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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by scratchpad on April 5, 2007, at 21:35:28
So here I am thinking I have terrible spring allergies (it's well into spring and almost summer where I live) as this time of year I get excruciating sinus headaches, post nasal drip, and blocked-feeling ears. My GP had me on several courses of antibiotics and daily antihistamines, and they didn't really work. He sent me toodling off to an allergist. I was so excited - now I would know exactly what it is that makes me feel so awful at this time of year! And then he'd be able to recommend the appropriate treatment!!
Except that I don't exhibit the expected allergic reactions when they did the scratch tests on my back (round 1), and then my arms (round 2). Harrumph. He's pronounced it as vasomotor rhinitis, which I take to mean "you feel like you have allergies, but you don't, really". Huh?I'm taking a corticosteroid nasal spray and ibuprofen for the discomfort. I am somewhat relieved to know that antihistamines and decongestants aren't usually effective - here I was thinking that I was just really, really allergic to stuff!
Anyone else care to share their experience with this and what types of treatments you've tried, and what works for you? Today the sinus headache and pressure in my ears was very uncomfortable. Not fun to be in a good mood (hurray!) and at the same time be in physical pain (boo!).
Thanks,
Scratchpad
Posted by Declan on April 6, 2007, at 2:54:19
In reply to Vasomotor rhinitis, posted by scratchpad on April 5, 2007, at 21:35:28
Have you had your ImmunoglobulinE (IgE) tested?
It is a marker of reactivity.
But maybe it doesn't matter because there's IgG or something that can be involved.These are some of the things I've tried.
Neti pot....I can give you the details if you wish. Kinda interesting.
Herbs.....The only things that work for me. Normally a combo of eyebright, magnolia bud, baicall skullcap, albizia, stinging nettle and golden rod.
Vitamin C in largish doses after meals.
Oligoprocyanidins (grape seed/skin extract) may conceivably help.
Some things that helps inflammation may be of use too.
For infection, olive leaf has been useful for me.
Posted by scratchpad on April 6, 2007, at 12:27:24
In reply to Re: Vasomotor rhinitis » scratchpad, posted by Declan on April 6, 2007, at 2:54:19
Great - thanks for the advice! Those Neti pots are the things you rinse your nose with, right? I don't know if I could handle it - don't you feel like you're drowning?? (I'm not a very capable swimmer, ha ha!)
Pls excuse the poor punning today.
Scratchie
Posted by Declan on April 6, 2007, at 16:30:22
In reply to Re: Vasomotor rhinitis » Declan, posted by scratchpad on April 6, 2007, at 12:27:24
Net pots are not as challenging in practice as you might think, as long as you get the salt level and temperature right.
Then, years ago I had an operation where they cauterised the inside of my nose/snout/sinuses(?) and that was meant to enlarge the breathing pasages.
Didn't seem to do a lot of good, but still.I use the steroid nasal spays as well.
Posted by gardenergirl on April 7, 2007, at 11:31:44
In reply to Re: Vasomotor rhinitis » scratchpad, posted by Declan on April 6, 2007, at 16:30:22
I use one as well, Declan. You're right about the temperature. I was afraid the first time I tried it, because I remember all the times I'd get water up my nose in the swimming pool, and it would burn and burn. Probably too cool.
The other day I had a different experience I wanted to ask you about. Instead of all the solution flowing out, some must have gone up into my sinuses or somewhere, because for a few hours afterwards, whenever I tipped my head either forward, it would drip out my nose in slow drops, or back it would go down my throat. Very strange and kind of annoying. What gives, do you know?
My husband thinks I'm insane, by the way. But anything that relieves post-nasal drip is good for me.
Namaste
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on April 7, 2007, at 11:36:06
In reply to Vasomotor rhinitis, posted by scratchpad on April 5, 2007, at 21:35:28
That sounds miserable. I've not heard of your diagnosis, but any kind of sinus congestion and sinus headache is yucky.
Have you tried any essential oils? Anything eucalyptus can help. I've been using that with my dog, who has chronic bronchitis. It's pretty easy to inhale. You can do a steam with a bowl of steaming water, about five drops of the oil, and a "tent" over your head. Breathe in deeply, but keep your eyes closed, as it could sting. Chamomile with eucalyptus is good. Others to try are ravansara, pine, hyssop, and niauoli (sp?). I think I've even tried lavender and neroli with the dog. Eucalyptus seems to be the best, though. A little chamomile would help decrease inflammation.
I've also got a recipe for a facial massage blend to help with the sinus headache. I'll dig that up and email it to you.
wishing you health and comfort...
Namaste
gg
Posted by Declan on April 7, 2007, at 20:16:30
In reply to neti pot » Declan, posted by gardenergirl on April 7, 2007, at 11:31:44
>Instead of all the solution flowing out, some must have gone up into my sinuses or somewhere, because for a few hours afterwards, whenever I tipped my head either forward, it would drip out my nose in slow drops, or back it would go down my throat<
Hello GG
It went into your sinuses and then comes out at a pace of its own, according to principles of which I am unaware.
The thing to do is to waggle your head backward, forward and sideways between your bent knees after using your pot, and this should get it out.
It's a bit embarasing if you are in Woolworths and all this stuff comes out of your nose in front of everyone.
You can't very well say "Don't be alarmed, it's cool, I use a neti pot".My daughter has found my neti pot use beyond the pale.
To be sure of the temperature I put my top lip in the neti pot. Then there's the salt balance to be sure about.
Posted by scratchpad on April 8, 2007, at 8:45:11
In reply to Re: neti pot, posted by Declan on April 7, 2007, at 20:16:30
I'm definitely going to try the neti pot. Also the aromatherapy recipe. Thanks to both you and GG. What I find interesting is that from what I've read, this VSR can be triggered by exactly the same things that can trigger my migraines. It explains why sometimes I think I'm having a heck of a sinus headache, and then it morphs into a migraine. All these little pieces that go into the puzzle of my head.
And I'm happy to toss the antihistamines that don't work!!
best fishes,
Scratchpad
Posted by Declan on April 11, 2007, at 3:03:33
In reply to Vasomotor rhinitis, posted by scratchpad on April 5, 2007, at 21:35:28
What the hell does vasomotor mean anyway?
I'll bet it's one of these uniformative words doctors use, as when they use 'functional', which seems to mean 'cause unknown'.
Posted by gardenergirl on April 11, 2007, at 4:45:02
In reply to Re: neti pot, posted by Declan on April 7, 2007, at 20:16:30
Thanks for the info. I'm still giggling about that maneuver. It reminds me of when my mom showed me how to lean over to the side and kick out with my opposite leg in order to get water out of my ear. I kicked a whole in the door. Yikes!
My husband refuses to even consider using a neti pot, even though he has sinus problems which are, at times worse than mine. But then, he wouldn't try ear candling, either.
:)
Namaste
gg
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 11, 2007, at 5:12:34
In reply to Re: Vasomotor ?, posted by Declan on April 11, 2007, at 3:03:33
> What the hell does vasomotor mean anyway?
>
> I'll bet it's one of these uniformative words doctors use, as when they use 'functional', which seems to mean 'cause unknown'.Not thi time, dude. The vasomotor system is the muscular wall of blood vessels, which can restrict or dilate to regulate local blood flow. In vasomotor rhinitis, local dilation of the blood vessels, mediated by the autonomic nervous system, is behind the affliction. Dilated blood vessels leak fluid into surrounding tissues much more readily than when constricted.
As opposed to true allergy, which involves immune response and histamine release and all that, vasomotor rhinitis is often caused by the chemical irritant effect of what might otherwise be thought of as allergens, e.g. pollen, dander, et al, but also things like tobacco smoke or aromatic oils emitted by plants in sunshine and heat. Unfortunately, some people have both allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis (me), so sorting out what's the problem can be daunting.
According to wiki, there is a topical spray medication that works for this, but I'm disinclined to go that route.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasomotor_rhinitisDo you have a link to this neti pot thingie?
Lar
Posted by Declan on April 11, 2007, at 17:46:20
In reply to Re: Vasomotor ? » Declan, posted by Larry Hoover on April 11, 2007, at 5:12:34
Hi Larry, I don't have a link.
I bought my neti pot from an accupuncturist/naturopath who was kind enough to sell it to me.
I have even refrained from using it as a water pipe.
Posted by Declan on April 11, 2007, at 17:48:48
In reply to Re: neti pot, posted by gardenergirl on April 11, 2007, at 4:45:02
Do they work?
I was hoping all this gunk would bypass the eardrum (how?) and schloop up into the candle, so when all I saw was a bit of ear wax I was disappointed.
Maybe I expected too much?
Maybe the dose was too low?
Posted by zenhussy on April 13, 2007, at 14:35:53
In reply to Re: Vasomotor ? » Declan, posted by Larry Hoover on April 11, 2007, at 5:12:34
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=neti+pot&gbv=2
that wise man Phil also posted about neti pots several years back (must be that allergy time of year for many)
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030407/msgs/218578.html
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 13, 2007, at 17:43:01
In reply to google images link to net pots » Larry Hoover, posted by zenhussy on April 13, 2007, at 14:35:53
This is the end of the thread.
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