Announcements
WebMD Privacy Policy Changes Coming -- Please Read!
Read Dr Moser's Family Webicine blog - The (Unwanted) Gift of Gag | Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) | Ear Infection Health Center | Cold & Flu Health Center | Itchy Ears FAQS | Ear Anatomy | Sinus Anatomy
Includes Expert Content
Congestion/PND
marg01 posted:
3 weeks ago I began having runny nose and sore throat - then severe fatigue for a few days. After 1 week I got most of my energy back but I started feeling quite congested in my sinuses with a ton of thick PND. Its pretty bad in the morning as I have to hack up think chunky yellowing mucus. During the day the it alters between sinus congestion (alternating sides) and thick, white PND. Even my saliva seems thick. After 2 weeks of the congestion and PND I decided to go to urgent care doctor. He said he thought he heard some bronchitis on the right side and gave me Z-Pak. After a few days, I thought I was starting to feel better but last night was awful - I kept waking up gasping for air - I would clear out the gunk and then fall back asleep only to have it happen again. I don't have a fever or any facial pain other than a mild headache on my forehead that comes and goes. I'm a volunteer at my son's elementary school and I know that many of the ladies I volunteer with seem to have something similar. Could a cold last this long? I've never been treated for allergies - could this be allergies (I don't have any itching or watery eyes and very little sneezing) I did break my nose 2 times and have a deviated septum - leaving the right opening noticeably small. Should I just treat the symptoms and wait it out? I have never had good luck with decongestants or steriod nasal sprays as they make me jittery with heart palpitations. I would appreciate any advice.
18 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Congestion/PND3 weeks ago I began having runny nose and sore throat - then severe fatigue for a few days. After 1 week I got most of my energy back but I started feeling quite congested in my sinuses with a ton of thick PND. Its pretty bad in the morning as I have to hack up think chunky yellowing mucus. During the day the it alters between sinus congestion (alternating sides) and thick, white PND. Even my saliva seems thick. After 2 weeks of the congestion and PND I decided to go to urgent care doctor. He said he thought he heard some bronchitis on the right side and gave me Z-Pak. After a few days, I thought I was starting to feel better but last night was awful - I kept waking up gasping for air - I would clear out the gunk and then fall back asleep only to have it happen again. I don't have a fever or any facial pain other than a mild headache on my forehead that comes and goes. I'm a volunteer at my son's elementary school and I know that many of the ladies I volunteer with seem to have something similar. Could a cold last this long? I've never been treated for allergies - could this be allergies (I don't have any itching or watery eyes and very little sneezing) I did break my nose 2 times and have a deviated septum - leaving the right opening noticeably small. Should I just treat the symptoms and wait it out? I have never had good luck with decongestants or steriod nasal sprays as they make me jittery with heart palpitations. I would appreciate any advice.
Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
First, I would like to comment on the thoroughness of your posting. Thank you.
Most of these upper respiratory problems are due to viruses...but secondary bacterial infections, especially in the sinuses, are common. Allergies can play a role as well. Since viruses can be back to back -- getting another cold before the first one left -- the symptoms may run together and seem to last longer than anticipated. It is possible to have BOTH a virus and allergies causing problems.
The Z-pak will work for a bacterial bronchitis, but not a virus....and it doesn't work that great for sinusitis. If you are still having problems, you should see your medical provider again. You may need re-treatment.
In the meantime, use some saline nasal sprays...at least they will not cause palpitations. Ibuprofen can also help.
Most of these upper respiratory problems are due to viruses...but secondary bacterial infections, especially in the sinuses, are common. Allergies can play a role as well. Since viruses can be back to back -- getting another cold before the first one left -- the symptoms may run together and seem to last longer than anticipated. It is possible to have BOTH a virus and allergies causing problems.
The Z-pak will work for a bacterial bronchitis, but not a virus....and it doesn't work that great for sinusitis. If you are still having problems, you should see your medical provider again. You may need re-treatment.
In the meantime, use some saline nasal sprays...at least they will not cause palpitations. Ibuprofen can also help.
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDFirst, I would like to comment on the thoroughness of your posting. Thank you.<br /> <br />Most of these upper respiratory problems are due to viruses...but secondary bacterial infections, especially in the sinuses, are common. Allergies can play a role as well. Since viruses can be back to back -- getting another cold before the first one left -- the symptoms may run together and seem to last longer than anticipated. It is possible to have BOTH a virus and allergies causing problems.<br /> <br />The Z-pak will work for a bacterial bronchitis, but not a virus....and it doesn't work that great for sinusitis. If you are still having problems, you should see your medical provider again. You may need re-treatment.<br /> <br />In the meantime, use some saline nasal sprays...at least they will not cause palpitations. Ibuprofen can also help.
marg01 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Funny you should mention back to back colds... As I sit here using my computer for the last hour, I noticed I've used up nearly a whole pack of tissue. My nose is running like crazy (to me thats much better than going down the back of the throat!). Anyway, I just thought - this seems like a completely new cold. I know I am exposed to alot of germs since I do volunteer for lunchroom and playground supervision at an elementary school. Maybe since I wasn't completely recovered from the first cold I was more suseceptible to another one?
Thanks also for info about the Z-pak. I was hoping that it might help me in case this was a sinus infection but I'll follow up with my primary doctor if I don't feel better soon. Honestly, so much "snot" - where does it all come from?
Thanks also for info about the Z-pak. I was hoping that it might help me in case this was a sinus infection but I'll follow up with my primary doctor if I don't feel better soon. Honestly, so much "snot" - where does it all come from?
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDFunny you should mention back to back colds... As I sit here using my computer for the last hour, I noticed I've used up nearly a whole pack of tissue. My nose is running like crazy (to me thats much better than going down the back of the throat!). Anyway, I just thought - this seems like a completely new cold. I know I am exposed to alot of germs since I do volunteer for lunchroom and playground supervision at an elementary school. Maybe since I wasn't completely recovered from the first cold I was more suseceptible to another one?<br />Thanks also for info about the Z-pak. I was hoping that it might help me in case this was a sinus infection but I'll follow up with my primary doctor if I don't feel better soon. Honestly, so much "snot" - where does it all come from?
The snot, of course, comes from your inflammed nasal tissues. When people have not been exposed to elementary schools (or day-care facilities), their bodies may not be prepared to fight off the over 200 (!) different respiratory viruses that you may encounter.
Don't worry. With each exposure you will build a better immunity, and eventually, your immune system will toughen-up to where all of those kid-germs are no longer a threat.
Don't worry. With each exposure you will build a better immunity, and eventually, your immune system will toughen-up to where all of those kid-germs are no longer a threat.
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDThe snot, of course, comes from your inflammed nasal tissues. When people have not been exposed to elementary schools (or day-care facilities), their bodies may not be prepared to fight off the over 200 (!) different respiratory viruses that you may encounter. <br /> <br />Don't worry. With each exposure you will build a better immunity, and eventually, your immune system will toughen-up to where all of those kid-germs are no longer a threat.
marg01 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thanks for your reassurance. I hope so. I've been volunteering for the whole school year and end up spending alot of time there with the kids. Over the fall and winter "flu" season I was very vigilant about using my hand sanitizer and not touching my face, etc... I haven't had so much as a sniffle for over 2 years. Then the warm weather came and for some reason I let down my guard - thinking the warm air and open windows meant no more colds and flu. Lesson learned!
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDThanks for your reassurance. I hope so. I've been volunteering for the whole school year and end up spending alot of time there with the kids. Over the fall and winter "flu" season I was very vigilant about using my hand sanitizer and not touching my face, etc... I haven't had so much as a sniffle for over 2 years. Then the warm weather came and for some reason I let down my guard - thinking the warm air and open windows meant no more colds and flu. Lesson learned!
One more question, if you don't mind. I'm trying to figure out if allergies are playing a role right now. I read somewhere on this site that if you don't know for sure, try taking antihistamine and if you feel alot better than its probably allergies. I decided to try Benadryl to see if it helped. I found a good deal of relief because I think it dried alot of the mucus up but I'm still coughing up mucus and blowing my nose from time to time. I think it helped me sleep better. I also had a low grade fever last night. Can allergies cause fever?
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDOne more question, if you don't mind. I'm trying to figure out if allergies are playing a role right now. I read somewhere on this site that if you don't know for sure, try taking antihistamine and if you feel alot better than its probably allergies. I decided to try Benadryl to see if it helped. I found a good deal of relief because I think it dried alot of the mucus up but I'm still coughing up mucus and blowing my nose from time to time. I think it helped me sleep better. I also had a low grade fever last night. Can allergies cause fever?
No, allergies do not usually cause fever. And, sometimes a low-grade fever means nothing. There are no rules in medicine that states a person with allergies cannot ALSO have a cold, or a secondary bacterial infection. So,you may have a cold AND have a concurrent allergy.
Taking an antihistamine to see if it helps is not definitive proof that you have allergies, but it certainly is a possibility. You may want to try a more longer-lasting and less-sedating antihistamine, like Claritin or Zyrtec.
Taking an antihistamine to see if it helps is not definitive proof that you have allergies, but it certainly is a possibility. You may want to try a more longer-lasting and less-sedating antihistamine, like Claritin or Zyrtec.
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDNo, allergies do not usually cause fever. And, sometimes a low-grade fever means nothing. There are no rules in medicine that states a person with allergies cannot ALSO have a cold, or a secondary bacterial infection. So,you may have a cold AND have a concurrent allergy.<br /> <br />Taking an antihistamine to see if it helps is not definitive proof that you have allergies, but it certainly is a possibility. You may want to try a more longer-lasting and less-sedating antihistamine, like Claritin or Zyrtec.
marg01 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thank you, I really appreciate your help. I now see that there are probably a few things going on. The bronchitis is much more apparent right now (When I went to urgent care last Saturday I think the bronchitis was just starting - very mild.) The urgent care doctor told me to follow up with my primary care doctor if I didn't start to feel better soon. I thought I was feeling better until last night when I had a really hard time with coughing - I could feel my bronchial airways swollen - the more I coughed the more I found it hard to breathe. I really had to calm myself and to try to stop coughing so I could breathe better (if that makes any sense). Ibuprofen helped some and my primary care doctor isn't in the office on Friday's or weekends. Should I see improvement with the Z-Pak yet (I'm done with the pills and its been 6-7 days since I started taking them)? If they haven't helped should I assume the bronchitis is viral and rest/wait it out? Not sure what to do. ..
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDThank you, I really appreciate your help. I now see that there are probably a few things going on. The bronchitis is much more apparent right now (When I went to urgent care last Saturday I think the bronchitis was just starting - very mild.) The urgent care doctor told me to follow up with my primary care doctor if I didn't start to feel better soon. I thought I was feeling better until last night when I had a really hard time with coughing - I could feel my bronchial airways swollen - the more I coughed the more I found it hard to breathe. I really had to calm myself and to try to stop coughing so I could breathe better (if that makes any sense). Ibuprofen helped some and my primary care doctor isn't in the office on Friday's or weekends. Should I see improvement with the Z-Pak yet (I'm done with the pills and its been 6-7 days since I started taking them)? If they haven't helped should I assume the bronchitis is viral and rest/wait it out? Not sure what to do. ..
As you probably know, azithromycin (Z-Pak) is taken for five days, but works for ten days. You are 70% completed with your course of treatment, but have not shown significant improvement. Yes, it could indicate your problem was viral, or that you had a pathogen that was not responsive to azithromycin. Bronchitis can also cause a "reactive airway", which is similar to asthma.
This is a holiday weekend (always the case!), so you will have to be the judge on whether you can wait until Tuesday to be re-examined or seek medical care at the urgent care before then. The fact that you are having some difficulty breathing is concerning, of course, so you may want to consider not waiting until Tuesday...especially if you are feverish or starting to go South (feeling worse).
This is a holiday weekend (always the case!), so you will have to be the judge on whether you can wait until Tuesday to be re-examined or seek medical care at the urgent care before then. The fact that you are having some difficulty breathing is concerning, of course, so you may want to consider not waiting until Tuesday...especially if you are feverish or starting to go South (feeling worse).
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDAs you probably know, azithromycin (Z-Pak) is taken for five days, but works for ten days. You are 70% completed with your course of treatment, but have not shown significant improvement. Yes, it could indicate your problem was viral, or that you had a pathogen that was not responsive to azithromycin. Bronchitis can also cause a "reactive airway", which is similar to asthma.<br /> <br />This is a holiday weekend (always the case!), so you will have to be the judge on whether you can wait until Tuesday to be re-examined or seek medical care at the urgent care before then. The fact that you are having some difficulty breathing is concerning, of course, so you may want to consider not waiting until Tuesday...especially if you are feverish or starting to go South (feeling worse).
marg01 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thanks again. I've been really taking it easy for the past couple of days and it has helped me. The coughing episode I had a few days back was pretty bad and it left my airways and throat very irritated and probably inflamed - and the heat that day was very humid and oppressive - which didn't help. My mom is a retired RN and she came over to check on me and advised me to take it easy and brought some ibuprofen and some cough syrup (always a mom no matter how old you are) I knew I wouldn't be able to see the doctor so I quickly ordered a blood test online (the CMP and CBC were offered togetether for pretty cheap) online and went in for a blood draw. I've already received the results and nothing in it was out of range. I guess I was thinking that if anything looked bad I would go again to urgent care. Last night I saw on the local news that the ERs are currently swampled with cases of bronchitis. Also, my mom just called and she's got a cold 
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDThanks again. I've been really taking it easy for the past couple of days and it has helped me. The coughing episode I had a few days back was pretty bad and it left my airways and throat very irritated and probably inflamed - and the heat that day was very humid and oppressive - which didn't help. My mom is a retired RN and she came over to check on me and advised me to take it easy and brought some ibuprofen and some cough syrup (always a mom no matter how old you are) I knew I wouldn't be able to see the doctor so I quickly ordered a blood test online (the CMP and CBC were offered togetether for pretty cheap) online and went in for a blood draw. I've already received the results and nothing in it was out of range. I guess I was thinking that if anything looked bad I would go again to urgent care. Last night I saw on the local news that the ERs are currently swampled with cases of bronchitis. Also, my mom just called and she's got a cold <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/frown.gif" align="top" border="0">
marg01 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Hello again Dr. Moser. I'd like your valued opinion on my latest treatment. Since my last post I managed to get through the weekend pretty well. I didn't have the coughing fits that were bothering me toward the end of last week. No fever. I felt that maybe I was slowly getting better. I decided to follow up with my primary care doctor anyway. I met with her yesterday - we discussed how I have been feeling. She decided to take a chest x-ray and PFT. The chest x-ray didn't reveal anything to her, I failed the PFT, (I took the test 3 times, the first time I didn't know what I was doing and stopped blowing into in after I heard the first click - wrong! The 2nd and 3rd time I tried harder but I have to admit it was difficult and I knew I failed before she told me.) My CBC and other blood tests looked good. She also drew blood because my thyroid feels nodular ( I have Hashimoto's, though I haven't had to take meds for it for several years now - it "presented itself" post-partum) She told me she was worried I might have walking pnuemonia and since the z-pak didn't seem to do anything she prescribed Levaquin 500 for 10 days. After 2 doses I am having pretty bad gut aching (woke me up in the middle of the night and I spit up the berries I had for breakfast), some dizziness and I feel a yeast infection coming on. I did notice this morning that I have a keen sense of smell once again (I can smell my cute but stinky dogs, coffee, the new mattress I just bought, the smell of a house not cleaned very well over the past month 
) It hasn't seemed to do anything for the cough other than it seems "drier", no mucus, barky. I'm concerned about the gut aching and dizziness. On top of that I just read the "black box" label on the pills and that kind of freaked me out. Usually I don't read that kind of stuff because I know all meds have risks - but it was right there - first on the list - you couldn't miss that! I'd like to call her in the morning to tell her that I can't handle the gut pain and really dread a yeast infection. Would I have other options? Is it OK to stop a treatment like this. Will it come back worse?
) It hasn't seemed to do anything for the cough other than it seems "drier", no mucus, barky. I'm concerned about the gut aching and dizziness. On top of that I just read the "black box" label on the pills and that kind of freaked me out. Usually I don't read that kind of stuff because I know all meds have risks - but it was right there - first on the list - you couldn't miss that! I'd like to call her in the morning to tell her that I can't handle the gut pain and really dread a yeast infection. Would I have other options? Is it OK to stop a treatment like this. Will it come back worse?Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDHello again Dr. Moser. I'd like your valued opinion on my latest treatment. Since my last post I managed to get through the weekend pretty well. I didn't have the coughing fits that were bothering me toward the end of last week. No fever. I felt that maybe I was slowly getting better. I decided to follow up with my primary care doctor anyway. I met with her yesterday - we discussed how I have been feeling. She decided to take a chest x-ray and PFT. The chest x-ray didn't reveal anything to her, I failed the PFT, (I took the test 3 times, the first time I didn't know what I was doing and stopped blowing into in after I heard the first click - wrong! The 2nd and 3rd time I tried harder but I have to admit it was difficult and I knew I failed before she told me.) My CBC and other blood tests looked good. She also drew blood because my thyroid feels nodular ( I have Hashimoto's, though I haven't had to take meds for it for several years now - it "presented itself" post-partum) She told me she was worried I might have walking pnuemonia and since the z-pak didn't seem to do anything she prescribed Levaquin 500 for 10 days. After 2 doses I am having pretty bad gut aching (woke me up in the middle of the night and I spit up the berries I had for breakfast), some dizziness and I feel a yeast infection coming on. I did notice this morning that I have a keen sense of smell once again (I can smell my cute but stinky dogs, coffee, the new mattress I just bought, the smell of a house not cleaned very well over the past month <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0"> ) It hasn't seemed to do anything for the cough other than it seems "drier", no mucus, barky. I'm concerned about the gut aching and dizziness. On top of that I just read the "black box" label on the pills and that kind of freaked me out. Usually I don't read that kind of stuff because I know all meds have risks - but it was right there - first on the list - you couldn't miss that! I'd like to call her in the morning to tell her that I can't handle the gut pain and really dread a yeast infection. Would I have other options? Is it OK to stop a treatment like this. Will it come back worse?
Yes, there are certainly other antibiotics for you to take if you cannot take the Levaquin due to GI problems. Many antibiotics will do this, not just this one. A yeast infection can be controlled, but the GI symptoms may continue for the entire course of treatment. The fact that you are feeling a bt=it better, at least with your ability to smell, seems to indicate that you needed this extrinsic help.
I don't think you should stop the medications, but you may need to ask for a change.
By the way, I couldn't take Levaquin myself....if that means anything.
I don't think you should stop the medications, but you may need to ask for a change.
By the way, I couldn't take Levaquin myself....if that means anything.
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDYes, there are certainly other antibiotics for you to take if you cannot take the Levaquin due to GI problems. Many antibiotics will do this, not just this one. A yeast infection can be controlled, but the GI symptoms may continue for the entire course of treatment. The fact that you are feeling a bt=it better, at least with your ability to smell, seems to indicate that you needed this extrinsic help.<br /> <br />I don't think you should stop the medications, but you may need to ask for a change.<br /> <br />By the way, I couldn't take Levaquin myself....if that means anything.
marg01 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thank you again. My saga continues... I told my Doc about my GI problems. She said she really didn't want to change the meds and asked me to try to take the meds with a meal. I agreed and took the next pill with my lunch. Didn't help any. Called again the next morning and talked to Doc's assistant explaining that taking with a meal didn't help and I wanted my Doc to call in another prescription and left the phone number for my pharmacy. I still hadn't heard back from them by lunchtime so I took another dose with my lunch and went grocery shopping right afterward. I ended up feeling nauseous at the store and luckily made it to the bathroom where I vomited. I doubt that dose even stayed in my system. Later I checked my messages and my Doc had called and said she was leaving the office and gave me a number to be reached in case of urgent need. Well, I don't consider this urgent and I can't understand why she didn't just call the pharmacy to change my antibiotic - I'm assuming she has valid reasons. I'm going to wait until Monday to call yet again to tell them that I stopped taking the meds.
After being off the meds for a day or so, my nausea is starting to subside. As far as my "original illness" goes, (as opposed to the illness from the meds), my cough is much better though not completely gone. I am left with noticeably inflamed sinuses with some thick PND - not constant - but definitely bothersome. I think the PND is what is causing my leftover cough with mucous. On top of that I have developed a large cystic acne nodule on my chin (I've dealt with acne most of my adult life) which is causing tenderness in lymph nodes in my neck just below my chin and one behind my ear I think. I am not surprised that my sinuses are taking so long to clear up after my bad cold(s). This is not new to me. I have seen an ENT about this in the past but my last appt with him 2 years ago he told me maybe I should be evaluated for allergies. The ENT also mentioned that maybe my deviated septum might need repairing but he didn't really push the subject too much so I just forgot about it until now.
So I really don't know what to think at this point: not sure why my primary Doc wants me to "tough it out" (taking the Levaquin), or why my sinuses continue to act up. I did make an appt with my son's allergist to test me for allergies. As far as the acne cyst is concerned, my dermatologist is retired but he used to give me cortisone injections and prescribe Ery Tabs and that seemed to work. That was so long ago. Are Ery Tabs still around? Could they help sinus infection AND acne cyst?
After being off the meds for a day or so, my nausea is starting to subside. As far as my "original illness" goes, (as opposed to the illness from the meds), my cough is much better though not completely gone. I am left with noticeably inflamed sinuses with some thick PND - not constant - but definitely bothersome. I think the PND is what is causing my leftover cough with mucous. On top of that I have developed a large cystic acne nodule on my chin (I've dealt with acne most of my adult life) which is causing tenderness in lymph nodes in my neck just below my chin and one behind my ear I think. I am not surprised that my sinuses are taking so long to clear up after my bad cold(s). This is not new to me. I have seen an ENT about this in the past but my last appt with him 2 years ago he told me maybe I should be evaluated for allergies. The ENT also mentioned that maybe my deviated septum might need repairing but he didn't really push the subject too much so I just forgot about it until now.
So I really don't know what to think at this point: not sure why my primary Doc wants me to "tough it out" (taking the Levaquin), or why my sinuses continue to act up. I did make an appt with my son's allergist to test me for allergies. As far as the acne cyst is concerned, my dermatologist is retired but he used to give me cortisone injections and prescribe Ery Tabs and that seemed to work. That was so long ago. Are Ery Tabs still around? Could they help sinus infection AND acne cyst?
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDThank you again. My saga continues... I told my Doc about my GI problems. She said she really didn't want to change the meds and asked me to try to take the meds with a meal. I agreed and took the next pill with my lunch. Didn't help any. Called again the next morning and talked to Doc's assistant explaining that taking with a meal didn't help and I wanted my Doc to call in another prescription and left the phone number for my pharmacy. I still hadn't heard back from them by lunchtime so I took another dose with my lunch and went grocery shopping right afterward. I ended up feeling nauseous at the store and luckily made it to the bathroom where I vomited. I doubt that dose even stayed in my system. Later I checked my messages and my Doc had called and said she was leaving the office and gave me a number to be reached in case of urgent need. Well, I don't consider this urgent and I can't understand why she didn't just call the pharmacy to change my antibiotic - I'm assuming she has valid reasons. I'm going to wait until Monday to call yet again to tell them that I stopped taking the meds. <br />After being off the meds for a day or so, my nausea is starting to subside. As far as my "original illness" goes, (as opposed to the illness from the meds), my cough is much better though not completely gone. I am left with noticeably inflamed sinuses with some thick PND - not constant - but definitely bothersome. I think the PND is what is causing my leftover cough with mucous. On top of that I have developed a large cystic acne nodule on my chin (I've dealt with acne most of my adult life) which is causing tenderness in lymph nodes in my neck just below my chin and one behind my ear I think. I am not surprised that my sinuses are taking so long to clear up after my bad cold(s). This is not new to me. I have seen an ENT about this in the past but my last appt with him 2 years ago he told me maybe I should be evaluated for allergies. The ENT also mentioned that maybe my deviated septum might need repairing but he didn't really push the subject too much so I just forgot about it until now.<br />So I really don't know what to think at this point: not sure why my primary Doc wants me to "tough it out" (taking the Levaquin), or why my sinuses continue to act up. I did make an appt with my son's allergist to test me for allergies. As far as the acne cyst is concerned, my dermatologist is retired but he used to give me cortisone injections and prescribe Ery Tabs and that seemed to work. That was so long ago. Are Ery Tabs still around? Could they help sinus infection AND acne cyst?
Since you didn't get to talk to your doctor personally, she may not have truly appreciated the magnitude of your GI reaction. Nausea is one thing, but barfing your guts out is another. I rarely say this, but I support your decision not to barf until Monday.
Based on what you have shared, you will likely need more antibiotics; something different, obviously. One that can handle this cystic acne lesion as well as the sinuses would be a good choice.
Ery tabs are erythromycin, and yes, they are still around. I rarely use them anymore. Why? They are notorious for causing GI upset! I hope your doctor gives you something different, even if you took them without problems in the past. Erythromycin is not a very good choice for sinusitis.
I don't know if you have a deviated septum that needs surgery or not, but you are correct to question this. I suggest that you get a second opinion from a different ENT before agreeing to this procedure.
Based on what you have shared, you will likely need more antibiotics; something different, obviously. One that can handle this cystic acne lesion as well as the sinuses would be a good choice.
Ery tabs are erythromycin, and yes, they are still around. I rarely use them anymore. Why? They are notorious for causing GI upset! I hope your doctor gives you something different, even if you took them without problems in the past. Erythromycin is not a very good choice for sinusitis.
I don't know if you have a deviated septum that needs surgery or not, but you are correct to question this. I suggest that you get a second opinion from a different ENT before agreeing to this procedure.
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDSince you didn't get to talk to your doctor personally, she may not have truly appreciated the magnitude of your GI reaction. Nausea is one thing, but barfing your guts out is another. I rarely say this, but I support your decision not to barf until Monday.<br /> <br />Based on what you have shared, you will likely need more antibiotics; something different, obviously. One that can handle this cystic acne lesion as well as the sinuses would be a good choice.<br /> <br />Ery tabs are erythromycin, and yes, they are still around. I rarely use them anymore. Why? They are notorious for causing GI upset! I hope your doctor gives you something different, even if you took them without problems in the past. Erythromycin is not a very good choice for sinusitis.<br /> <br />I don't know if you have a deviated septum that needs surgery or not, but you are correct to question this. I suggest that you get a second opinion from a different ENT before agreeing to this procedure.
marg01 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Yes, maybe she didn't know how bad I was feeling - maybe her assistant didn't tell her everything.
With my history of sinus problems and acne problems (I can't remember a time where they were both acting up at the same time) I have been on my share of antibiotics in my lifetime - especially for the acne. The only antibiotic I can remember having bad GI upset on was Augmentin (for sore throat I believe). The only other problem I have had taking antibiotics is yeast infection. A few years back I had such a terrible yeast infection while taking doxycycline that I decided at that time that I was not going to take antibiotics anymore for acne and try to keep it in check other ways. My methods have worked well so far. This one acne lesion is not going to get me down - though since it does appear I need an antibiotic for my sinuses it would be nice if one antibiotic could help both my problems. It'll be interesting to see what she will choose for me...
With my history of sinus problems and acne problems (I can't remember a time where they were both acting up at the same time) I have been on my share of antibiotics in my lifetime - especially for the acne. The only antibiotic I can remember having bad GI upset on was Augmentin (for sore throat I believe). The only other problem I have had taking antibiotics is yeast infection. A few years back I had such a terrible yeast infection while taking doxycycline that I decided at that time that I was not going to take antibiotics anymore for acne and try to keep it in check other ways. My methods have worked well so far. This one acne lesion is not going to get me down - though since it does appear I need an antibiotic for my sinuses it would be nice if one antibiotic could help both my problems. It'll be interesting to see what she will choose for me...
Report This| Share this:Congestion/PNDYes, maybe she didn't know how bad I was feeling - maybe her assistant didn't tell her everything.<br />With my history of sinus problems and acne problems (I can't remember a time where they were both acting up at the same time) I have been on my share of antibiotics in my lifetime - especially for the acne. The only antibiotic I can remember having bad GI upset on was Augmentin (for sore throat I believe). The only other problem I have had taking antibiotics is yeast infection. A few years back I had such a terrible yeast infection while taking doxycycline that I decided at that time that I was not going to take antibiotics anymore for acne and try to keep it in check other ways. My methods have worked well so far. This one acne lesion is not going to get me down - though since it does appear I need an antibiotic for my sinuses it would be nice if one antibiotic could help both my problems. It'll be interesting to see what she will choose for me...
Featuring Experts
My name is Rod Moser, PA, PhD and I will be the health expert on this particular site, although there may be other experts invited to participate as w...More
Helpful Tips
FAQ Tip #2: Tonsilliths and Cryptic Tonsils
People are often puzzled by white accumulations in their tonsils. Some feel they have Strep, yet they do not really have a red, sore ... More
Was this Helpful?
12
of
19 found this helpful
-
Some Tips to how best to use your Heatlh Expert
-
Zinc and Childhood Ear Infections
-
FAQ Tip # 1: Itchy Ears
Helpful Resources
Expert Blog
Focus on Flu
Find answers to your questions about seasonal flu issues and answers to your concerns about the flu season and H1N1...Read More
Recent Posts
- Flu Myths 12/08/2010
- Flu Shots: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Children 12/03/2010
- Faces of Influenza 12/01/2010
- It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate 01/10/2010
- H1N1 Influenza in 2009: From Possibility to Pandemic 01/08/2010
Related News
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Ear, Nose & Throat Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Advertise With Us|WebMD Corporate|Medscape Reference|eMedicineHealth|RxList|Medscape|MedicineNet|BootsWebMD
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.