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What Does Breathlessness When On Flexeril And Recovering From Sinus Infection Suggest?

Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015

Question: I have been dealing w chronic sinusitis and sinus infection for past few months. Now i am over the infection after steroids and several rounds of antibiotics. However i am experiencing several eustachian tube dysfunction and discomfort. There is a combination of fluid and air getting trapped which goes up the back of my nose to sinus and gives me a sensation that i cannot breathe. Its very scary and frustration. I took aleve and did a neti pot but i really need help. My ent said no more sign of infection but i feel like there is something very wrong w my inner ears w fluid etc. Also she thought it could be TMJ so i have been using vicks vapor rub and massaging my jaw and taking flexeril at night. Tonight i did a neti pot and gave me no relief. Any suggestions?? Should i try taking claritin tonight? Im so stressed. Please help. Thank u.

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Decongestant might help

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I had gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.
This could be Eustachian tube dysfunction.
I recommend..
1) Avoid smoking. If you are not smoker, kindly ignore this suggestion.
2) Avoid refrigerated foods and drinks.
3) Oral decongestant like tablet levocetrizine with phenylephrine will be better compared to claritin alone.
4) Decongestant nasal drops like oxymetazoline drops to improve Eustachian tube ventilation.

You will be fine. Nothing to worry.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any questions, I am happy to help.
Wish you a good health and speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Paparaja S (10 minutes later)

Ok thank u. It seems to be better when i just keep my jaw closed and dont move it. I am concerned i have tmj :/ and worried about mixing too many medications. Do u think i could have allergies even though no symptoms of allergies? No sneezing running nose etc. i was taking sudafed mucinex combo pill which helps so do u think i should just keep using that for now?

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Stop using sudafed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow up.
If you have TMJ symptoms along with symptomatic treatment like analgesics ex. paracetamol or ibuprofen, physiotherapy might give you long term control. I suggest you to take physiotherapy. Also avoid eating hard foods.

Regarding allergy,
Pseudoephedrine ( Sudafed) is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies. If you are feeling better you can stop sudafed- mucinex.

If you are allergic only in acute conditions you have symptoms like runny nose and congestion. These symptoms may not be present in case of chronic condition and also when you are anti allergy medications.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Take care.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D