every night my sinusis are completely stopped up.

Hi Ms. Shapiro,

You have been suffering for a long time. In my experience, people that have such extreme nasal blockage often have multiple problems contributing to their symptoms.

Questions which come to mind are:

-Are you allergic? Have you had skin testing?

-How long have you been using Afrin?

-Have you had a cat-scan of your sinuses to look for polyps or other lesions?

I think one of your problems is over use of topical nasal decongestant. I have submitted a SharePost about Rhinitis Medicamentosa (over use of decongestant nasal sprays) which should be available to review soon.

People that use Afrin or similar nasal sprays for more than a few days may become dependent on the drug. The risk of dependency increases with prolonged use. Rebound nasal blockage is the driving force that keeps people going back to it.

Treatment for Rhinitis Medicamentosa (RM) is aimed at stopping further use of the Afrin spray. Often, I prescribe a 10 day course of oral steroid to reduce the swelling associated with rebound. You will require help from a doctor to resolve this problem. An allergy specialist may be most helpful in addressing the RM.

You may also have a structural problem with the inner surface of your nose. The Ear, Nose and Throat specialist should re-evaluate you (or get a second opinion).

Saline nasal rinses may also assist in reducing some of your nasal symptoms. There are different ways to do nasal rinsing.

Read more about rebound and nasal rinsing then follow-up with your ENT specialist or see an allergist.

Stay tuned for my article on Rhinitis Medicamentosa.

Good Luck!

J. Thompson, MD

I have the same problem.  I have no polyps, have been skin tested and no allergies except a SLIGHT allergy to dust mites, do not use Afrin or any other over-the-counter nasal sprays.  Years ago I was addicted to Afrin but won't allow myself the joy of using it now.  I use the saline like Dr. Thompson recommended in his answer but it doesn't really help.  I found your question because I am searching for the same answer you are.  I need to breathe through my nose because I will be getting a CPAP machine shortly.   Just wanted you to know you are not alone. 

Hi Lilly,

I have had the same problem for 40 years! I've taken every cortisteroid & decongestant known to man. Without ever"curing" anything! I'm sick of the negative side effects to psuedophedrine. I was told by an ND "naturapathic doctor chronic sinusitis is cased by fungus in the nasal cavity! and guess what? Cortisteroids cause fungus! There was a study done proving this fact by the nayo Clinic. None of the idiot doctors I've gone to will admit this is true! I'm now taking a "safe" homeopathic anti fungul with NO dangerous side effects! It's grapefruitseed extract which can be found in a nasal spray which is mainly water. I'm hoping I'll never need another dangerous prescription again for nasal congestion. So far it's actually working! My nasal passages are less dry & more moisturized using this. I've been on crap for so long (40 yrs.) I know it's going to take a long time to clear all the funus out of my nasal passages. But at least it's safe & cheaper than prescription drugs who only benefit the pharmaceutical industry.. I use Nutribiotic GSE grapfruitseed extract (remember its "grapefruit" seed extract NOT "grape seed" extract. That does have side effects, & doesn't treat sinus problems.

Gloria

Hi Lilly,

I have had the same problem for 40 years! I've taken every cortisteroid & decongestant known to man. Without ever"curing" anything! I'm sick of the negative side effects to psuedophedrine. I was told by an ND "naturapathic doctor chronic sinusitis is cased by fungus in the nasal cavity! and guess what? Cortisteroids cause fungus! There was a study done proving this fact by the Mayo Clinic. None of the idiot doctors I've gone to will admit this is true! I'm now taking a "safe" homeopathic "anti fungul" treatment with NO dangerous side effects! It's "grapefruit" seed extract which can be found in a nasal spray which is mainly water. I'm hoping I'll never need another dangerous prescription again for nasal congestion. So far it's actually working! My nasal passages are less dry & more moisturized using this. I've been on crap for so long (40 yrs.) I know it's going to take a long time to clear all the funus out of my nasal passages. But at least it's safe & cheaper than prescription drugs who only benefit the pharmaceutical industry.. I use Nutribiotic GSE grapfruitseed extract (remember its "grapefruit" seed extract NOT "grape seed" extract. That does have side effects, & doesn't treat sinus problems.

Good luck to you!

Gloria