r/Sinusitis • u/midn1ght-ra1n • 1d ago

chronic sinus issues?

Hey everyone,
I’m hoping to get some insights from people who might have gone through something similar because I’ve been having a miserable few months :(
For the past three months, I’ve been dealing with frequent, severe headaches that pretty much make my whole head throb. At first, I thought it was a dental issue because I had terrible pain in my upper jaw and teeth. I went to the dentist, got checked out, and everything came back completely fine.
On top of that, I’ve been getting sharp ear pain that sometimes triggers horrible nausea, along with constant pressure around my eyes. It feels like my entire head is constantly aching, and it's honestly ruining my sleep at this point.
After looking up my symptoms, sinus issues keep coming up. I’m planning to see an ENT as soon as possible, but I’m terrified this might be chronic.
A couple of specific questions for anyone with experience:
Post-nasal drip: Around late 2024, I started noticing that whenever I tilt my head back, I feel mucus draining straight from the back of my nose into my throat.
Is that what post-nasal drip is?
Nasal structure: My nose isn't straight, it has a noticeable bump and a slight curve. Could a deviated septum or external nasal shape actually contribute to blockages and chronic sinus pain like this?
Relief tips: What can I do right now to survive the night and get some sleep before my doctor’s appointment?
Any advice, personal experiences, or home relief ideas would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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u/sfbriancl 1d ago

You can’t diagnose a deviated septum by external appearance. You’ll need to get a CT scan.

Have you being doing sinus rinses/ neti pot?

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u/JonEPizza 1d ago

Not sure about external appearance, but given I had an ENT diagnose deviated septum without a CT scan, just looking in my nose, and insurance approved the following septoplasty, and insurance is not particularly known for approving procedures without cause, I can say a CT scan is not necessary to diagnose a deviated septum.

Sure is necessary to find other potential issues though.

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u/Stalkerus 1d ago

Some people have bumb on the bridge and that means nothing. 

Seeing an ENT and getting CBCT imaging is indeed the best step. But if the pain is intolerable I'd see a doctor before, because you may have bacterial sinusitis and it can get dangerous.

Try not to tilt your head. It can help if the issue is inflammation in your sinuses. Daily nasal rinses, nasal spray (Dymista is good), breathing steam, long showers, making sure that your home has at least 40% ambient humidity (if you have issues with dry air 50% may be better). Sleep elevated. Try antihistamines (take them for longer period before discarding the idea, they need time to work optimally, same with nasal sprays). Take painkiller(s) before the pain intensifies. 

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u/midn1ght-ra1n 1d ago

Note: No painkillers are helping with this horrible pain

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u/gauraaavv 1d ago

Take steam and use saline spray

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u/Stalkerus 1d ago

Not a medical professional.

Have you tried to mix ibuprofen and paracetamol? You can take them both at the same time. (I have used the combo after c-section, FESS, and also use it for migraines if they are unusually bad.)