terrible sinus infection and cannot talk anything that you recommend?

[disney world dreamer]

it started monday.
i went to the dr yesterday morning and got antibiotics.
i've completely lost my voice except if i whisper.
i've been trying several cold/sinus otc meds and nothing seems to help with any of my symptoms (headache, ear pain, stuffy/runny nose, congestion, on and off fever, on and off chills, and the loss of my voice).
the meds i've taken include advil, nasal decongestant pills, advil cold and sinus, nyquil/dayquil cold and sinus, and alka selter cold and flu.
the symptoms that are most unbearable are the ear pain and the loss of my voice.
is there anything that you recommend that i take or do to alleviate any of my symptoms?

 

[Luvchefmic]

it started monday.
i went to the dr yesterday morning and got antibiotics.
i've completely lost my voice except if i whisper.
i've been trying several cold/sinus otc meds and nothing seems to help with any of my symptoms (headache, ear pain, stuffy/runny nose, congestion, on and off fever, on and off chills, and the loss of my voice).
the meds i've taken include advil, nasal decongestant pills, advil cold and sinus, nyquil/dayquil cold and sinus, and alka selter cold and flu.
the symptoms that are most unbearable are the ear pain and the loss of my voice.
is there anything that you recommend that i take or do to alleviate any of my symptoms?

I would say it takes time. Stop taking all that OTC stuff. Get rest: use a hot water bottle or a heating pad on medium to low on the ear that has pain. Rest your voice, gargle with warm salt water, drink tea with lemon, go to bed ...goodnight

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Saline nasal spray works wonders. You can make it yourself, but in just buy the spray can.

 

[Happy Snowman]

Nasal rinses and time

 

[Pembo]

Drink lots of water to help your voice and no talking...definitely no whispering.

 

[aaarcher86]

You should feel better in a day or toe on the antibiotics kick in.

Just stop talking and suck on cough drops.

 

[cabanafrau]

I would say it takes time. Stop taking all that OTC stuff. Get rest: use a hot water bottle or a heating pad on medium to low on the ear that has pain. Rest your voice, gargle with warm salt water, drink tea with lemon, go to bed ...goodnight

Absolutely agreed. I got a similar punch from the creeping crud about 3-1/2 weeks ago. My voice still isn't 100-percent & I'm battling a very annoying cough still. Get away from the OTC stuff for sure!

 

[Christine]

The only OTC that I would recommend (and has always been recommended by my doctors) is a good decongestant. That means you should take ONLY the Sudafed that you have to ask the pharmacist for. The other types are just junk.

Not only will it sort of thin your mucous, it will shrink your sinus membranes to allow the swelling to temporarily release and encourage things to flow. Mucinex will also do wonders for it but you have to ensure you drink lots of water with it.
My coworker had a "sinus infection" and her doctor did recommend the Mucinex as it was draining and affecting her chest and she said it really helped loosen that stuff up.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Describe how you are taking the Advil for me.

 

[lizabu]

I don't know what medication to suggest. I'm sure with time you will feel better. I suggest milking it for all it's worth. Have some chores you've been wanting done? Now is the time for a family member to feel sorry for you and do it for you. You have to be careful. There's a limit before they decide you're being a pain. I'm joking (mostly...lol)

 

[maxiesmom]

I am still getting over my sinus/upper respiratory infection. The only thing that has helped me feel better besides the antibiotics is the saline nasal spray. It will make a big difference right away in how clogged up you are. Otherwise you need to stop taking so many OTC meds. If you need something for pain, as your Dr or a pharmacist. Some of your feeling poorly may be a side effect of the antibiotics. You can't totally get rid of that, unfortunately, though try and eat with whatever you are taking. Good luck!

Oh, and hot showers will feel wonderful! Let the hot water pour over your head. It will help.

 

[mom2rtk]

If Sudafed isn't working for you or if you can't take it (it makes my heart race) then try Mucinex DM. Just be sure to drink lots of water.

I had something that went on and on like this in the fall. It's so frustrating.

 

[The Princess]

Get a netti pot and do that~works like a charm!

 

[rszdtrvl]

My family is adding Elderberry to help immunity. I ordered some capsules from Puritans Pride and just purchased some Elderberry syrup to supplement until they arrive. Tastes like blackberry syrup, and the health benefits seem to be terrific! We shall see if it works for us. You can google and get more information if you are interested.

 

[auntmeme7577]

First, I am so sorry you have this! I used to get them all the time and I feel for you.
I've had some relief from drinking lemon and honey in hot water, a shot of whiskey in there isn't too bad either!
Take some IB if you can and do NOT talk until the symptoms improve.
Alka seltzer cold has a good decongestant
Feel better

 

[mom2rtk]

Interesting that some are suggesting a netti pot. I have had great luck using one as a preventive measure. But once I'm already congested, using one seems to make it worse.

 

[Mrs.Milo]

I also am fighting a sinus infection, been sick 3 weeks now. I am using Mucinex DM Maximum, seems to be helping finally.

 

[ksjayhawks]

Stop all the otc stuff.

It takes time to get over it. I get laryngitis every year and the best thing you can do is not talk, even whispering aggravates it! I drink lots of fluids--I really like hot lemonade. Get it super hot, then hold it up by your face and while it cools, breath in the steam. Sip it slowly.

My doctor recommends mucinex as well if I feel I need it.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

PLEASE use distilled water or sterile saline if you use a Neti-pot.

 

[JoeA]

Neti pot and straight whiskey. Don't put the whiskey in the Neti!