive problems. I have had all of the IBS symptoms you described as well as slight nausea and the inability to eat much and digest anything well. I would become very full and bloated after eating only a small amount and suffered almost continuously from severe cramps. A few years ago, before these severe problems developed, I informed my doctor that I was having colon cramps during periods rather than uterine cramps. She thought I probably had IBS. I never had any tests done to confirm her diagnosis, but have read that IBS typically causes these types of period cramps. I've also read that IBS generally does not disrupt sleep and I've never been awakened by these symptoms at night. IBS is also very common, particularly in women. I had had this condition for many years and it became greatly exacerbated by the onset of peri over 2 years ago. Following the allergy elimination treatments, which included treatments for many food allergies, along with taking Culturelle daily and using digestive enzymes with every meal, I am vastly improved. I rarely have cramps, I have much less gas and bloating and I'm able to eat a lot more. Osteomed II is one of very few places in the world that are providing the allergy elimination treatments and patients fly in from all over the country and Canada to obtain their services. Although I was never tested, I feel certain that I have IBS because my symptoms resemble typical IBS symptoms and they have shown great improvement as a result of the interventions. The congestion has also been extremely severe, with nearly continuous throat and nasal stuffiness. I, too, have a lot of post nasal drip and frequently clear my throat. Often, I feel out of breath while talking. This became very bad a few months ago and seems to be improving, but I still feel far from normal in this regard. I had slight congestive tendencies for many years prior to peri, so this is another condition that has been exacerbated at this time. How long have you had the post nasal drip? I am 46 and have had marked sinus problems for 2 years. Good luck with your upcoming doctor's appointments and in finding something to help the sinus problems. Best wishes, Krista

Hi Krista I would like to believe that I have had these "IBS" problems in the past but I was young(er) and more carefree a couple of years ago so for all I know, I was experiencing them but not paying much attention to them. Knock on wood, yesterday and today are good days. I tried Culturelle for a period and it didn't really have much of an effect, positive or negative. As far as my post nasal drip goes, I have had it on and off (mostly on) for the past 2 1/2 years. My doctor is not concerned about it. In the winter, I sleep with a humidifier and that seems to help a bit. I also have used a Vicks Steam Inhaler for 8 minutes 2x a day. That opens the nasal passages. I haven't yet discovered what to do about clearing my throat though. This is yet another annoying symptom that I am prepared to deal with. I also find that I sneeze alot more. Perhaps a greater sensitivity to dust...who knows. I've been to allergists as well and they come up w/nothing. If I discover any other remedies, I'll keep you posted. Feel good! EJ