Sinus congestion

Still using Sudafed

by LondonAndy - 2020-11-19 05:00:50

I know exactly what you mean about Sudafed: if I don't have a spray of this as I go to bed, I end up waking up with pain in my nostrils because of a build-up of yucky stuff.  Getting a good night's sleep is so important for our health, and so to be honest I still use Sudafed, (it seems more effective than any others) though only at night.  I have not been able to measure a difference in my blood pressure as a result of taking this.

A few tips

by Gemita - 2020-11-19 05:37:50

Lots of fluids, hot drinks and steam treatments to help clear sinuses.  I find decongestants just prolong the agony.

Get some fresh air, lots of healthy fruits and vegs, warming soups.  If you can, increase Vit C/Zinc naturally through diet, otherwise consider supplement with a doctor's knowledge.  Get plenty of rest but sleep slightly raised (extra pillow) to help with any congestion.  If this fails and you get worsening symptoms, consider a bacterial infection and seek advice from your doctor

Decongestants and High Blood Pressure

by Marybird - 2020-11-19 12:23:21

I have high blood pressure too so must be careful about the use of decongestants. For sinus congestion they do advertise a decongestant that they say will not affect blood pressure,  Coricidin C. I haven't found that to be especially helpful in clearing the congestion when I took it, but maybe that is just me. What I have found helpful are the anti-allergy meds, ie, loratidine ( Claritin), or even benedryl ( before bed, makes me sleepy.).

I have to confess that when it gets very bad, say with a cold, or a crud, I will take a single dose, or perhaps two at widely spaced intervals,,and not for more than two days or so, a regular cold-sinus decongestant, mostly so I can sleep at night or make it through a busy day. I would also take a dextromethorphan product like Mucinex ( or generic equivalent) for chest congestion. I have always had to be careful with decongestant type products, as they not only tend to increase my blood pressure but also have tended to aggrevate my tachycardia. But I've found that limiting how much I take of these meds helps.,

Gemita's suggestions of going the natural route in controlling congestion are good ones. I've also found that sucking on menthol cough losenges not only soothes the throat, but also helps clear the sinuses a bit. 

alternatives

by Tracey_E - 2020-11-19 12:41:09

I use a saline spray, or if it's really bad something like Afrin for very short term use. Hot steamy shower. I have some essential oils I diffuse, would have to look at the label to see what's in it but it's minty.  I've heard good things about neti pots but haven't tried one. 

Chest congestion you should be able to take an otc expectorant like mucinex (guaf- something is the active ingredient). 

Decongestants

by Bob999 - 2020-11-19 18:25:59

I find Mucinex, or the generic version Guaifenesin, works well to help drain the sinus cavity and has virtually no side effects or drug interactions.

Another option

by raynorfolk - 2020-11-20 04:46:54

Have a look at the Flutter Mucus cleaning device on Amazon which worked for me. There is also rhe Respironics Threshold PEP Expiratory Lung Clearer which is a similar cheaper device.   
You could look at the manufacturers websites too but the Amazon reviews are informative. Hope this helps.

Best Wishes 

Ray

Consider if there is an allergic foundation to sinus congestion

by crustyg - 2020-11-20 06:26:52

Quite a few people who have nasal congestion actually have allergic rhinitis (to allergens like house-dust mite faeces, tree pollen, grass pollen etc.), so the logical treatment is an anti-inflammatory like nasal beclomethasone (a powerful glucocorticoid == steroid) with very limited systemic effect, which is good.

Also, while the initial response to nasal adrenergic sprays (e.g. Sudafed) is great, it very quickly reduces and when the spray is stopped there's an unpleasant 'rebound' where the congestion is *worse* for a period.  Long term, the effect of these sprays tails right off - and can usually be restored by a few days of a nasal steroid (as above).

HTH.

Stuffed nose

by AgentX86 - 2020-11-20 19:31:01

Saline spray has worked well for me in the past.  I was told a shortcut to remembering which decongenstiants is if it has a "-D" after the name, move on.

D in the name

by Tracey_E - 2020-11-21 14:17:30

 In the US, if it's on the shelf and has D in the name, it has ineffective crappy sudafed substitute med that doesn't hurt us. Nor does it work. If it has D and a card  you take to the pharmacy and have to show your ID to get it, that's pseudoephedrine which is the good stuff, the stuff we should avoid. 

Thank You

by Jgwin - 2020-11-26 12:13:50

Appreciate the suggestions. I strted taking Allegra, which helps a little, plus started using a sailene spray.