Anyone else get really BAD sinus headaches?

[Virgo10]

For the past week I've had the worst sinus headaches. Because of a heart problem, I can't take drugs like Sudafed. Benadryl just knocks me cold and I've always felt a medication was pretty useless if all it does is put you to sleep. I've tried nasal sprays, cold packs and aspirin. All have provided only minor and sporatic help.

Without a fever, I'm doubting that this is a sinus infection but if they persist a few more days I'll probably go to the doctors anyway.

Anyone have some good ole home remedies for this type of pain?

Roberta

 

[chell]

Sorry that you are having such a hard time with it right now.

Have you tried switching between a warm wash cloth and the cold pack? Sometimes that helps mine more than just the cold pack.

I hope you start feeling MUCH, MUCH better real quick!

 

[snuggles]

I get them pretty bad too. Our allergist suggested that we irrigate our sinuses by using a bulb syringe and salt water. I believe its 1/2 tsp salt to a cup of warm water. If it makes your nose sting or feels too weird just add a little more salt. Lean over your sink...get a bulb full and squirt it up into one side then the other. Its really pretty gross but will help a lot with the congestion. When you are done, lay on your bed with your head hanging off and grab a tissue or several. Tilt from one side to the other to completely get the salt water out.

Don't mess around with it too long though. You can have a sinus infection w/o fever.

 

[doxdogy]

When mine get to the point where I can't breathe, I use Vick's nose spray. It will sting some, and tastes horrible when it drains down your throat. But, it does provide some long term relief. Given your medical history, I would definitely go to the doctor and make sure that you don't have an infection. I have had sinus infections without a fever. If you do go to the doctor, ask him/her if it would be okay for you to take Allegra-D.

 

[jiminy579]

Living in the desert has made my sinus headaches worse than ever. I found the GREATEST over the counter medication, and considering I have tried them all, I am thrilled with Motrin Sinus!!! When they get really bad I turn the shower on with the hottest water I can stand and stay in there for awhile. Do you have a humidifier??? Try sleeping with one by your bed. So many medications dry your sinuses out too much, and then you end up feeling worse. The humidifier can help with that. I sincerely hope you feel better soon.

 

[Figment22]

Roberta,

Like you, I can't take decongestants because I get palpitations from them. Antihistimines, like Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec really don't do anything to help the sinus problem. At night, before going to sleep, I use Breathe Right strips. They do seem to open the nasal passages so I don't wake up with the sinus headache I went to sleep with! Give them a try. I find the tan slips more comfortable than the clear ones as the tans are more clothlike while the clear are a less supple plastic. I hope you find some relief.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

I have one right now! I'm at work and it is getting worse. I'm pregnant and not sure of what I can take, so I guess I'll have to suffer till I get home

 

[jiminy579]

Originally posted by Figment22
Roberta,

Like you, I can't take decongestants because I get palpitations from them. Antihistimines, like Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec really don't do anything to help the sinus problem. At night, before going to sleep, I use Breathe Right strips. They do seem to open the nasal passages so I don't wake up with the sinus headache I went to sleep with! Give them a try. I find the tan slips more comfortable than the clear ones as the tans are more clothlike while the clear are a less supple plastic. I hope you find some relief.

What do the Breathe Right Strips do? I haven't tried them, but they sound promising! I always wake up with a headache so this might work!! Thanks for the tip!

 

[browneyes]

Can you take Advil Migraine? That helps my bad sinus headaches. Most of my worst sinus headaches tend to turn into migraines.

Hot clothes help a lot too.

I hope you find a way to relieve your symptoms.

 

[Figment22]

Originally posted by jiminy579
What do the Breathe Right Strips do? I haven't tried them, but they sound promising! I always wake up with a headache so this might work!! Thanks for the tip!

They look kind of like a Band Aid that you position on your nose.
They have sort of a flat spring action piece in the middle that pulls open your nasal passages so you can breathe more easily. (As I'm re-reading this, it sounds like I'm describing a torture implement , but it's not uncomfortable to wear.) If you take an index finger on either side of your nose and pull outward gently, you can see how much better you breathe with your nasal passages opened slightly more than usual. The Breathe Right strip gives the same effect.

Hope I'm making sense here.

 

[jiminy579]

Thanks Lisa for the info!!!

 

[wdwpluto]

Breathe Right strips are great. I also like lots of steam, I lock myself in the bathroom and run the shower as hot as possible and let the steam build up (I don't actually get in the shower) and I'll use hot compresses on my face. I've also found that facial massage works to loosen some of the pressure.

 

[aunties]

I have an electric sinus mask that has been a life saver many times. It works just like a heating pad, but fits around your eyes and nose (does that make sense)? I even have a back up one that stays in my suitcase so even if I am travelling I am never without one. If I am in my office, you might see me with my tea mug against my face. Heat seems to work uch better for me than cold.

Don't wait to get treatment. I did the first time I got one and it took four months to fully clear up.

Feel better soon!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I had my first sinus infection in 5th grade. I'd never felt pain so bad, I thought it was a tumor! (Come on, I was 10!)
I favor tylenol sinus now, but you probably can't take that. Sometimes if I'm up in the middle of the night I'll hold a cold can on my forehead--beer seems to work best--make sure it's not open! or you'll have a mess!(that only actually happened once, with sprite, when I had a really bad one).
momof3disneyholics, when I was pregnant I was allowed to take plain sudafed--but of course you have to ask your own obstetrician--I had a friend with headaches/allergies and her doctor wouldn't let her take anything at all! If it makes you feel better my kids were born with all fingers and toes!
Robin M.