Hi Mamas!
Miserable here...Day 5 of congestion....My nose isn't runny but I am soooooo congested my head feels like a brick and my eyes are gonna pop out..Swollen sinuses big time. The problem is I am so congested, can't taste or smell anything and I really need the drainage so what do you recommend is a good OTC? oh help. Thanks.
Sudafed will do it but DON'T take it anywhere near close for bedtime!!!! If I ever take it, it's only in the morning!
Neti pot and Saline mist work well too and it's just salt and water!
Warning on the neti-pot. Use purified water, meningitis infections have been linked to their use when the water (yes, tap water) has bacteria in it.
Get a "Neti Pot" to flush your sinuses.
Any drugstore or Whole Foods will have it.
My Hubby is prone to sinus issues and he uses this regularly. And it helps a ton.
Also get: Sudafed, with "Pseudoephedrine." But it is behind the counter at the drugstore and you have to ask the Pharmacist for it. It is 12-hour NON-drowsy.
This is the only thing that helps my Hubby with his sinus problems. Other OTC sinus meds did not work for him.
*There are other Sudafed products, BUT the one with "pseudoephedrine" is the one to get. It is behind the pharmacy counter.
Then, have you gone to the Doctor?
IF a sinus infection has occurred, you need an antibiotic.
The sinus cavity is a dark dank cave like thing... and can be prone to infection because everything is stuck and caked up and moist in there.
I am with SH about the Neti Pot those things are great!!!!!! I use a generic (walmart brand) or bynadryl severe allergy and sinus. It has a pain killer in it along with antihistamine and decongestant. If it goes to your chest take musinex.
Sudafed from the pharmacy.
The Neill-Med Nasal rinse works wonders for us. This or a netti pot, same effect. It is messy but it helps!
Sudafed is what I would try, if it were me. The one the pharmacists keep behind the counter that you have to sign for--not anything off the shelf.
I have found that Alka Seltzer cold has worked really well for that.
I also love Emergency that wont so much help with the congestion but it's full of vitamins and such that will help you get better faster.
Hope you feel better soon!
Mucinex. It thins the mucus and can be used with any antihistamine. Drink lots of water with it.
Put as warm as you can stand wash cloth on your nose and when it cools down do it with a cold wash cloth. Do this a few times and it should help break up the mucus. You could also take a steamy shower for relief while you are waiting for the meds to take effect. I really feel for you. These colds are dreadful.
