Does anyone suffer from frequent sinusitis or upper respiratory infections?

So, I have another sinus infection. In the last 12 months I've had 3 sinus infections, strep pneumonia twice and bronchitis once. Finally, I asked my doctor if something is wrong with my immune system and he ran an immunoglobulin blood test. My IgA level was 30 and normal range is 81-483. He said that explains the frequent infections. I have to see an immunologist in a couple of weeks.

I'm scared to death. Some people have this low IgA who have leukemia and lupus! The dr said he wasn't worried about that but I am. I'm 31,I'm not overweight, I don't smoke and I don't drink. Just a year and a half ago I went through a complete physical with tons of bloodwork because my husband and I took out very large life insurance policies. I got the best rate because all of my tests came back normal. Even the underwriter said results that good are rare. Could my health change that much in under 2 years? Only difference this year is I've been under tons of stress due to family problems.

Like you, I used to get sinus infections all the time. They ranged from making me feel a little lousy to full-blown stay-at-home illness. A couple years ago I started using a neti pot. It's a method for cleansing your nasal passages with saline solution. The procedure felt a little strange at first, but I quickly got used it--especially since it felt great afterwards to be able to breathe through my nose so easily. I use it every day, and more often during cold or allergy season or when I travel. The one time I got a sinus infection in the last couple years was when I took a trip and forgot to bring my neti pot. Since then, I take it everywhere I take my toothbrush and use after brushing at night. I stopped taking antihistamines or sinus relief drugs and I sleep better, too.

A number of sites online sell neti pots, and you can often find them in stores that sell herbal remedies. All you need is the neti pot and the non-iodized salt they sell for it. I also add a pinch of baking soda, but that's optional.

Check out the wikipedia entry below for more.

i have problems with my sinuses. almost constantly. very irritating

Try out www.healthboards.com

It's a forum for people with all different kinds of health issues. You can read different concerns you might have with others who have the same issues.