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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Clogged Sinus

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Posted on Tue, 25 Aug 2015
Question: I'm 64 and in good health. I walk 3 miles/day (16 minute pace), and have for 25 years. I'm 6'2' and weigh about 235 (unfortunately have gained 10 lbs. the last few months.) My oxygen saturation rate has always been about 97. My entire life I have clogged sinus. This has affected my sleep, off and on. For example, if I'm sleeping on my right side, I often can't breath out of the right nostril. This has been happening as long as I remember. I'll turn over and the same thing will happen on the other side.

The last few weeks I've noticed that (only) when sleeping on my back, I will wake myself up by blowing a small "PUFF" of air out of my closed mouth. I' don't snore and do sleep with my mouth closed. It doesn't seem to happen every night, and when it does I only notice it once a night. Prior to the last few weeks, I have never noticed this before, but my wife says she has noticed it off and on for a number of years (5 or more). A few times a week I take Afrin spray to better breathe for sleep, but the occasional "puffing" seems to occur whether or not I take the Afrin.

Any idea what might be going on and if this anything serious to worry about. As you can tell, I am somewhat hypochondriacal.

Thanks very much.

XXXX


doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
no need to worry much for this. This is not serious disease.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description,possibility of sinusitis is more.
It is due to inflammation of sinuses.
Common causes for this are infections,inflammation and structural defects.
Viral infections are common. Inflammation due to dust,pollen,pollution etc is also common.
Sometimes structural defects in sinuses can also cause similar symptoms.
So better to consult ENT doctor and get done clinical and endoscopic examination ,x Ray of sinuses for the diagnosis of sinusitis.
You may need antihistamines and intranasal spray containing steroids.
Better not to take afrin nasal spray because it is not good for repetitive use.
Better to consult ENT doctor and first diagnose yourself and than start appropriate treatment.
No need to worry as this is not serious disease.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (39 minutes later)
Thanks Doctor.
Sounds like a low probability of apnea.

For my understanding, can you explain how sinusitis might cause the infrequent "PUFFING".

Thanks again.
Much appreciated.

XXXX

doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
This is due to blockage of nose.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
I can understand your concern.
Sinusitis causes inflammation of sinuses. So this produces secretions.
And these secretions can block the nose.
You are not mouth breather.During night time ,due to secretions your nose is blocked and hence you need to puff out the expired air through mouth.
This is the only possible reason.
Chances of apnea are less because you are not having snoring,morning headache etc.
Please let me know if you are having excessive daytime sleepiness.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15005 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Clogged Sinus

Brief Answer: no need to worry much for this. This is not serious disease. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your concern. By your history and description,possibility of sinusitis is more. It is due to inflammation of sinuses. Common causes for this are infections,inflammation and structural defects. Viral infections are common. Inflammation due to dust,pollen,pollution etc is also common. Sometimes structural defects in sinuses can also cause similar symptoms. So better to consult ENT doctor and get done clinical and endoscopic examination ,x Ray of sinuses for the diagnosis of sinusitis. You may need antihistamines and intranasal spray containing steroids. Better not to take afrin nasal spray because it is not good for repetitive use. Better to consult ENT doctor and first diagnose yourself and than start appropriate treatment. No need to worry as this is not serious disease. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.