My boyfriend has been experiencing problems breathing for more than 5 years.

Question

My boyfriend has a variety of allergies but has gone to his doctor for nasal spray to help open his sinuses. Didnt work. He tried taking Reactin to help relieve this and we have taken precautions in our home to relieve allergies. He can't eat without stopping to breathe through his mouth and sleeps with his mouth open which he cannot stand. He used Otrivin to open up his sinuses- happy to breathe. I'm afraid he's gone so long with the inflammation that it's now pemanent.

Garrett H. Bennett, MD · Answer

He may have a badly deviated nasal septum. A nasal decongestant can make almost everyone feel a little better. He should have an exam of the inside of his nose to see the degree of blockage and to see if he has polyps.

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

If the breathing improves with Otrivin that tells us that some of the blockage is reversible such as swelling of the tissue on the septum or turbinates. Not sure what other sprays he has tried but he should try a nasal steroid daily for at least a month before deciding it's ineffective. If he has asthma there is a 20% chance of having nasal polyps. It would be best to have him see an otolaryngologist who can give a detailed nasal exam and determine what are the treatment options

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