Congestion relief?

[IheartMickey]

Anyone have advice on what to take for congestion/inflammation from a sinus infection? I took some Benadryl because that's all we had in the house but I can't breathe out of my nose and it's driving me nuts.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Mucinex.

 

[IheartMickey]

Mucinex.

I have the generic store brand of mucinex but the box says it's for chest congestion.

 

[Tammi67]

I swear by Wal-Zyr D. Walgreens knock-off of zyrtec. It's for allergies and congestion. Get it behind the pharmacy counter. I have tried everything and this works best for me.

 

[Kewz1]

Can't breathe out your nose? Vick's. It stinks but you at least can breathe! Hope you're feeling better soon.

Kristen

 

[2binak]

Unfortunately, Benadryl isn't going to do anything for congestion or inflammation. Advil Cold 'n Sinus is great for both of those symptoms though. If you can't get to a store for meds right now, you could just take some regular advil to help bring down the inflammation. I used to get chronic sinus infections and know how painful they can get. I hope you get some relief soon.

 

[IheartMickey]

Thank you!

 

[stacym]

A girl at work just had a sinus infection, the dr. told her Mucinex D - she said it worked wonders.

 

[luvmy3]

The only think that works for me is Advil Cold & Sinus.

 

[okeydokey]

Could you do a saline rinse from a neti pot? Gross, but they do work. I have only done them a time or two, overuse is a problem.

 

[Straitlover]

My dr said don't use generic mucinex, only the brand name Mucinex D Extra Strength. The extra strength has some fast acting stuff plus extended release in it. The generic is only fast acting no matter what the package says.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Advil sinus, or make your own. Ibuprofin(advil) for the swelling and psuedefedrin(sp?) to help dry out. In most any med with a "D" the d is for decongestant and is psuedefed. You may also need to try a nasal spray for a day or two to help, I try only using it at night to make sleeping easier since it can cause problems with long term use.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Mucinex.

I have the generic store brand of mucinex but the box says it's for chest congestion.

My dr said don't use generic mucinex, only the brand name Mucinex D Extra Strength. The extra strength has some fast acting stuff plus extended release in it. The generic is only fast acting no matter what the package says.

Yep Mucinex D works the best for us as well.

You really have to drink a lot of water with it though or you can get dehydrated and feel really icky.

 

[MissManda]

You need to take something for head congestion...generally it will have a "D" on the end.

I have found that using a nasal spray like Afrin works really well for relieving head/sinus congestion. You can only use it for a few days though (I think its 3 days). Any longer than that and the warnings say it can actually make congestion worse. The Afrin helps decongest but it also helps relieve swelling the nasal passages and within a minute or two of taking it you can breath again.

My husband swears by Mucinex D

I have personally found that liquid cold medicines work better for me than pills (but you have to take them more often).

Also, at night use some Breathe Right strips. It won't clear up congestion but might help you breath some.

Hope you feel better.

 

[wvjules]

If you have a sinus infection you should probably go to the doctor and get a z-pack. OTCs only work on symptoms, not the infection.

 

[Zandy595]

Besides OTC meds, try hot tea or soup. Or a hot shower.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Mucinex, water (increased at a pretty great rate), and a neti pot.

 

[MissSabrinaLee]

Hot Toddy


Haha, also actifed is great.

 

[Granny square]

Hot toddy, mucinexd (or generic), ibuprofen. then another hot toddy.

 

[NotUrsula]

What you want to do is get the crud OUT, not dry it up and keep it in there, which is what Benedryl will do.

You need pseudoephedrine, and guaiafenesin will help to thin out the mucus so that it can drain. The combination pill with these two ingredients is the aforementioned Mucinex-D. In most places, you now have to go to the pharmacy counter to buy this; it is not stocked on open shelves because pseudoephedrine is now something that you have to sign for in most places because it can be used to make meth. (Although I have it on good authority from a pharma chemist friend that pills that combine pseudoephedrine with guiaifenesin can't be used to cook meth -- go figure.)

Note that the decongestant ingredient that is now usually the only one stocked on open shelving is Phenylephrine HCl; don't waste any money on that stuff, because it is worse than useless.

Until you can get to the store, go for the hot stuff: hot peppers, preferably cayenne or habanero; jalapeno doesn't work as well. If you have any spicy food in the house, eat it, or order the spiciest Chinese food you can find. If you don't have anything else available, make yourself a cup of hot water and stir in as much hot sauce as you can tolerate, and drink that; it will help your nose run and get some of that gunk out of there.

Hope you feel better soon.