Ongoing Sinus Struggles with Unclear Diagnosis
A 33-year-old female weighing 225 pounds is facing a year-long dilemma with her sinuses. Last August (2024), she noticed a slight green discharge from her left maxillary sinus, accompanied by sinus pressure, obstructions, and headaches. Initially believing it was the onset of a sinus infection, she sought medical attention. Although the discharge subsided, other symptoms persisted for weeks, prompting her to visit her primary care physician who prescribed antibiotics. Despite completing the antibiotic course, her symptoms remained unchanged; the discharge did not reappear, yet the pressure and congestion lingered. A follow-up visit led to a steroid treatment, which failed to offer any relief. After a second round of steroids, there was marginal improvement, but the side effects heightened her anxiety, halting further steroid usage. Seeking additional answers, she consulted her dentist for an evaluation and X-rays, but no dental problems were found. Frustrated with the lack of progress, she opted to pay out of pocket for a facial MRI in February, which revealed some fluid or blockage—possibly a cyst. Following this, she was referred to an ENT specialist. As she awaited her ENT appointment, she began experiencing dizziness (not constant, but recurring), left ear pain, and discomfort in her upper teeth. The earliest appointment she could secure with the specialist was at the start of July. The ENT suggested a prolonged antibiotic regimen spanning 28 days, along with a facial CT scan. As she nears the completion of her medication, she continues to feel unwell. Her CT scan is scheduled for August 7, followed by a follow-up with the doctor on August 11, where she hopes for some clarity regarding her condition. Meanwhile, she is eager to gather feedback or insights on her situation—could this be indicative of a sinus cyst? After all, her only experience with green discharge was extremely mild and occurred nearly a year ago. Furthermore, her issues have solely been linked to her left sinus, casting doubt on the possibility of a chronic sinus infection. She fears that there might be a serious underlying issue that may require surgical intervention to resolve her ongoing discomfort.
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 2:40:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
You are facing ongoing sinus issues, including pressure, congestion, and discomfort, along with concerning symptoms like dizziness and ear pain. It can be frustrating not to have clear answers, especially after multiple treatments. It's important to acknowledge your concerns about potential underlying conditions and surgical interventions.
Understanding Your Symptoms
The symptoms you're describing—persistent pressure, congestion, facial discomfort, and now dizziness—could be associated with several conditions, including:
- Chronic Sinusitis: This is characterized by prolonged inflammation of the sinuses, often leading to similar symptoms you're experiencing, despite treatment.
- Sinus Cysts or Polyps: These can block sinus drainage and lead to symptoms similar to yours. They might explain the fluid found in your MRI.
- Ear Issues: Ear pain can sometimes be referred pain from sinus problems or can indicate an ear infection, especially if accompanied by dizziness.
Why the Delay in Diagnosis?
It's quite common for sinus-related issues to require multiple assessments. Fluid accumulation or blockage can be tricky; sometimes symptoms evolve or change over time, necessitating various diagnostic tests (like MRI and CT scans).
Next Steps
While awaiting your CT scan and ENT follow-up, prioritize the following actions:
-
Symptom Diary: Keep track of your symptoms—note when the dizziness occurs, any triggers for your ear pain, or changes in your sinus symptoms. This can help your ENT specialist assess the situation more thoroughly.
-
Hydrate and Rest: Increased hydration can help thin mucus, and rest is essential to your recovery.
-
Saline Nasal Rinse: Using a saline nasal spray or rinse may help clear your nasal passages and reduce congestion.
-
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, or allergens that might further irritate your sinuses.
-
Manage Anxiety: Since you mentioned heightened anxiety from treatments, consider practicing relaxation techniques—such as deep breathing exercises or meditation—to help you cope.
What to Discuss with Your ENT
When you see the ENT, share your symptom diary and express your concerns about a cyst or any need for surgical intervention. Ask about the implications of the CT scan results and what treatment options are available based on your findings.
It's understandable to feel anxious about the prospect of serious conditions, but remember that many sinus issues can be managed effectively with appropriate treatment. Keep faith in the evaluations and the medical team that is working to find a solution for you. Let me know if you need more information or support during this time.
Related Questions
Living with Chronic Urticaria After Antihistamine Withdrawal
A 26-year-old African American female, who does not consume alcohol and occasionally uses marijuana, has a medical history of chronic sinusitis, which severely worsened in early June. By mid-June, she faced a significant shift in her quality of life. Initially, she found that she could no longer tolerate hot showers due to an intense itching sensation in her lower legs and feet, although hives did not appear at that stage. She promptly adapted to cooler showers. However, one night, she woke up to discover welts and hives on her buttocks and lower back. Assuming it was a fluke occurrence, she changed her sleepwear and returned to bed. Within a fortnight, she experienced hives and itching on her hands and legs, along with slight swelling of her lips, prompting a visit to her physician. She was prescribed a taper of prednisone and Zyrtec, which provided immediate relief and felt like a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, after the steroids ran out a few days later, she continued taking Zyrtec for nearly two weeks but noticed that the hives had vanished. Believing that she was in the clear, she discontinued Zyrtec for two days. However, for the past five days, she has been plagued with severe itching and burning hives, which have intensified beyond the original breakout. The level of discomfort is so debilitating that it has caused her to contemplate the unthinkable if this is how her life will continue. The allergist advised her to refrain from using antihistamines until her appointment on Monday, yet she feels her suffering is unbearable. A topical 1% hydrocortisone cream offers only fleeting relief. In recent days, her sleep has been cut short, averaging no more than three hours each night, as she's often awakened by the burning sensation. In an effort to regain control over her situation, she has been vigorously cleaning and laundering her belongings. Once an avid hiker and cyclist who enjoyed dressing up, her life has changed drastically in the past six weeks. She is supposed to be relocating and embarking on a new chapter in a different city while job hunting this month; however, her condition has overshadowed these plans. The stress of not being able to eat or sleep properly is overwhelming for her. She even discovered evidence of carpet beetle larvae and dust mites in her living space, which could have triggered her initial hives and itching, but the intensification of her condition feels far worse. She is struggling to remain composed but is terrified by the possibility of a chronic diagnosis, which could mean months or even years before she finds relief. With having left her job for the move, she currently lacks insurance, which adds to the financial strain and escalates her stress levels.
Understanding Mononucleosis Treatment
Hello everyone, My younger brother, aged 22, is currently battling a severe case of mononucleosis. Over the past week, he has been experiencing extreme fatigue, has developed white patches in his throat, and is dealing with swollen lymph nodes. Initially, a physician prescribed him amoxicillin at a dosage of 1g twice daily; however, his condition did not improve; in fact, it deteriorated to the point where he struggled to eat and move. He eventually consulted another doctor who expressed concern upon examining his throat. This new physician prescribed a regimen of Augmentin, recommending 1g every three hours for the first six hours, resulting in a total intake of 3g, followed by a further dose of 1g every eight hours. Additionally, she advised him to visit the emergency room if he notices any changes in his uvula. My brother is feeling anxious about the high dosage of Augmentin (3g within six hours) and is too fatigued to seek a second opinion from another doctor. I’m curious to hear your thoughts: is this dosage appropriate and justified for his condition?
Three Days Overdue and Three Negative Tests — Seeking Clarity
Greetings to the medical professionals and knowledgeable community! I'm reaching out for some guidance regarding my current situation. * Age: 32 years, female. * My last menstrual cycle commenced on June 29. * I typically have consistent 29-day cycles, meaning my next period was anticipated on July 28. * Currently, I find myself three days overdue and have conducted three pregnancy tests, all yielding negative results (the latest taken today, approximately 17 to 18 days post-ovulation). * Throughout this cycle, I engaged in unprotected intercourse several times, but utilized the withdrawal method every time, ensuring there was no ejaculation inside. * The instances of intercourse occurred around July 4, 5, and 8 (within my likely fertile period), as well as on July 16, 22, and 24 (post-ovulation). * The only significant symptom I've experienced so far is breast tenderness for the past week; there has been no spotting or feelings of nausea. * Earlier this cycle, I suspected having a yeast infection and took a course of fluconazole (total of four pills). * Tests conducted for yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea all returned negative results. * I suspect that the irritation could stem from frequent unlubricated intercourse and possible sensitivity to detergent, which might have exacerbated my symptoms. I am keen to avoid any unnecessary expenses, so I would like to know: Is it possible that illness, irritation, or the effects of taking fluconazole could cause such a delay in my period, even with consistently negative pregnancy tests? Thank you for any advice or insights you can provide!
Ongoing Facial Swelling with No Clear Resolution
Age: 29 Gender: Female Height: 5'5" Weight: 145 lbs Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: 3 months Affected Areas: Face and Neck Hello everyone, I'm reaching out for assistance, as I feel quite unsure about my next steps. It all began in April when I discovered an abscess above the site of a root canal I had undergone in 2023. Upon visiting my dentist, I found out that the root canal had become infected. I was referred to an endodontist who conducted two different procedural treatments for the infection. After the first treatment, I experienced significant swelling for a few days. By the end of April 2025, all treatment sessions had concluded. For about a month afterward, I dealt with occasional swelling, but then my face returned to its usual appearance. In June, when I returned to the dentist to replace my compromised crown from the infection treatment, I was fitted with a temporary crown that fell out several times. Fortunately, I managed to reattach it using dental glue, and I also returned to the office to have them fix it. After receiving the permanent crown, however, swelling reoccurred, but only on the left side of my face, corresponding to the site of the infected tooth. The endodontist reviewed scans and assured me there was no active infection and that healing was progressing well; he advised me to be patient. After consulting my primary care physician, she expressed uncertainty about how to assist me, but referred me for a neck ultrasound because my lymph nodes were enlarged. This ultrasound showed normal findings, yet it noted that my left-side lymph nodes were indeed enlarged but not a cause for concern. Given my history of jaw surgery, I consulted an oral surgeon to ensure that my plates and screws were intact. He reported that everything appeared fine, though he did find a small periapical lesion above the root canal site, which he stated shouldn't be causing the swelling and is typical during the healing phase. As of late July 2025, I am still experiencing some facial swelling. While it's not excessively pronounced, I can feel a fullness. I sought help from a lymphatic specialist for massages, thinking it could relate to lymphatic issues, but without success. Additionally, I've been adhering to anti-inflammatory protocols through supplements and dietary changes for over two weeks, but haven't seen any improvement. Recently, I ended up in the ER due to the swelling and was given IV antibiotics which provided temporary relief, but a CT scan with contrast yielded no significant findings. Lab tests, including urine and bloodwork, came back normal, and I was prescribed Augmentin, but after four days, I haven't noticed notable changes. Has anyone here dealt with similar issues or have suggestions on what I might try next or insights into what could be happening? Thank you for any advice you can share!
Understanding Red Spots on Eyelids: Is It Normal?
I’m a 22-year-old male, weighing 145 pounds, currently on famotidine. I don’t smoke or use drugs, but I'm a frequent contact lens wearer. Recently, I've experienced some itchiness and the emergence of red spots on my eyelid, which have become recurrent. After visiting a physician, I was prescribed prednisone, as the doctor noted the presence of these spots on my conjunctiva, possibly linked to my contact lenses. Though the itchiness has subsided, I still notice the redness on my eyelids. Is this something I should be concerned about?