[38F] With multiple chronic conditions including arthritis and sinus infection

What might be happening

It sounds like you have a complex medical history with multiple symptoms and conditions. Here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

Sinus Infection and Chronic Sinusitis

• Chronic Sinusitis: This condition involves inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for more than 12 weeks. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, facial pain, and a reduced sense of smell. Chronic sinusitis can be associated with nasal polyps, which you also mentioned.
• Nasal Polyps: These are noncancerous growths in the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses that can cause breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and frequent infections.

Chronic Pain (Arthritis)

• Osteoarthritis: This is a common form of arthritis that involves the wear and tear of cartilage in your joints, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in the back, knees, neck, and shoulders.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage.

Liver Lesions and Fatty Liver Disease

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition involves the accumulation of fat in the liver and can lead to liver inflammation and damage. Elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT) can be indicative of liver inflammation.
• Liver Lesions: These could be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Further imaging and possibly a biopsy may be needed to determine the nature of these lesions.

High Eosinophilic Count

• Eosinophilia: Elevated eosinophils can be associated with allergic reactions, parasitic infections, and certain autoimmune conditions. Given your history of colitis and diverticulitis, this could be related to an underlying inflammatory or autoimmune condition.

Colitis and Diverticulitis

• Colitis: This is inflammation of the colon, which can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
• Diverticulitis: This involves inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

Other Conditions

• Hidradenitis Suppurativa: This is a chronic skin condition that causes painful lumps under the skin, often in areas where skin rubs together.
• Rectal Bleeding: This can be a symptom of various conditions, including colitis, diverticulitis, or hemorrhoids.

What you can do

Sinus Infection and Chronic Sinusitis

• See an ENT Specialist: An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend treatments such as nasal corticosteroids, saline nasal irrigation, or surgery for nasal polyps.
• Home Care: Use a humidifier, stay hydrated, and consider over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines to relieve symptoms.

Chronic Pain (Arthritis)

• Consult a Rheumatologist: A specialist can help manage your arthritis with medications, physical therapy, and possibly injections.
• Home Care: Apply heat or cold packs to affected areas, engage in low-impact exercises like swimming or walking, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Liver Lesions and Fatty Liver Disease

• Follow Up with a Hepatologist: A liver specialist can provide further evaluation and management, including lifestyle changes and medications to manage fatty liver disease.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol to support liver health.

High Eosinophilic Count

• Consult an Allergist or Immunologist: They can help identify the underlying cause of eosinophilia and recommend appropriate treatments.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms and report them to your healthcare provider.

Colitis and Diverticulitis

• Gastroenterologist Consultation: A specialist can provide targeted treatments, including medications and dietary recommendations.
• Dietary Changes: Follow a high-fiber diet to manage diverticulitis and avoid trigger foods that may worsen colitis symptoms.

What you should look out for

Given the complexity of your symptoms and conditions, it's important to seek medical care for any new or worsening symptoms. Reasons to seek care urgently include:

• Severe abdominal pain or persistent rectal bleeding
• Difficulty breathing or severe nasal congestion
• Sudden, severe joint pain or swelling
• Unexplained weight loss or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare providers for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. You can also use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical