Nose/Sinus/Allegery issues...

Ok, I'm at my wit's end here. My nose is so darn sore on the inside, I just can't stand it anymore.

About a month ago, the doctor in the one ER started me on Veramyst nasal spray and antibiotics for a sinus infection and nasal polyps. Never knew I had polyps in my nose... not sure what from or why either. All she said to do was to use the Veramyst, and to do saline rinses. So, that's what I was doing. My nose felt better for about 1 1/2 weeks. Then, it started to get worse again. Seems you can't use the Veramyst for an extended period.

So, about 1 1/2 weeks ago, I started using Zicam, the spray gel sinus stuff that has aloe in it. It does help, I can breathe through my nose, but again, my nose is still so sore on the inside. It's always bleeding and/or bloody, and feels like there is just chunks of stuff inside it. I can't stand this. I'm doing saline rinses 3-4 times a day. I'm using a humidifier that I got at the pharmacy a few days ago, and still... nasty bloody nose, and it's so sore!! I can't even sneeze without getting nose bleeds, and it seems that I'm sneezing a lot. My eyes are watery too, my ears are popping.. I'm taking over the counter allergy meds, but I don't think that they're doing much. My mom said to use Vaseline in my nose (ewwwww....) but I don't see how that will help me breathe through it, just make it harder to breathe!

Any suggestions??

Go to your own doctor! Yeek!

Also, in winter when it is drier, I use a bit of vaseline (I had a cauterization the other day, usually do every year or so and was told to use Polysporin instead) on a q-tip just inside my nose, below the bridge. It helps a LOT. I mean - it's just skin in there. Keep it soothed! :)

Also - salt can really dry things out! My suggestion is cut way back on the saline rinses, start with the vaseline, and get another opinion from your own doctor. He can confirm the polyps (if they ARE there), and possibly suggest another course of treatment.

Part of the reason why I've gone to the ER (walk in center) is because I can never get an appointment at my family doctor until a week later than I need it, and then my ENT closed up shop and moved across country. I had gone to one ENT for years, then he got an associate (the one who just closed up) to take over the practice when he retired 3 years ago. Sigh.

So, right now, I don't have a doctor that I would go to... that's part of the problem. I just go to the walk in center and deal with them. They are really good there, but I know it's not like going to my own physician.

I thought saline rinses were supposed to help irrigate the nose and help things heal better?? I didn't think it would dry it out. The last doctor I saw at the ER who gave me the Veramyst to use said even if I just "sniffed" up salt water into my nose/sinuses, it would help. I prefer to use the saline rinses, as I don't want to snort salt water.

Sounds awful! I think mom might be right about the Vaseline -- its a wonderful thing that I put on everything from my heels on up. A light layer will be all you need to coat and line your nose to help keep it moist and protected.

Kim's right about the thin coat of vaseline, Jennie. The relief is almost instant. Just a super thin coat.

How did the doc know you had polyps? Did he put a camera in your nose? Normally, they insert a tube with a camera in your nostril. It goes back to where the polyps are.

I still use only Nasonex once or twice a day. Usually once. My allergy doctor said to point the spray to the sides of the inside(left and right walls) of your nostrils. He said that will prevent bleeding. It works like a charm. Good luck!!! Sorry you're feeling so yucky! :(

Saline rinses are GOOD, Jenn - but just cut down. MAYBE twice a day at most.

Do the vaseline girl - just try it once and you'll feel the difference!

jenn..maybe you need an allergist or ear/nose/throat specialist.

My mom's breathing problems and allergies, nose cannula (on O2 24/7) caused her nose bleeds and dryness as well. The nose doc told her to put a very very thin coat of Neophorin in her nostrils. (I did it for her). It helped the dryness and soreness. You don't shove it all the way up, just lightly/gently a little forward up the nostril. It helped my poor mom. My brother, unfortunately, inherited her allegery/nasal problems. This weather, with the heat and dryness is wicked. I hope you feel better soon.

I wouldn't use the spray any more than ONE time a day. Do you know if it's an infection or you are allergic? If you're allergic to something, try a pill type medication. The only thing that works for me is a prescription of Bromfenex capsules, 2 a day.
If you have an infection the sprays won't help as much as just keep doing more damage. Try and get an antibiotic that you take orally like liquid or a capsule.