“Ear, nose, and throat infections post covid?”
I tested positive for covid 5 weeks ago negative test 3 weeks ago negative since. I still have symptoms of a runny nose, sore throat which keeps coming and going away, blocked congested sinuses, ears popping and congested, and nose blocked off at night on one side (luckily not both at the moment) at night. I have had to sleep completely upright throughout these 5 weeks and do not sleep a lot getting fed up with the post nasal drip cycle of these symptoms. I have been on Amoxycillin 3 times per day for 2 weeks and now just changed over to Augmentin 625 mg 3 times per day for 7 days plus a steroid nasal spray Nasonex. I am worried this will not work also and cannot put up with the symptoms I am experiencing any longer (it is affecting my everyday life- eg sleeping upright, fatigue due to lack of sleep, symptoms worsen on exertion so now only do about a quarter of what I used to do each day. Please could you let me know how to proceed and what other treatment options may be available?
Female | 51 years old
Complaint duration: 35 days
Medications: augmentin 625 mg & nasonex spray
1 Answer
Unfortunately viral symptoms can last a few weeks. Testing with nasal steroids is very helpful, and you should continue this for at least 2 weeks for best benefit. You may use a nasal decongestant spray, such as afrin, for 3 days ONLY, but this is most helpful in the beginning.
I would suggest asking your doctor for a short burst of oral steroids, such as a medrol dose pack. Then go see an ENT to discuss an indoor turbinate reduction. These can be done in the clinic, and will help with a lot of the symptoms you are describing. A sleep study would be prudent as well, depending on your body habitus. Look online for the Epworth sleepiness survey. If you score 10 or higher you are high risk for sleep apnea.
I would suggest asking your doctor for a short burst of oral steroids, such as a medrol dose pack. Then go see an ENT to discuss an indoor turbinate reduction. These can be done in the clinic, and will help with a lot of the symptoms you are describing. A sleep study would be prudent as well, depending on your body habitus. Look online for the Epworth sleepiness survey. If you score 10 or higher you are high risk for sleep apnea.
