This article was originally written on 18 May 2023.
Gordon, father-of-two from Reading, said he suffered a “runny nose and streaming eyes all the time” after experiencing chronic rhinosinusitis for 10 years.
Chronic rhinosinusitis is a sinus disease that affects 1 in 10 adults in the UK. Symptoms include severe nasal congestion, a runny nose and a decreased sense of smell.
Gordon tried many medications and nasal sprays before being given the opportunity to take part in the MACRO trial at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. He said: “I was suffering quite a lot, every morning I would wake up with a blocked nose and no matter how many times I blew my nose, I just couldn’t clear it.
“My sense of smell was terrible. I couldn’t smell my food or flowers outside."
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“I felt like the condition stopped me from doing some everyday things because I found it embarrassing to go out with a runny nose and streaming eyes all the time.”
- Gordon
The former telephone engineer was referred to the hospital where he was told he had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, meaning the lining of his nose and sinuses had become swollen.
He said: “The doctors mentioned having an operation, which I know is a difficult operation, so I wasn’t too keen to have it. They then mentioned the MACRO trial which they explained meant I might be able to avoid surgery.”
The trial investigated 3 different treatment options:
- Antibiotic clarithromycin
- Placebo
- Surgery to open the sinuses for access to medications
Resarchers and participants did not know if they were taking the antibiotic or placebo tablet, to prevent bias. Along with the treatment option given, all participants used a nasal steroid spray.
Gordon took a tablet for 3 months. He used the nasal spray for 6 months. He also completed tests including if he could identify certain smells.
Gordon, married to Rose for 42 years, said his condition has improved: “Now I can finally smell the food my wife cooks.”
(Photo shows left to right: daughter Sam, wife Rose, daughter Vicky, Gordon)
“Now I notice little things like someone having a bonfire when we go out for a walk.”
“I can’t explain the feeling of relief, my nose and eyes have stopped running. It’s such a vast improvement and I’m so grateful to have taken part in research.”
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