Recurring Infection Despite Antibiotics

“I have been suffering from throat and sinus infections for years now, and even antibiotic treatments have only offered temporary relief. I had to use Biopatox again after a 2 week hiatus, because symptoms returned. Besides these annoying infections, I also have gum disease, as my gums are in serious recession. I have turned to holistic medicine, but these only alleviate the symptoms for a short time. I recently read somewhere that a crown or an amalgam filling can cause these symptoms. I this true? If this is the case, where can I go and get myself checked out to see if I have a problem? If I am allergic, can I get some kind of support for getting new crowns? I humbly wait your reply; Sz. Henrietta”

Dear Henrietta!

A recurring infection does not spell “allergies” at all, these symptoms are most likely not caused by a metal allergy. The internal metal structure of a crown or an amalgam filling can cause allergic reactions, but the symptoms are much different from what you have just described.

I know of the Center for Allergy Control in Buda, I usually send all of my patients there for treatment and for allergy tests, especially if a metal allergy is likely. The tests themselves are quite expensive, and are usually not compensated by state run medical plans, meaning you will have to pay for them yourself. Perhaps talking to a dermatologist in a state run institution may help, as they may have some kind of allergy test for free.

A metal allergy can be quickly discovered by your dentist, however, and if it is discovered, they should send you to an expensive examination.    

Your symptoms seem to indicate a chronic bacterial infection, and you maybe able to get rid of it if you look into your problems from this angle. If you have severe periodontitis, with receded gums and potentially infected alveoli, this is considered a nodule of disease, and means your immune system will be taxed with constantly fighting off low grade infections. This could easily open the way for more opportunistic infections, like the sinus and throat ills you are currently experiencing. Bacteria can easily enter your bloodstream, and your surrounding tissue (lie the walls of the sinus) can be irritated from being near the site of infection.

I would definitely recommend going to a dentist, and you may want to check yourself into a hospital as well, one that has a Periodontology or Oral Surgery ward.