I want to say a little something about sinus infections.  I even had sinus surgery.  As soon as I was off the antibiotics from the surgery, I got another sinus infection.  I stayed in the doctor’s office, getting shots and different kinds of antibiotics.  As soon as I would go off the antibiotics, I would get another sinus infection.
I went through all the tests twice and four different specialists.  It wasn’t until the late Dr. Anne Gawne diagnosed me with PPS that I finally found out what was causing the sinus infections.  Dr. Gawne let me watch a video and then she explained “why” the infection.  I was told that you have four very small tiny gland pockets at the top of your throat.  Food goes into the tiny pockets when we eat.  It is a normal process for humans.

The problem for polios is that our throat muscles may be weakened by PPS.  When we eat, the food is not squeezed from those tiny glands and swallowed.  Food stays in them, thus letting bacteria grow, causing infection to “back-up” into your sinus cavities.  I was told to take small (not tiny) bites, followed by several swallows of water.  Tuck your chin down to your chest or turn your head to one side when you swallow.  This will clear the food from the tiny glands.  Do not chew meat too much, as it tends to get larger the more you chew.  I was told to stay away from potato chips, corn bread, and rice.  These foods tend to stick in the glands worse than most foods.

It is important that you get used to tucking the chin or turning your head sideways and drinking plenty of fluids with your food.  I was taught this method of eating in October 2001, and I have only had one sinus infection since I started using this method to eat.  I had been having sinus infections, back to back for approximately 6 years before I saw Dr. Gawne.  I think this is a problem that you need to speak to your doctor about.  It was such a simple change in eating habits that changed my health problems.  The bites that you take of your food can’t be so small or they will go into the glands.  Drinking plenty of fluids will keep the glands washed out.  I hope this information helps some of you.

Reprint  permission from The Seagull Newsletter, Nth Carolina, June 2005
 
 

Tessa:  Sinus problems are common when Vitamin A is low (needed for all body linings) or as an allergic response.  Take extra Vitamin C and B5 for your body to make its own cortisone.  Foods like milk can increase sinusitis and excess mucous.  Weak swallowing muscles from polio can allow foods and fluids to go up the back of the nose too.  Take care.