Anyone have a surefire remedy for nasal congestion?

[poohs_hunny]

I started getting a cold on Saturday. Yesterday, my nose was slightly congested but more runny/sneezy than anything. Today, it is majorly congested, so much so that I feel like I have cotton stuffed up both nostrils. My head is also pounding from so much congestion being trapped up there. I've been taking decongestant (pseudophedrine) and ibuprofen for the pain, but they're doing NOTHING. My Christmas was already miserable, but I don't want the rest of my week off to be also. I've tried Breathe Right strips (didn't do much) and nasal spray (at night only- works somewhat). Steam works, but I can't spend the whole day in the shower and I don't have a vaporizer. Does anyone have another method for relieving congestion? Many thanks!

 

[Aurora63]

Surefire, no, but you can try some of these (if you haven't already)

Drink lots and lots of water.
Avoid anything dairy while you are still congested.
Keep your head elevated when you go to sleep...use a few pillows.
Try a nasal spray.
Maybe one of those Vicks Vaporizers.
Hot tea.

I hope you feel better soon. You've probably tried everything I've mentioned, but I hope it helps somewhat.

 

[HOGFAN]

Vicks.

 

[DiznEeyore]

You're gonna think I'm crazy when I suggest this (I thought the people suggesting it on another message board were), but you need a neti pot.

It's basically a small plastic "watering can" that you fill with warm water and a special saline solution and (warning -- it gets kind of gross here) you tilt your head over the sink, pour it in one nostril, and it runs out your other one into the sink. Then you blow your nose like crazy. You won't believe how it clears things up!!

It is SO bizarre the first time you do it, but it really, truly works. ENT surgeons recommend these for sinus patients to sterilize the sinuses following surgery.

The one I use -- SinuCleanse -- I got at Walgreen's for around $13. The packets of solution are about $8 for a whole bunch.

I have chronic Sinusitis, and this neti pot has changed my life ... really!!

 

[lyzziesmom]

What kind of nasal spray did you use? Different brands and formulations work differently. The only one that works for me is Sinex 12-hour spray. It burns at first, but within 2 or 3 minutes you will be breathing perfectly. Works every time - just don't get addicted.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Surefire? Time.

Mucinex (the kind at the prescrition counter) helps. So does Vicks Vapo Rub.

I'm still recovering from my pneumonia, and am right there with you. Hope you get well soon!

And drink lots of water!!!!!

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

Chronic sinus problems here too...

If you're using a straight 60 mg of pseudophedrine with no relief, add an antihistimine.

 

[mecllap]

Nasal lavage -- pretty much what DiznEeyore describes. A plastic squeeze bottle that you put a solution of distilled water and a little salt in, then you squeeze it up into your nose, sinuses, let it run out. Do both sides. It's really weird the first couple of times you do it, but it helps a lot after a day or two (and you may need to do it for a few days). Drug stores don't stock a lot of them; you may need to look around, or try a health food store that carries natural remedy stuff.

 

[M 'n C]

I get an annual sinus infection every year starting around Dec 20th. I usually run to the doctor and self prescribe myself (via the doctor) amoxil and panmist jr (decongestant - jr version because the full version keeps me up 24/7) and within 2 days of taking it I feel 1000 times better. The over the counter stuff doesn't even dent my infection.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I had the same bug...well, still have but I am MUCH better. I went to the doctor and got some horse sized pills that are a 12 hour prescription strength pseudophedrine/guafinisen (sp?) combo that have helped immensely. Taking an antihistamine actually made my sinuses worse--giving me horrible facial pressure. I also ran a room sized cool mist humidifier overnight that helped too.

Good luck and buy some...ok many...boxes of SOFT facial tissue. Happy blowing You'll feel better in about 5 days or so.

 

[sha_lyn]

You're gonna think I'm crazy when I suggest this (I thought the people suggesting it on another message board were), but you need a neti pot.

You beat me to it. Yes it feels weird and seems gross the first time, but is well worth it

Also take mucenex, avoid antihistimines during the day
Yogi cold care tea

 

[azgal81]

I've been sick with this stupid cold bug for weeks now. It has gotten really bad the last few days and dayquil and nightquil are working like a charm! I can breathe again it is great!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Afrin nasal spray. Just don't use it for too long.

 

[MushyMushy]

I'll chime in on the SinuCleanse neti pot! I bought one early last fall because I was getting so many colds with my student teaching. Well, I still got the colds, but I was never congested!

It takes some getting used to, but I highly recommend it. They sell them at CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens.

 

[Chattyaholic]

Vicks Sinex nose spray.

I use that when I have a cold and can't breathe through my nose. It opens up the passage ways pronto and lasts for hours. I love the stuff!!

 

[cybrkitn]

Vicks.

If it's the Vick's nasal spray, be careful. That is the only thing that worked for me, but it can be addictive if you're not careful.

 

[MushyMushy]

If it's the Vick's nasal spray, be careful. That is the only thing that worked for me, but it can be addictive if you're not careful.

All the more reason to go for the Neti Pot. It's all natural and you can use it forever.

 

[alldiz]

AFRIN NOSE SPRAY......

works awesome.....

careful will get addicting.....so they tell me....i'm fine...
kerri

 

[luvwinnie]

Buckley's works really fast...tastes HORRIBLE though.