My Story

My Sinusitis - Asthma Story

A few years ago, I developed a stubborn sinus infection that did not want to go away. Sinus infection seems like an innocent disease but it was not in my case. My condition got progressively worse and turned my life into a nightmare. Numerous courses of antibiotics and steroids did not make any difference. I had two nasal surgeries and was absolutely terrified when my violent sinus attacks came back. After the last surgery my sinus episodes were recurring every one-two months, but eventually turned just into continuous severe sinusitis with negligent amount of time between sickness episodes. 

The sufferings of people with severe sinusitis are greatly underestimated and misunderstood. Your family, doctors, and coworkers can't even imagine what you are going through. The hardship of sinusitis is unknown to the general public. That makes the treatment options and the search for cure limited for those who have chronic sinusitis. When my sinusitis absolutely consumed me, it was difficult to connect with anyone around me. Nobody truly knew what my life became. 

I saw multiple ENT doctors including a doctor in one of the top U.S. clinics. I also travelled oversees to meet with the top ENT doctors and immunologists however they did not know how to help me. I saw a naturopath, an infectious disease doctor, consulted with a holistic doctor specializing in sinusitis, but everything was in vain. I was tested for MRSA, fungus, AIDS, autoimmune diseases, you name it; all the tests came back negative. I used all the home remedies I could discover on the internet. Trying to find a cure turned into a second job. I did not think I would survive. My health condition was steadily deteriorating as I also suddenly developed asthma and allergic conjunctivitis. I had a high level of anxiety and insomnia. Our bank account was quickly shrinking while I was getting sicker and sicker drowning in desperation and darkness.

Do you know that many people suffering from sinusitis end up developing asthma? In fact, my immunologist doctor predicted that I would develop asthma since my sinuses were inflamed for a long period of time. In the picture I was preparing to go outside. My severe sinusitis led to development of asthma. I could not exercise, could not lay down without feeling suffocated, and also could not breathe even in slightly cold weather. My pulmonologist prescribed me an inhaler. Also, every day I had to wrap my face in a warm scarf before going outside.

My twin boys were only one year old when I got stricken by sinusitis. I would probably have given up on myself and faded away if not for my family. I thought there should be a reason why it was happening to me. I used all my energy to find the cause and the solution for the sinusitis. I did not give up and continued my search despite my poor health and the fact that numerous medical interventions failed. During one of sleepless nights, I found some information on the internet related to a breathing exercise that was supposed to unclog the nose and help with a sinus infection. Once I did that exercise, I could not believe that my nose got temporarily unclogged. In excitement I thought that there should be a method that would allow me to permanently unclog my nose! This discovery led me to learn the Buteyko Breathing method that freed me from sinusitis and asthma. Moreover, I don’t have anxiety anymore and my sleep is restful!

My recovery is a gift from Prof. K. Buteyko (MD/PhD) who developed the breathing method to combat sinusitis, asthma, high blood pressure, and other diseases of civilization caused by overbreathing. My mission and a responsibility are to continue to deliver Dr. Buteyko’s gift to others in need by teaching them how to restore their breathing and get their lives back like I did.