Is this HIV?

[mopehaus]

Before anyone says the obvious, i'm going to get tested this week.

But my situation is this: for the past two years I've had a lot of problems with chronic post-nasal drip. I've had some problems with it since I was a kid, but over the past two years it has gotten pretty bad. It almost a constant condition. My physician said there were no signs of sinusitis or infection and referred me to an allergist. The allergist tested me and found that I have NO allergies...the post-nasal drip is just happening on its own. He then referred me to an ENT doctor who said that there wasnt any anatomical problem and it might just be a "weird case of someone who has vasomotor rhinitis".

My question is this: does this seem in line with HIV rhinitis? Has anyone else (HIV positive aor negative) experienced these persistent problems with post-nasal drip? any advice?

I guess I'm just worried because over the past couple of years I've taken a couple of risks (minor risks) with sex and am afraid i'm paying for it now.

 

[tommyj]

Is this the only symptom you have been having? Did you have bronchitis or similar??

 

[mopehaus]

yes, the post nasal drip is the only symptom. no fever, no pain or swelling, no bronchitis, soar throat or rash.

 

[HartfordGuy]

No, it is not a symptom of HIV.

But it is always a good idea to get tested regularly.

 

[cumtasteit]

I know many HIV positive men who always seem to sound like they have a cold, but this is a symptom that has emerged with other more dramatic changes, sometimes years after infection. Having worked in the HIV arena, my gut tells me that you have post-nasal drip or some kind of nasal highjinks going on, but as HartfordGuy says, the only safe way to know is to get tested. Usually, and I stress usually, flu-like symptoms appear within two or so weeks after infection. Then it may be years before other symptoms occur. Go get tested...and if you are afraid, get someone to support you. I remember the first time I was tested in the late 80s. It was high drama, but I had a group around which to rally. Best, XXX

 

[LarsVenice]

A couple of years ago I had an unidentified persistent fever, and when I went to my doctor's office and saw an alternate doctor, she said that it sounded like HIV to her. I went into shock and had a friend take me to the Hollywood Gay & Lesbian Center to be tested. I told them what symptoms I had and what my sexual history was (which was safe sex), and they told me that the doctor was out of place suggesting that HIV was the cause. I got the results in about an hour, to confirm that I was negative, and afterwards, I wrote a letter of complaint to my regular doctor, for which he thanked me.

Get tested ASAP so that you can put your fears to rest.

 

[jockboy01]

Does not sound like HIV. Just some post nasal drip. Get tested for peace of mind but don't fret over it.

 

[tommyj]

That woman doctor should not have tried that explanation

 

[Yooper]

Getting tested is always a good idea but after checking with a friend of mine who works in an HIV clinic says there is probably little to be worried about if this is your only problem.

You may not have any official allergies, but you did not say if you have any environmental factors that could be irritating. Where do you live and work? I myself do not have allergies that were diagnosed, but certainly have chronic problems with the post-nasal drip. It's incredibly annoying and is getting worse with age. Dust, pollution, pollen, etc all plays a role and when the air is worse so goes the dripping. Mom has the same problem. Different places have the same effect; I cannot walk into the local Wal*Mart without sneezing within 5 minutes of walking in the door.

I've tried OTC allergy meds, some prescriptions, and they all make me sleepy, even the 'non-drowsy' ones. So I bought stock in Kimberly-Clark and buy a couple of boxes of Kleenex a week.

Actually, the drip is mother nature's way of keeping your sinuses cleaned out; it's an immune response, meaning your system is actually working properly. I cleaned out the crawl space today and YIKES I'm a mess tonight.

 

[mopehaus]

Thanks to everyone for your sound advice,. This is the first time I've used this forum, and I have to say it's a pretty level-headed and supportive one.

First of all, I'm getting an STD/HIV test on Monday. I've put it off for so long and it's really made me neurotic. My ex-boyfriend, who I've recently broken up with after three years, and I had a monogomous relationship (he's 100% trustworthy in that department) and we usually had unprotected sex. A few weeks ago he tested negative for everything, so i guess that's at least a good sign.

As for my "allergies", I've had some problems with them since I was kid growing up in Philadelphia. My mother has had similar problems. I've lived in many cities over the past several years, but two years ago I moved to NYC and my sinuses have gone haywire. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the city, but I can't seem to get rid of this thick, disgusting post-nasal drip. I use Astelin (a steroid nasal spray) and take Singulair but nothing seems to really relieve it. And testing negative for allergies further confused me. So, I guess that's why I've been paranoid...thinking, "What the HELL is going on here?" Then I started reading about HIV rhinitis and sinusitis...and turned myself into a (quietly) hysterical mess.

So again, thanks for your help here. Also, i continue to welcome advice from anyone who's suffered from similar nasal/sinus problems. I really feel helpless up against this annoying condition.