Is sinus condition an allergy?

December 2, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: For years I have had sinus issues, only on the left side of my nasal septum. An ENT looked at my X-ray and said it was just allergies. I use a corticosteroid nasal spray and a mucous thinner. My glasses bother me at the left side of the bridge. They have been adjusted, taken apart and put back together, but nothing helps. I have gotten new glasses and they are the same. I also have had bouts of “TMJ” where the bow of my glasses hurt only above my left ear. High doses of ibuprofen will break the pain cycle after a while. I also wear a night guard over my teeth. I usually sleep on my right side as it helps to keep the left sinus draining. What is going on?

DEAR READER: Because you are having continued trouble despite treatment, I recommend you seek out a second opinion or request further testing.
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See dermatologist about rosacea

July 15, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: For about two years, I had constant facial pain in my cheeks, jaw and behind my eyes with a feeling of constant pressure in my upper palate, sinuses, jaw and cheek, in addition to the pain and pressure in my front teeth. I also had redness on my cheeks, nose and down the left side of my neck. I consulted with my dentist who fitted me with upper and lower mouth guards, which I wear at night. He told me that I grind my teeth with a side-to-side motion and push my upper front teeth forward with my bottom front teeth. After a year and a half, the guards still had not relieved any of the pain.

Recently, I consulted with my primary-care physician regarding flushing and the redness on my cheeks and nose. I was diagnosed with rosacea and prescribed metronidazole gel to be applied twice a day. [Read more...]

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