Sinus Issues Before a Half

[PRmamiDEdos]

Two days before a race and I'm starting to get congested with post-nasal drip . I know I should make an appointment for my GP tomorrow, but in the meantime, is there anything that I should take that might clear this up before Sunday? Can I take anything the day of?

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Any chance it's something simple like spring hayfever that can be cleared up with a non-drowsy antihistamine?

I have taken Sudafed (the good old fashioned stuff that they keep behind the counter) for an ear infection and run a half, but I guess it'll just depend on how well you can breathe and how you feel. Lots of rest and fluids and vitamin C, and maybe you can kick it before the weekend?

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

Any chance it's something simple like spring hayfever that can be cleared up with a non-drowsy antihistamine?

I have taken Sudafed (the good old fashioned stuff that they keep behind the counter) for an ear infection and run a half, but I guess it'll just depend on how well you can breathe and how you feel. Lots of rest and fluids and vitamin C, and maybe you can kick it before the weekend?

I've never had allergies so I'm not sure if it's that. I might be getting them because this is the third time I've felt this way since February.

 

[bumbershoot]

I've become a huge fan of elderberry syrup. Main brand name is sambucol though I think the gaia brand works better. It has been helping my son and I out a whole lot...we are exposed to a ton of germs at the YMCA we go to and were getting colds every few weeks before someone suggested it. Helps get rid of a cold fast too, we have found.

 

[goofeygirl]

I have sinus issues all the time. I cut down a lot on pills because I was taking too many and use mainly Vicks vapo rub. I smear it under my nose...so it looks like you have wet under your nose but it works for me. Unless the sinuses are really bad then I have to take meds...
I had to run a half last year with the sinus problem and had to take meds which slowed me down tremendously. They really take a lot out of you for a race but if you have to take them then you have to take them.

 

[loveysbydesign]

When I start with sinus issues I start with my neti pot and Nature's way Olive leaf capsules(3X a day)! Works everytime!

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

Went to my GP and it seems I have gained hay fever late in life. She thinks that's the reason for my nasal drip and dry sinuses. She gave me a prescription to take at night and said it will make me drowsy. That might help because I'm always wired the night before a race. My issue now is I have an outer ear infection and it hurts. I've never had an ear infection as an adult so it seriously sucks. I feel bad for kids. I have drops and I'm hoping they relieve the pain before Sunday.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Diskidatheart]

Have you tried breath right strips. They really help me when my sinuses are acting up. It helps you breath better and may be a good thing for when you run on Sunday.

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

Have you tried breath right strips. They really help me when my sinuses are acting up. It helps you breath better and may be a good thing for when you run on Sunday.

I think this would have been good for today, but it seems it's not hay fever, it was a head cold that moved down. By the time mile 4 came around, my chest was burning so bad. I had trouble breathing throughout the half. It it wasn't for my DH, who usually runs ahead at his own pace but stayed with me today, I would've given up. I'm so wiped, I can't stop coughing and breathing sucks through my nose or through my mouth. Ugh. I feel miserable.

 

[fashionista311]

I think this would have been good for today, but it seems it's not hay fever, it was a head cold that moved down. By the time mile 4 came around, my chest was burning so bad. I had trouble breathing throughout the half. It it wasn't for my DH, who usually runs ahead at his own pace but stayed with me today, I would've given up. I'm so wiped, I can't stop coughing and breathing sucks through my nose or through my mouth. Ugh. I feel miserable.

Sorry to hear you are so miserable! If it's allergies (which is def possible for an allergy attack to move down to your chest...at one point my allergies were so out of control, I was diagnosed with allergic asthma), I would def recommend seeing a specialist. I am terrible, terrible sufferer...finally went to an amazing specialist in my area who is known to be a miracle-man. Sure enough after diagnosing me with a deviated septum (something I had suspected for a little while now), a few tweaks on my medication, I am feeling much, much better...was even able to PR today despite the extremely high pollen counts in the northeast for weeks now. Last year at this time I could barely run outside...much less do speedwork or race

If it's a cold...at least you'll know it will pass, and you'll feel better soon I bet!

Most importantly, great job on sticking it out on a tough day!! Running when you are feeling miserable is pretty horrendous..last time I ran a half sick, I was about 30 mins off my PR. Not a good time. Rest up!