Sinus Infection...fun :P

Alright guys, although I'm gonna go to the doc and hopefully get some antibioticis or something...but, for future reference, how could I be treating this naturally? It's been 9 days, and I just don't want to suffer anymore. The pain/pressure is driving me nuts...it switches between my ears and my sinuses. Also, how could I be *avoiding* sinus infections in the future? Thanks!

 

PSEUDOPHED, Humibid, (guafenisin, a drug which breaks up mucous) warm compresses, saline spray (I use the aerosol one, it gets farther up in your nasal passages) and put some Rosemary essencial oil in a sink of really hot water, put a towel over your head, and breathe the steam. Garlic capsules. Tylenol or Motrin for the pain. If that doesn't work, it's 5 days of Zithromax, or longer of something else. Zithro works pretty well for sinus infections, and you don't have to take it forever, so compliance (thus LESS antibiotic resistant bacteria being made) is better. It's not as bad on your stomach as some of the other antibx's either.

 

Double post...opps!

 

I've been doing hot showers and stuff, drinking tons of fluids (tea, water, a little coffee)...nothing seems to be clearing up. I mean, the hot showers work for a little bit...I've been taking Sudafed for like 4 days, and it works for a while, then I'm suffereing again...so I think it's time to go get some antibxs...but I'll definently remember your sugestions for next time. I can't seem to shake this thing myself. Thanks, Maggie

 

The Humibid or Mucinex really helps because it loosens up the mucous so you can expell the stuff. You can buy it OTC in pills now, instead of taking the awful liquid.

 

Yeah, I've heard good thing about Mucinex...

 

Try Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Garlic. Drink lots of water.
Has always worked good for me.

 

Whata bout dry blood in my right nosetrill? Whats the deal with that? Everytime I wiggle my nose it feels like everything is stuck together, I am just recovering from a cold and everytime I stick some kleenex up my nosetrill I find that there is always blood there. I dont sniff coke, I do smoke pot and out of habit I always french inhale, if you know whats up let me know cuz its really annoying.

 

French Inhaling will dry out your nasal passages. Use a saline nasal spray. I like the aerosol one. A little vasiline in there would help, too.

 

Allergist said no infection...and upped my meds, so hopefull I'll be better soon.

 

Healing thoughts, Midget. Get some of that Mucinex, take it with a large glass of water, it really helps. As will the other suggestions. Try some Excedrine, too, in case it is a hidden migraine.

 

Thanks, Maggie. I'll definently try the Mucinex once I'm out of Sudafed.

 

YOu can take them together, they are different drugs and work differently. I hope you feel better!

 

Yeah, I feel OK for now...but usually my issues come and go as they please, so I'll definently keep the sugestions in mind.

 

Ugh...today's nearing the end of day 13 with my sinus issues. No relief yet. Soooooo frustrated. I'm trying to decide if I should call my doc tomorow and see if he can give me something to dry up my sinuses...I think the meds aren't working since there's so much snot in there. I guess I should wait and see how I feel in a few days...I just wanted all this crap to be done w/ by Spring Break...we're leaving for the week on Saturday. Ack...time to go take some meds, I guess.

 

Use a topical decongestant, such as Afrin. 15 minutes later, use a saline nasal rinse, there are several, one is called Sinus Rinse. This will help wash out the irritants. You can use the topical decongestant as directed for up to 3 consecutive days. The sinus rinse you can use twice daily, indefinately. The nasal sprays & aerosol are good for moisturizing, but the Sinus Rinse is the way to go to remove the irritant, & like Maggie said, the aerosol is much easier to use (Simply Saline by Blairex), and keep up the Sudafed AND Mucinex together, along with plenty of water.

 

YaY...I feel better now...gotta love Saunas and Allegra. Just hopefully I can keep the issues from coming back this time...least for a few months.

 

No. Mucinex (guaifenesin) is an expectorant. It, along with plenty of water, works to reduce the viscocity of mucous, especially in the chest/lungs. A decongestant shrinks tiny capilaries, which reduces the swelling in irritated membranes (ie, sinuses), allowing the congestion more room to drain. An antihistamine is what dries it up, not decongestants or Mucinex. Antihistamine helps to stop the release of histamine, which causes your body to produce extra mucous. It also has a drying effect. All three of these can be very complementary in treating cough, cold, and flu symptoms. They do not counteract each other. Hope you feel better soon.


I should note, however, that while they do not counteract each other, with some conditions you don't want to use them all. For instance, if you are draining like crazy, you don't want to use a decongestant or expectorant, because they will make you drain more. If you are completely stuffy, with no drainage (or very little) you don't want an antihistamine, because it can dry it up some and make it thicker and harder to pass. If you are draining, stuffy, and have chest congestion, take all three.

 

Uh oh...sinus pain/ear pain coming back again...sooooo frustrating. Oh well, maybe if I don't ignore it this time, I can get it to go away in a shorter time...lol maybe it won't really take hold this time. I'm not to sure what to think.