The Worst Sinus Cold Ever

Updated on January 28, 2009
A.D. asks from South Bend, IN
20 answers

Hi Moms,
I need some help. I have been sick for over a week & have not been able to taste or smell for a week now. I have had sinus colds before, but this is the worst I have ever had. Usually, I only lose my sense of taste/smell for a day or so. My head & face also hurt because of the sinus pressure. I just don't feel well at all & seem to be making no progress of getting well. I am beginning to wonder if there is something else wrong with me, & why I am not getting any better?
My son & husband have also been sick, but they are getting better, but I'm not.
I am thinking of seeing an ear/nose/throat specialist if things don't improve pretty soon. Does anyone have any suggestions or have you experienced this?
Thank you.

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for your responses. I do have a sinus infection. I went to MedPoint yesterday & the Dr. gave me a strong atibiotic perscription for it. She also recommended using a nasal rinse, which I have been doing & that is helpful as well.

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A.F.

answers from Columbus on

Isn't is scary not to be able to taste or smell? That has happened to me before. Don't worry, it will come back. I will say, though, that at the time, my sinus infection was so severe that I had to go to the doctor and get some pretty strong meds. Sometimes they progress into other things and you need some help. I hope you feel better soon!

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R.B.

answers from Toledo on

It may not be a cold, but rather a sinus infection. If you have yellow, green, or brown snot, get to the doctor and go on an antibiotic. You don't want it to progress to something worse. Run a steamer with vapor medicine, especially at night, and use a eucalyptus spray in the shower. Hope you feel better soon! Get lots of rest and eat chicken soup and cook with garlic. You can even just eat raw garlic. Good luck!

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A.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

I didn't read through all the responces so someone may have already said this but it sounds like you have a sinus infection, your sinuses may be impacted. I had this happen to me over the summer and it was horrible! I tried all sorts of at home remedies but nothing worked so I finally broke down and went to the doctor and she gave me a double dose of antibiotic and it worked! She said what happens is all the mucus and everything is clogged up and just keeps backing up into your sinus cavity and they become impacted, once it's to that point, you have to get an antibiotic to clear it up. I felt better after the 2nd day but it took over a week to feel 100%- make sure you finish all the medicine though! Hope you feel better soon!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.K.

answers from Cleveland on

Try the NeilMed Sinus Rinse or a Neti pot. It's a saline rinse that you wash out your sinuses with. I know it sounds weird, but it works! I've also used ClaritinD (make sure you get the NON drowsy) but I didn't like feeling so reliant on a medication.

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P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

Are you taking any medication at all? Sounds more like an infection than a cold. How is the moisture in your house? I find I clear up faster if I have a humidifer or vaporizor running for at least part of the day. You may have developed an allergy to something as well that is complicating the situation.
I generally try Benydril to start with, drink hot tea first thing in the morning and right before bed (for some reason it helps unclog the stuffed up sinus cavities), and I am a firm believer in Vicks Vapor Rub. Amazing what it can do to help clear the sinuses.

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J.G.

answers from Columbus on

A.,
I too have heard people swear by the neti pot. My sister purchased one at Walgreen's I think, and it comes with these little packets to make a saline solution that you use. She had a similar sinus infection she just couldn't seem to shake, and she used the neti pot several times a day and it helped get rid of it, and gave her some immediate relief in the meantime. PS. I've heard the plastic neti pots are better than the more expensive ceramic ones.

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J.W.

answers from Columbus on

I have had the same thing for the past 2 weeks, and I finally am starting to feel better. I didn't go to the doctor but the pharmacist recommended Sudafed and a cough supprecent so you may want to talk to your pharmacist. If you are running a fever you may have a bacterial sinus infection and you may need antibiotics. Hope you start feeling better.

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K.S.

answers from Columbus on

I agree. Go see your regular dr. first. I had a cough for over a week. Absolutely no other symptoms. I finally went to the doc, I just couldn't take it anymore. It had turned to pneumonia. Only antibiotics would help. So, see your doc and get better.

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M.B.

answers from Dayton on

Sounds like it could be a sinus infection - just going to your primary care doctor can take care of it. Also, I've been using a sinus wash called Ayr (available at Rite Aid) that really helped break up an infection and let everything heal. You may want to try that in combination to an antibiotic.

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M.A.

answers from Canton on

In stores, you can buy a sinus rinse or NetiPot version. This website http://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php shows how to use both systems. I used the rinse back in the fall for less than a week. May not have been using it quite right because I had too much of a salt taste in mouth afterward, but I haven't been sick since. Usually, I'm sick at least once a month. Check this out. If you need an antibiotic this time, these systems will likely prevent that need in the future.

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C.

answers from Cleveland on

You probably have a sinus infection. you don't need to see a specialist, just your family md to get some antibiotics.

Hope you feel better soon!

C

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K.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

Have you had any antibiotics? Sometimes those sinuses just need a little help clearing up with some antibiotics. It could have turned into a full blown sinus infection. They are horrible! I know from experience. About once a year I have to go to my regular doc. and get an antibiotic to clear up a bad one.

N.V.

answers from Columbus on

Hi A.,
I can picture what you're talking about, because that's how my husband had been for a couple of years, but I'll share with you what he's done different.
I work through a food science company that does research and development, and makes and distributes patented products that are for essential nutrition, as well as targeted needs. I had been trying to get my husband to try the essential nutrition b/c I knew so many others who'd had help with their chronic sinus issues and such, but you know how stubborn husband's can be ;0)
Finally, he was in the middle of a bad infection and about ready to go get antibiotics (again) but he finally took my recommendation. Within 3 days, the infection was GONE and he has not had any more sinus issues for the last 7 or more months that he's been taking it! He never had to get the antibiotics and hasn't had any or even been sick like he had been since then. Praise God -- we're all happier ;0)
You can contact me if you'd like more information.

Blessings, and hope you kick this no matter what!

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S.J.

answers from Dayton on

Dear A.,

There are some things you can do to improved your health while fighting the cold/sinus infection.

1. Eliminate dairy - milk, cheese, yogurt (replace with rice or nut milk not soy.) Dairy caused the production of mucus, which you don't need.

2. Supplement with lots of Vit "C" - you can take as much as you can stand until it gives you loose bowels. Then cut back. You can take 20-30 grams a day with out harm. Vit "C" is a primary germ fighting system.

3. Monolaurin is a good anti-viral as is oil of oregano. Get both at the health food store

4. When you get out of the shower put hydrogen peroxide on a washcloth and rub it all over your body. The skin will absorb oxygen which helps improve your immune system because the bad bugs don't live in oxygen.

God Bless,

S.

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

You may need a course of antibiotics to clear you up.It could be a sinus infection instead of a sinus cold.A ENT is a good idea but you will probably have a long wait to get in. But if you go to your regular Dr. they can refer you to one and usually you can get in faster.Drink plenty of water and hot herbal teas that don't have caffine it should help some. Breathe in the steam it will help you drain. I use hot wash clothes on my face and breathe the steam in and keep a hot air humidifer going in my sleeping room.You also might try eating fruits and vegtables high in vitamin C .
Good Luck

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C.S.

answers from Canton on

You need a Chiropractic adjustment and a sinus massage. It will open everything up and start draining. I don't know where you are but Dr. Debbie McFarland in New Philadelphia, Oh. has many successes.

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M.H.

answers from Lafayette on

Mucinex can be found at walmart or any large pharmacy. It is an amazing decongestant and will break up the mucus so your sense of taste will return.

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D.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

For starters: 2T honey 2T vinegar (I prefer red wine), 4-5 dashes of cayenne pepper and 1-2T lemon juice (optional, but I HIGHLY recommend it, since it is a cleanser and has WONDERFUL properties). Mix this and add enough water & stir to dispurse the honey. I USE HOT GREEN TEA. The honey dispurses quicker & easier. CHUG. Actually, it's NOT that bad. I think the vinegar must neutralize the "hot" from the cayenne because it's not at all spicy. I actually like the tast. You'll notice a difference in your ability to breathe within a few minutes. I'd ESPECIALLY do this before bed so you can breathe & sleep better.

In addition, there are a couple of exercises I use w/ people who have sinus problems. THEY ALWAYS help. When you are congested and have sinus infections or problems, the body cannot drain properly. (DUH....that's why you can't breathe) Sit on the edge of a chair, feet & legs at a 90 degree angle - feet on the floor, feet underneath your knees; Put a pillow between your knees, ROLL YOUR HIPS FORWARD (put an arch in your back), pull your head back over your shoulders and squeeze your shoulder blades. HOLD the upper body in that position and squeeze & release the pillow repeatedly. I'd do it at least 25-30 times, if you can. Do it two or three times since you're so congested. KEEP THE HIPS IN EXTENSION- TILT NAVAL TOWARD YOUR LEGS & THE SEAT OF THE CHAIR. Keep your head centered over your shoulders and keep squeezing the shoulder blades. Just make sure to bring a Kleenex w/ you before you start. This helps to realign the head/neck region as well as load it properly over the hips. THIS will help drain the sinuses.

Second one, lie on the floor face down, arms out to your sides at should level at 90 degree angles (thumbs about the level of the top of your ears). Put a rolled up hand towel or wash cloth underneath your forehead if you need to. Put a pillow or 2 (depending on the size) or yoga blocks UNDER your elbows. If you can get them 4-6 inches off the floor, GREAT. If not, take what the body will give you. Pigeon toe your feet and have someone MAKE SURE you're centered. Sounds like you've got some alignment issues, and may have more than one- NOT uncommon. Lie there for 6-10 minutes and AGAIN, make SURE you have a Kleenex. This again helps bring the shoulders and head into proper alignment.

LET ME KNOW YOUR RESULTS!!!

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K.Y.

answers from Canton on

have your house checked for mold

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