Sinus Drainage

[jhossafat]

I have had sinus drainage and stoppage for going on 4 months now and believed it to be spring allergies when it first started. Over the counter medications give some relief but do not get rid of the problem. I am a 30 year, one pack a day smoker. Drainage is clear to yellow mucus. I am also bothered two to three times a month by acid reflux and daily by chronic fatigue. When I lay down to go to sleep for a nap or at night it only takes 30 seconds or so for me to fall asleep. I catch myself falling asleep at my computer at work in the mornings and afternoons? Meetings seem to be a constant problem for falling asleep.

[Dr. Joshua]

Thanks for your question jhossafat. Allergy is a common cause of chronic sinus infections. Nasal cortisone treatment may help - talk to your doctor about this. Anatomic reasons should also be checked - deviated septum (the middle wall of the nose) for instance. Cysts and polyps are also possible causes. A consultation with an ear, nose and throat specialist would be advisable. X-rays and possibly CT scan of the sinuses may be needed in some cases.

Smoking is definitely something you need to give up especially if you have chronic sinus and upper respiratory tract infections.

There are various possible reasons for daytime fatigue. One is sleep apnea. The main predisposing factor for sleep apnea is obesity. I don't know if you are overweight but if you are, weight loss is important. Smoking will also make things worse. Of course, there are other possible causes outside of sleep apnea, so I recommend you see your primary care physician about this problem - a thorough history, physical examination, and usually some lab tests are needed.