The largest health issue I have affects my quality of life more than any other factor. I have chronic extreme sinus congestion. I have had this problem for as long as I can remember. Here's what I have done for it:
3 separate surgeries:
deviated septum
laser turbinate reduction
removal of uncinate process, turbinoplasty
Prescription medications:
(i tried each of these for at least 6 months, in various combinations)
claritin (d)
allegra
zyrtec
clarinex
rhinocort
nasalcort
flonase
nasonex
astelin
+various leukotriene antagonists
None of these has significantly affected my symptoms except the first surgery, which made the congestion cycle between sides, rather than never being able to breathe out of my right side. One side of my face is always painfully inflamed and congested, across all areas of the sinuses, turbinates especially. Needless to say, this affects my focus, comfort level, and worst of all, ability to sleep and sleep quality. I need help.
As far as OTC products, I have tried all of them, including capsaicin based products (what's in hot peppers). The only thing that relieves my symptoms is OTC decongestant nasal sprays. However, these are not a solution to the problem because they make things worse in the long run and cause dependency so I do not take them. I have posted my supplement stack elsewhere, and I take many supplements purported to have an anti-inflammatory action. Among these are inhibitors of 5-lox, cox-2, and things like fish oil, rosemary extract, curcumin, ginger, green tea, grape-seed extract, all kinds of fruit extracts, etc etc. I can't say these have helped my sinus symptoms, unfortunately.
I have tried also:
many different doctors and gotten MRI's probably 5 times and xrays once (I hate xrays) - all of these confirmed my symptoms
allergy shots (5+ years - offered some relief)
yoga
2 alternative health doctors
meditation
accupuncture
rice-only diet (for 2 weeks, I had to stop because I lost 10 pounds and didn't benefit)
None of these work. Doctors tell me I have an "extremely aggressive cycle" of congestion in my sinuses, but can't offer any solutions.
Does anyone have any advice? I waste many hours each day coming in and out of a shallow sleep and I get depressed a lot, mostly because of this issue.