Congestion & Head Pressure...

[BeccaGrace]

Ugh, help...I've had what started as a regular cold on 12/19 but has continued into the worst congestion of my life ever since...you would have thought I'd think to call the doctor before the long holiday weekend but thought I was getting better. So here I am with the dr. closed until tuesday and my head is so congested that the pressure hurts so bad when I turn my head or bend at all. I am taking an expectorant to get all the yucky stuff out and my cough and constant nose blowing are productive (sorry for gross visual image); I'm drinking hot tea and snuggled in warm blankies...what else should I be doing until I can get to the doctor?!?!? Please help, I feel awful!

 

[mariolatry]

Are you taking a decongestant in addition to the expectorant? An expectorant with only thin the mucus. A decongestant reduces swelling in your sinuses so mucus passes more freely.

Phenylephrine is the decongestant they're trying to push now. It's less effective than water, IMHO. Psuedoephedrine is the decongestant that really works but it's now restricted in most states. We have to buy it from behind the pharmacy counter and show our driver's license but don't need a prescription.

The other thing you can try is Afrin or another nasal spray with oxymetazoline. That REALLY works but you can only use it for 3 days or you can get rebound congestion.

 

[christineann]

Hot mint tea helps me a lot. My ENT told me that Afrin is as good as any prescription spray.

 

[Erie Islands]

Are you taking a decongestant in addition to the expectorant? An expectorant with only thin the mucus. A decongestant reduces swelling in your sinuses so mucus passes more freely.

Yep...totally agree If you don't have any put a really hot washcloth on your face-that's what works for me. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I'm right there with you. I was about to get up to blow my nose. I've been taking DayQuil & NyQuil. It has decongestants. It helps me. I don't know what I'd do without those two meds. (And I'm on antibiotics too.) The DayQuil gives me energy & supresses the symptoms (congestion, aches, fever, sore throat). The NyQuil allows me to get a good nights sleep.

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[MushyMushy]

The last two colds I got, I used a neti pot (SinuCleanse brand that you can find in Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens) and it kept the congestion to a minimum! It took some getting used to, but worked like a charm.

 

[Feralpeg]

Sounds like a sinus infection. Are there any walkin clinics in your area? Many of them stay open on holidays.

Hope you feel better soon!

 

[BeccaGrace]

Thanks everyone!
Yes, I'm taking a decongestant as well.
I am about to try the hot washcloth--sounds like it will feel really good if nothing else Might impede my Dis-viewing though!
And our local CVS just got one of those clinics--if I am feeling this awful tomorrow I may try it (if it's open with the holiday) rather than waiting for the doctor on Tuesday (if he can even fit me in that day)--Thanks again!

 

[Kahana-ri]

You can try a mega dose of vitamin C, 1500 mgs. Vitamin C is a natural way to relieve swelling and increase blood flow. Sounds like you may have a sinus infection and without seeing the doc, I would do anything that makes you comfortable. A walk-in clinic may not be a bad idea. Hope you feel better.

 

[DVC Jen]

Mucinex! And then drink LOTS of water. I have sinus issues constantly and just recently tried taking Mucinex at the first sign of it and WOW I was amazed at how it takes care of it.